Why Consumers Should Use Caution When Buying Bikes From Upway.co

Posted by Bike Attack on 15th Nov 2025

Why Consumers Should Use Caution When Buying Bikes From Upway.co on Google Shopping

When shoppers browse for electric bikes on Google Shopping, they expect to see brand-new products with full manufacturer warranties—especially when listings appear alongside authorized retailers. However, some online marketplaces, such as Upway.co, specialize in refurbished, used, or returned bikes, which can create confusion when the product condition is not immediately clear in Google’s preview listings.

This article explains why consumers should approach these listings with caution, based on publicly available information, Google Shopping’s advertising rules, and common customer feedback. The goal is to help buyers make informed decisions—not to accuse any company of wrongdoing.

1. What Upway.co Sells: Refurbished, Used, and Returned Bikes

Upway.co describes itself as a marketplace offering “certified” electric bikes. This typically includes:

  • Returned bikes

  • Bikes with prior use

  • Refurbished bikes

  • Bikes with previous ownership history

This business model is not unusual. However, customers may not always realize that the bikes are not new and don't come with full warranty when viewing quick Google Shopping previews.

2. How Google Shopping Displays Product Listings

Google Shopping listings offer very limited space for product condition labels. According to Google’s own documentation, sellers must accurately provide a condition attribute indicating whether an item is:

  • New

  • Used

  • Refurbished

Google states that this attribute should be accurate and clear in the product feed.

Because Google Shopping compresses information, the condition is sometimes not immediately visible in the small listing preview. As a result, some consumers have reported assuming that heavily discounted bikes listed next to new bikes are also new—especially when the product title and photo closely resemble those from authorized retailers.

This is an issue related to presentation format, not necessarily an intentional act by the seller.

3. Why Some Customers Report Feeling Misled

Some consumers have shared the opinion that they expected new bikes when clicking on certain Google Shopping ads. These reactions do not prove misconduct, but they reflect genuine confusion that can occur on third-party marketplaces.

Common customer observations include:

  • The initial Google Shopping ad did not visibly state the bike was used or refurbished

  • The large “estimated retail price” comparison made them assume the discount applied to a new bike

  • The warranty details were only found after scrolling or opening additional tabs. 

These are customer perceptions, not factual claims about the seller’s intent.

4. Warranty Differences Between Refurbished and New Bikes

Most electric bike manufacturers, including Aventon, Velotric, Cannondale, Scott, Bianchi, and others, typically offer warranties only to the original purchaser and only when the product is purchased through an authorized dealer.

When purchasing through a reseller like Upway.co, shoppers generally receive:

  • A reseller’s warranty (Upway offers a 1-year limited warranty)

  • Not the original manufacturer warranty (which has a longer time period)

This distinction is stated by many brands in their warranty policies. Customers who expect a full factory warranty may be surprised to learn that refurbished or previously owned items usually do not qualify.

5. Why Consumers Should Compare Carefully Before Buying

From a consumer-protection standpoint, it is helpful for shoppers to:

✔ Check whether the listing is new, used, or refurbished

This may require clicking through to the product page to see condition details.

✔ Understand warranty limitations

Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to second-hand purchases.

✔ Consider that refurbished e-bike batteries may have prior usage and might not last long

Battery life and range can vary depending on previous owners’ riding habits and replacing a battery is expensive.

✔ Know that authorized dealers offer additional benefits

Such as:

  • Professional assembly

  • Test rides

  • In-store support

  • Full manufacturer warranty coverage

  • Return and service policies backed by the brands

This comparison can help shoppers choose the option that best fits their expectations.

6. Our Opinion: Transparency Matters for Consumers

In our opinion, greater clarity in Google Shopping previews—across the industry, not limited to any one seller—would help customers make more informed decisions. When refurbished or used bikes appear next to brand-new models without prominent labeling in the ad preview, confusion is understandable.

This article reflects consumer-protection concerns and our belief that shoppers deserve the most transparent information possible before making a purchase.

Conclusion

Upway.co offers refurbished and pre-owned electric bikes, which can be a legitimate option for budget-conscious buyers. However, because of how Google Shopping presents product previews, some consumers may not immediately realize they are viewing used or refurbished products.

Understanding the differences in warranty coverage, product history, and listing presentation can help buyers avoid misunderstandings and choose the option that is right for them.

This article is intended to provide information, context, and opinion, not legal accusations or claims about the intentions of any company.

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