Will Tariffs Fuel a Surge in Refurbished E-Bikes in the US?

The Rise of E-Bikes in the US and the Role of Upway

E-bikes have become a common sight in many parts of Europe and Asia, where they are used for a wide range of daily activities. From parents transporting children in cargo boxes to couriers delivering packages, e-bikes have seamlessly integrated into urban life. In cities like Amsterdam or Tokyo, electric two-wheelers have transitioned from being a niche product to an essential mode of transport, often replacing cars and vans for short trips.

However, the United States is still in the early stages of this transformation. While Americans are purchasing more e-bikes than ever before—between one and 1.2 million annually—the majority of these sales occur in major cities. For those living in suburban or rural areas, finding even a few e-bikes at local stores can be challenging. Additionally, prices may not always be affordable, and infrastructure for cycling is still developing compared to the well-established networks seen in other regions.

This gap in the market has created an opportunity for companies like Upway, which specializes in refurbishing and selling used e-bikes. Originally based in France, Upway has expanded its operations to the US, setting up warehouses in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. The company offers a wide selection of over 2,000 bikes on its website, all of which are refurbished and certified. Each bike comes with a one-year warranty, a 14-day return window, and financing options, making it a reliable alternative to purchasing from informal sources like Facebook Marketplace.

The timing of Upway’s expansion is significant. Nearly 97.8% of bikes sold in the US are imported, and even locally branded models often use components sourced from China, particularly batteries. If proposed tariffs go into effect, the cost of new e-bikes could rise sharply, similar to how car prices have increased in recent years. The recent closure of the de minimis loophole, which allowed cheap, unregulated imports from platforms like Temu and Alibaba, could further limit access to budget-friendly options.

In contrast, countries in Europe and Asia have long supported cycling as a key part of their transportation systems. Many governments provide subsidies for both new and used bikes, making them more accessible to a wider audience. In the US, the lack of affordable new e-bikes may push more consumers toward high-quality used options. For those who have experienced the convenience of a good cargo e-bike—capable of carrying groceries, children, and work gear with ease—it becomes a logical choice.

It’s also worth considering that around 80% of car trips in the US are under 10 miles (about 16 kilometers). If the cost of owning a car increases or if drivers grow tired of traffic congestion, a well-priced e-bike could become the practical solution. Plus, the added benefit of enjoying sunlight and fresh air during daily commutes makes e-bikes an appealing option.

As the e-bike market continues to evolve, companies like Upway are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between demand and availability. With their focus on quality, affordability, and customer support, they are helping to make e-bikes a more viable and attractive choice for American consumers.