In recent years, the electric bike industry has gone through a lot of ups and downs. Between 2020 and 2022, the riding craze caused by the pandemic brought many new brands into the market, leading to too many bikes and not enough buyers. Cheap electric bikes from China, sold on platforms like Amazon and Walmart, flooded the US market. This caused fierce price wars, making it hard for many small and medium-sized brands to make a profit.
At the same time, trade tensions between China and the US added a 25% import tax, and COVID-19 caused delays and higher shipping costs. All these factors squeezed profits even more. Some brands, trying to meet high demand, stocked up on lots of bikes, but when the market cooled in 2023, they had to sell off their leftover stock at very low prices, called “clearance sales.”
These market challenges have led many brands—such as Gen3Ride, Juiced Bikes, and Ecells—to incur losses or even cease operations entirely. For consumers, the most significant concern is the loss of warranty coverage and after-sales support.
For consumers, the biggest problem is losing warranty and after-sales support. When a brand suddenly disappears, fixing your bike seems impossible. But don’t worry—there are ways to fix many common issues yourself:
Fix Your Electric Bike at Home — Easy Solutions for Common Problems
Electric bikes are more complicated than regular bikes, but many common problems don’t need a professional. You can often troubleshoot and fix them yourself. Modern electric bikes usually have a smart display that shows error codes, helping you identify the problem quickly—like motor overload, battery communication issues, or brake signals not working.
If you see communication errors or interference signals, try unplugging and reconnecting the wires. For example, if the display shows “communication fault,” disconnect the battery from the controller, clean the connectors, and plug them back in. This simple step often fixes the issue. Some high-end bikes also have a “factory reset” option, which restores the system to its original settings and can solve software problems.
When to Seek Professional Repairs
If your bike has problems with the battery, motor, or control unit, or if trying to fix it yourself doesn’t work, it’s best to get professional help. These parts are complex and involve high-voltage electricity, so DIY repairs can be dangerous and might cause more damage or safety hazards.
Professional technicians have special tools to diagnose and fix issues accurately. For example:
- Battery problems might need balancing or replacing cells
- Motor issues could involve fixing sensors or windings
- Control board failures may require detailed circuit repairs
Sometimes, if a key part is badly damaged, replacing it with a new original part is the only solution. But for brands that have shut down, original parts are often hard to find.
A frustrating fact is that for entry-level bikes, repair costs (including parts and labor) can sometimes be nearly as high as buying a new bike. This leaves owners in a tough spot—should they fix it or just buy a new one? Especially if the bike is 2-3 years old, repairing might not be worth it financially.
Before sending your bike for repair, consider:
- Getting a detailed diagnosis and quote
- Comparing repair costs with the price of a new bike of similar quality
- Thinking about how much more you can use the bike
- Considering upgrading to a newer model
Alternative Solutions: Breathing New Life into Out-of-Production Bikes
When your favorite brand has shut down and original parts are no longer available, fixing your bike becomes tricky. Electric bikes are more complicated than regular bikes because of the electrical systems and special parts like wheels, frames, and connectors—each with unique sizes and designs. Usually, even repair shops struggle because these parts don’t fit standard options.
In such cases, using aftermarket electrical kits can be a great solution. These are specially designed modules that include controllers, displays, and wiring harnesses, and are made to work with many different bikes.
The benefits are:
Modular Upgrades: You can keep the good parts like the battery and motor, and just replace the faulty control system, saving money.
Better Performance: These kits often come with smarter controllers, offering features like:
Multiple riding modes
Smartphone app connectivity
Energy recovery systems
More accurate battery displays
Easy to Install: Some kits are simple enough for DIY installation if you have basic skills.
While installing these kits requires some hands-on work, it’s much better than giving up on your bike. Many enthusiasts have repaired and upgraded their bikes this way, improving performance and enjoying a better riding experience—sometimes even better than before.
Final Advice
When your electric bike’s brand has gone out of business and original parts are hard to find, careful diagnosis, smart repair strategies, and creative upgrades can help you get more life out of your bike. Patience and realistic expectations are key. Even if the brand is gone, your bike can be “reborn” with some technical know-how, and continue to be a reliable ride for your adventures.