Anyone know what's going on with EBC (Electric Bike Company)? Are they closing?
Posted by Bwrobes@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 56 comments
My wife and I were looking into buying bikes, and we had rented EBC bikes while on vacation. We both really liked them - simple, well built, and seemed like a great option for the price. I know opinions vary, but from what I’ve seen and read, EBC seemed like a great fit for what we wanted in just a nice reliable bike to get out and ride more.
I was just on their website recently, all of their models both custom and pre-built are listed as sold out. At first, I thought maybe they were just low on inventory or parts, but then I checked their Instagram for build/color inspiration, and it’s gone. Same with their Facebook page. Their YouTube channel is still up but hasn’t had any new posts in about a year.
I saw a post a few months back saying they were looking for funding, which I assumed was for expansion, not shutting down. Is this just a supply chain issue, or is something bigger going on? I’d think they’d still be taking custom orders with longer lead times if it was just a materials shortage.
Anyone have insight?
Repulsive-Peach6863@reddit
Filed for bankruptcy can’t get parts buy something else.
thedrunkknight1@reddit
Crazy overpriced for a simple setup and some customization. Never was high end, just declared themselves as such
Superb-Antelope-4678@reddit
Actually, they used somewhat better components. I own 4 of them. The older two are great. The newer two (2024) had issues. I regret buying them. But I'm stuck with fixing them. Learning a lot over the past several months. They had their controllers customized by KT.. basically, your stuck buying replacements from EBC. They also use mini water proof connectors which are not the standard size. I had to resolder several connections. Crazy
InkStickMercantile@reddit
This is the worst news. I need a new controller for mine and we are having the HARDEST time finding a replacement part now and trying to figure out what to do. I love the bike.
Realistic_Group4768@reddit
My 8/2024 R always had issues with surging that I suspected was the controller they used but refused to replace, I asked them how much for a new controller and they said $200. Who is KT?
Superb-Antelope-4678@reddit
Interesting they quoted me $500 for a controller this past June. KT is the biggest supplier of controllers. I believe they are Korean but mostly made in China.
Motor-Butterfly259@reddit
Yes as a former employee I can tell you the bank has taken over and they are no longer in business. There was no exit strategy, just chaos.
Bittertruth502@reddit
Is there anywhere to order parts?
Miserable_Roof2216@reddit
There’s no place to order parts! There aren’t even any parts to ORDER!
Round-Muffin6397@reddit
EBC batteries are available https://www.greenbikekit.com/ebike-battery/batteries-akku-accu/48v-batteries/48v-14ah-elctric-bike-company-ebc-model-e-model-r-4814-replacement-battery.html
Motor-Butterfly259@reddit
Ebc had many dealers, try two wheels one planet. I’m sure other dealers will have options as well.
Tall_Stop_1038@reddit
Two wheels one planet was a distributor of EBC bikes so they may have some extra parts
ButterflyAngel77712@reddit
Thank you for all the info. This is devastating. I have been waiting 12 weeks for a custom bike we bought on July 17 ($1878) for my son. Originally supposed to be 3-5, then 5-7 weeks. They said it was “built” on Sept 17 and waiting for inspection but never heard from them again. Do you think they really have the bike built or was that just a lie? Are we out the $1878? Thanks for your input
Motor-Butterfly259@reddit
I wouldn’t count on it. Do a chargeback with your bank and get a bike elsewhere. They didn’t have the parts to finish a lot of the builds, so if it was built it’s probably going to be liquidated. I would check out Rad power bikes they are much more stable. Here’s a new article explaining the situation https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2025/10/08/domestic-e-bike-assembler-ebc-files-chapter-7-bankruptcy
ButterflyAngel77712@reddit
I appreciate your input. I did do a chargeback with my bank and they said it could take 45 days for anything to happen-probably a slim chance at this point. Thanks for the recommendation on a different bike since that’s definitely what we have to do now. Good luck to you!
FtonKaren@reddit
Empathy, that’s gotta suck, thanks for letting us know
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
Wow, thanks for confirming.
Pinballprojectnfa@reddit
Sean wanted to be so “newport beach” lol get out of here you scam pos! Sean upton smith. Ceo pos. Selfish pos.
Bikermec@reddit
They went bankrupt. There is a post on Facebook that I can't link here because it gets auto deleted but investors lost their money and employees got their last paychecks and ceo is no longer with the company.
Pinballprojectnfa@reddit
Yea Sean upton smith sucks!
Pinballprojectnfa@reddit
Couldn’t have happened to a more ambitious fascist Pos to ever immigrate to the states. Scamming piece of crap Sean upton smith. Got all his riches scamming people and building death traps . Way better e bikes out there anyway
EntrepreneurBehavior@reddit
The CEO just released a statement saying that the tariffs killed them
Awkward-Ad-9810@reddit
Theyve resorted to straight up fraud.
Substantial_Log9476@reddit
I am a long-term owner of a Model E. I dropped by their Superior Avenue facility, and they have been evicted, with a notice posted on the door. The showroom was emptied out, but there were still recently painted bike parts on the racks in the paint shop. I feel bad for the customers who recently ordered bikes with no delivery in sight. Expect pennies on the dollar if anything. When I visited a month ago, I heard an employee explain to a customer on the phone that the deliveries were delayed until the batteries were UL certified. Weeks, the customer was told. I think it was the battery warranty that killed them. Three batteries in three years for me, and I had to pay for the last one because they stated it would take over a week to diagnose the problem. A 5-year warranty??? Right.
