What is Cyclesite and how does it work?

Cyclesite is a UK marketplace for buying and selling used bikes. Sellers photograph the bike's serial number when listing, and we check it against stolen bike databases before it goes live. Buyers browse for free, message sellers, and pay through Stripe with escrow protection. Listing fees start from £10.99.

Is it safe to buy a second-hand bike on Cyclesite?

Yes. The serial number photo that sellers provide when listing does two things: it proves the seller physically has the bike, and it lets us check the serial against stolen bike databases. If the bike comes back as reported stolen, the listing is blocked. Payments go through Stripe with escrow, so your money is held until you confirm you're happy. If something goes wrong, our dispute team can step in. You can also check any bike yourself for free at cyclesite.co.uk/stolen-bikes.

How much does it cost to sell a bike?

Listing fees start from £10.99 for a standard listing. Auction listings may include additional fees. There are no hidden charges, and you can see the full pricing breakdown on our pricing page before you list.

What bikes can I find on Cyclesite?

Everything from road bikes and mountain bikes to electric bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, kids' bikes, and folding bikes. You'll find popular brands like Specialized, Trek, Giant, Canyon, Cannondale, and Brompton, plus smaller and boutique brands. Listings cover the whole of the UK, with bikes available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and hundreds of other towns and cities.

How are payments handled?

Secure payments are available through Stripe. When you choose to pay through the platform, your money can be held in escrow until you've confirmed the bike matches the listing. Buyers and sellers can also arrange payment directly if they prefer.

Used Electric Bikes, Buyer's Guide UK

The Electric Bike Market in 2026

The UK electric bike market has matured rapidly. First-generation e-bikes bought between 2020 and 2023 are now appearing on the used market in significant numbers. This creates genuine opportunity, a two to three year old e-bike from a reputable brand, with reasonable battery health, can save you forty to sixty percent compared to buying new.

However, used e-bikes carry unique risks that non-electric bikes do not. Battery degradation, motor wear, software updates, and proprietary systems all create potential pitfalls. This guide walks you through them.

UK law is straightforward: an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) must have a motor no more than 250 watts continuous output and must not assist beyond 25 kilometres per hour (15.5 miles per hour). The motor must only assist when the rider is pedalling. Any e-bike that exceeds these limits is classified as a moped or motorcycle and requires registration, insurance, and a licence.

Battery, The Most Important Check

The battery is the most expensive single component on an electric bike. A replacement costs three hundred to eight hundred pounds depending on brand and capacity. Battery health determines whether a used e-bike is a bargain or a money pit.

What to Ask the Seller

How old is the battery? Lithium-ion batteries degrade with time and use. After three to four years or 500 to 1,000 charge cycles, capacity typically drops to 70 to 80 percent of original.
What is the range on a full charge? Compare their answer against the manufacturer's specification. If the stated range was 80 miles and they are getting 45, the battery has degraded significantly.
How was it stored? Batteries stored fully charged or fully empty degrade faster. Batteries stored in unheated garages during winter also suffer. Ideal storage is at 40 to 60 percent charge in a dry environment above 10 degrees Celsius.
Has it been replaced? Replacement batteries from the original manufacturer are fine. Third-party or rebuild batteries vary wildly in quality and can be dangerous.

Testing Battery Health

Charge the bike fully. Ride it on a representative route with moderate assist. Note the percentage drop. A healthy battery should provide at least 70 percent of the manufacturer's claimed range. Anything below 50 percent means replacement is imminent.

Some systems (Bosch, Shimano Steps) track charge cycles and battery health through their companion apps. Ask the seller to show you this data.

Motor Systems

Bosch

The market leader. Bosch Performance Line and Performance Line CX are found on most premium e-bikes. Reliable, well-supported, regularly updated via software. Service is available at most independent bike shops. Replacement parts are readily available.

Shimano Steps

Shimano's E6100 and EP8 motors are excellent. Quieter than Bosch, slightly lighter, and well-integrated. Service network is strong through Shimano's dealer programme.

Brose

Found on Specialized Turbo bikes. Smooth, natural-feeling assistance. Less common, which can make servicing more challenging outside major cities.

Budget Motors

Bafang and other budget motor manufacturers power many sub-£2,000 e-bikes. Performance varies. Parts availability can be an issue after three to four years as models are discontinued. If buying a budget-brand e-bike used, verify that replacement batteries and service parts are still available.

Types of Electric Bikes

Electric Hybrid

The most popular type. Flat handlebars, comfortable geometry, practical accessories. Perfect for commuting, shopping, and leisure riding. Brands to look for: Giant, Cube, Trek, Specialized.

Electric Mountain Bike (e-MTB)

Full suspension or hardtail with a powerful motor for off-road climbing. The motor transforms steep, technical climbs from impossible to enjoyable. Heavy but incredibly capable. Brands: Specialized Turbo Levo, Trek Powerfly, Giant Trance E+.

Electric Road Bike

Lightweight motors with smaller batteries for road cycling assistance. Less common and more expensive. Suited to riders who want road cycling without the cardiovascular demands.

Electric Cargo Bike

See our dedicated cargo bike guide for detailed coverage.

What You Should Pay

E-bike depreciation is steeper than non-electric bikes because battery technology improves each year:

Under £500: Old e-bikes with exhausted batteries. Budget three hundred plus for a replacement battery on top of purchase price.
£500 to £1,000: Two to four year old budget e-bikes or premium e-bikes with tired batteries. Check battery health carefully.
£1,000 to £2,000: Sweet spot. Two to three year old e-bikes from established brands with healthy batteries. Bosch or Shimano motors with 60 percent plus battery capacity remaining.
£2,000 to £3,500: Recent premium e-bikes with strong battery health. High-spec components, current-generation motors.
Over £3,500: Nearly new premium e-bikes or electric cargo bikes. Compare carefully against new pricing and financing deals.

What to Check

Battery range test, ride the bike on a realistic route, not just around a car park. Note the battery percentage before and after.
Motor noise, listen during pedalling. Grinding, clicking, or excessive whining suggests worn motor internals.
Software version, check if the motor firmware is current. Outdated firmware can limit performance and compatibility with diagnostic tools.
Charger condition, ensure the original charger is included and functioning. Replacement chargers cost fifty to a hundred pounds.
Display and controls, all buttons, display readouts, and assist modes should function correctly.
Frame and components, apply the same checks as any used bike: frame integrity, wheel trueness, brake function, drivetrain wear.
Registration, some e-bikes (especially Vanmoof, Cowboy) have theft-tracking systems that need to be transferred to your account.

Stolen e-bikes are a significant problem in the UK. Always check the frame number at https://www.cyclesite.co.uk/stolen-bikes before buying. On Cyclesite, every listing is automatically verified.

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Last updated 22 March 2026 · Last reviewed 29 April 2026 · Editorial standards · Corrections