The Most Common Scams to Avoid When Buying Electric Bicycles on Lazada in 2026

Direct Bank Transfer Fraud: Never agree to transfer money directly to a seller's bank account outside of Lazada's secure payment system. This is a major red flag, as it bypasses platform protections and makes it nearly impossible to recover funds if scammed. Sellers may pressure you to do this to avoid platform fees, but it significantly increases your risk [1].

Misleading Variation Pricing: Be cautious of listings where different variations of the electric bicycle (e.g., different battery capacities, motor power) are presented with significantly different prices. Scammers may advertise a very low price for a base model but then claim it's 'out of stock' and push you towards a much more expensive option, or even try to redirect you to a different, less secure platform for the actual purchase [2].

Empty Parcel COD Fraud: Be wary of Cash on Delivery (COD) transactions where the delivery person pressures you to pay before opening the package. Scammers may send an empty box or a product of minimal value instead of the electric bicycle you ordered. Always opt to inspect the package's contents before making the payment if COD is available, or ensure you can record the unboxing process if paying upfront [6, 26].

Non-Functional Item Return Block: Some unscrupulous sellers may intentionally ship a damaged or non-functional electric bicycle and then make the return process difficult or impossible. They might claim the damage occurred during transit, or dispute your claims, leaving you with a costly, unusable item. Always check the seller's return policy and Lazada's buyer protection period [11].

The 'Out of Stock' WhatsApp Redirect: If a seller informs you via chat that the electric bicycle you wish to purchase is out of stock and asks you to communicate or transact on WhatsApp, this is a major scam indicator. They often use this to move the conversation off-platform, making it harder for Lazada to intervene if something goes wrong [2, 19].

Fake LazMall Impersonation: Scammers may create fake storefronts that mimic legitimate LazMall brands. They might use similar logos, product images, and descriptions to appear authentic. Always verify the seller's authenticity by checking reviews, their establishment date, and if they are a verified LazMall seller directly on Lazada's platform [2, 18].

Brushing (Fake Review) Scams: While less common for high-value items like electric bicycles, brushing can still occur. Scammers might send unsolicited small items to boost fake positive reviews for their listings, making them appear more trustworthy than they are. Be skeptical of listings with an excessive number of overly positive, generic reviews, especially if the seller is new or has a low rating [5, 22].