If you are looking for service in Orange County, CA, I use Ebike Mobile in Huntington Beach. Great, timely service on my Model E. Good luck!
jeffpicard@reddit
I ordered and paid for a bike that hasn't been delivered. Anyone know how I can get my money back? They aren't responding to messages.
Old-Health-9113@reddit
I am in the same boat. I contacted the trustee's office and was told they are in the early stages of investigating any potential assets in this bankruptcy case. If asset are found that can be liquidated for the benefit of the creditors, then the bankruptcy court will send out a notice directing anyone who is owed money to file a Proof of Claim. Check here for status: https://case.stretto.com/jefferygolden/creditors .
This could take months to years for the court to resolve. The owner has a history of court issues in Georgia and CA. He will likely land on his feet.
I doubt we will see a dime returned to us. I did file a transaction dispute with my bank. I am not sure the bank can do anything either.
Same_Recognition2462@reddit
I'm in the same boat. I disputed the charge with my credit card company, and also reached out to the bankruptcy trustee listed on the legal notice of bankruptcy to see if I can get any info from them. I think it's a very long shot though.
JSSOnTheRun@reddit
If they declared bankruptcy you won’t get anything from the company. If you used a credit card (especially Amex) deny the payment stating that you paid and never received the product, and you’ll get your money back.
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
I would just dispute the charge. Thought calling your card might be best.
marke1234@reddit
https://www.inforuptcy.com/browse-filings/california-central-bankruptcy-court/8:25-bk-12810/bankruptcy-case-electric-bike-company-llc
pOPE_oF_dOPE_714@reddit
I'd go with Aventon Their bikes look similar and they have a good track record
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
Also, on July 14th on their site blog, they call out the expansion to their facility and the showroom opening July 21st. I'm assuming its just coincidence (maybe turn off ordering to catch up on work or something during the transition) but it's usually not good when social media accounts are turning off.
https://electricbikecompany.com/blogs/blog/big-news-were-expanding-and-enhancing-your-ebc-experience
PuzzleheadedCap3821@reddit
Just go to lectric and buy their bikes. I had three of them and they were great for the price and a large company who won't go bankrupt.
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
Yeah lectric isn’t going anywhere, but boy their bikes are ugly IMO (no offense).
SlippyCliff76@reddit
I had their XP 2.0. During one ride the handlebars and stem fell off sending me flying off the bike at 16 mph. During that bike's final ride the weld in the middle of the bike failed, and it snapped in two.
PuzzleheadedCap3821@reddit
The xpress isnt bad
Motor-Butterfly259@reddit
No that was just smoke and mirrors to hide the fact they could not afford rent anymore.
zachsilvey@reddit
There was a thread a few months ago from someone who worked there, the "expansion" was a ruse. It was actually a consolidation to cut costs.
cowman8553@reddit
As a dealer of ebc bikes myself, we have had absolutely no support for the past 2 ish weeks from even our inside contacts. Our customers are upset at the fact that they can't get a response from customer support or the dealer line. If they are moving facilities that still doesn't mean their employees can't answer an email. I would totally believe it though if they are going bankrupt
dustyhey@reddit
I didn't know they went bankrupt! It's rampant right now in the ebike world. If you liked their cruiser style bikes, check out the Wave from Magnum Bikes. It is pedal forward, like an Electra or Townie, meaning flat footed on the ground, upright body position, and pedalling forward of where the saddle is. They are based in Utah, too. Good price, good support, American company. https://magnumbikes.com/products/wave
PNW_Washington@reddit
I thought they filed Bankruptcy...anyone making payments on their bikes dont have to pay aymore!
zachsilvey@reddit
Lol, best of luck with that.
Miserable_Roof2216@reddit
It’s me the guy who bought that debt. Now add in late payment fees and interest. …
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
IMO it should be that way… I don’t think that’s how bankruptcy works.
marginal_option@reddit
I declare, BANKRUPCY! - Michael Scott
PNW_Washington@reddit
Damn trying to find a silver lining LOL:-)
Frankie25-@reddit
Don’t do it!
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
Don’t do what? If you mean buy an EBC Bike, It sounds like it’s not an option any longer.
boncros@reddit
I thought something was up because you used to be able to customize the hell out of a model of their bikes, and I went back to the website a week later, and all that customization was gone.
Tight_Lengthiness_32@reddit
Get one from a LBS, You will not regret it 😏
zachsilvey@reddit
Posted this in a another thread.
Almost certainly went bankrupt. In their SEC Offering Memo they reported a $7.5 million loan that was maturing on 1/1/26 and their annual net losses were increasing. Went from -$2.4M to -$3.6M from 2022 to 2023. The bike market has only gotten worse since then.
Bwrobes@reddit (OP)
Yikes… I guess I need to look elsewhere.
Significant-Pen-6049@reddit
Wow
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jdnv@reddit
If you google it there’s one Facebook post from someone claiming they know an insider that says they have filed bankruptcy and have closed down but who knows for sure. Not a good sign if their website has no stock unless it’s because of a new facility. More than likely tariffs and price increases plus lots of competition probably will end them if they aren’t already done. They did almost all assembly in their facility from what I understand so their costs are higher than a drop ship Chinese bike that most e-bike companies are selling.