This article is sponsored by Upway. 

In a region defined by traffic congestion, short commutes and a growing focus on sustainability, electric bikes are becoming an increasingly practical part of everyday transportation. Once considered a niche purchase, they are now emerging as a mainstream alternative to driving, especially for trips under ten miles.

Upway is helping lead that shift by making e-bikes more accessible through a circular, sustainability-driven model. The company, which refurbishes and resells secondhand bikes, expanded to Redondo Beach in early 2025 after launching in Europe and opening its first U.S. location in Brooklyn in 2023.

“Whether you’re an individual or a shop, we will buy your used ebike,” explains Camille Depierreux, who works on Upway’s U.S. operations. “After we refurbish them, all bikes go through a rigorous 50-points inspection before we sell them again on our website ” 

At the core of Upway’s model is a structured refurbishment process designed to ensure quality, safety, and performance. Each bike goes through a detailed inspection and repair process, followed by test rides and a second quality control check to make sure everything is “up to standards.”

This approach allows Upway to offer high-quality e-bikes at significantly reduced prices—often up to 60 percent off retail—while addressing a growing barrier for new riders: cost. For many first-time buyers, especially those uncertain about usage frequency, refurbished options make entry into e-biking more realistic.

“The value of a new e-bike can be a little bit steep,” Depierreux notes. “And what we want is to make biking accessible for everyone.”

That accessibility is increasingly relevant in the U.S., where many daily trips fall under ten miles. In those cases, e-bikes provide a convenient alternative to driving. “And you’re not going to be all sweaty when you reach your destination,” she says, highlighting one of the key lifestyle advantages for commuters.

Sustainability is also central to Upway’s mission. By extending the lifecycle of existing bikes, the company reduces waste while maximizing the value of already-produced materials. Even components such as batteries are handled with environmental responsibility in mind, with recycling partnerships ensuring proper disposal when replacement is necessary.

“These bikes would have been sitting in garages, sitting in shops, not being used,” Depierreux explains. “We all know that we have an issue with landfills… the goal is also for things not to end up there.”

As adoption of bike culture grows, Upway is seeing shifts in how different communities use e-bikes. While urban areas often lean toward commuting, regions like Southern California reflect a mix of commuting and recreation. Demographics are also broadening. Many customers are older adults looking for a way to stay active while reducing reliance on cars.

“We are seeing a shift where people are considering bikes a little bit more for commuting and not just for leisure,” Depierreux says. “They’re looking for a way to go around without using their car… to remain active, but are also happy with a little bit of a boost.” 

At the same time, younger riders are increasingly visible in beach communities, where e-bikes have become a popular way for teenagers to move between school, local neighborhoods and the beach cities. Manhattan Beach has been a leader in e-bike safety for all bikers, implementing programs like the Ride Safe, Ride Ready campaign, e-bike permits, and new e-bike safety laws. That focus on safe and community-based riding connects closely with Upway’s expansion into Redondo Beach.  

“It’s very important for us to interact with the local community,” Depierreux says, explaining that customers benefit from being able to see and test ride bikes in person rather than only shopping online. Being able to speak directly with staff, compare different models, and experience how a bike feels before purchasing helps riders feel more confident and informed. Depierreux says creating those face-to-face connections is especially important in communities like Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, where e-bikes have become a growing part of everyday transportation and beach city culture.

Ultimately, Upway’s approach reflects a broader transformation in urban mobility that blends sustainability, affordability, and convenience. “The more people are going to start using [e-bikes], the more cities are going to also transform the way they think about public spaces,” Depierreux says. “It’s a virtuous cycle.”

By giving high-quality bikes a second life, Upway is not only reshaping how people access e-bikes, but also how they think about everyday transportation itself. 

Upway is located at 2400 Marine Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. Phone (516) 469-7562

This article is sponsored by Upway. For advertising options with MB News, click here.