All the Tips You Need to Ship a Bike (or eBikes)

Wondering how to ship a bike? Here's everything you need to know from how to pack it, how to choose a courier, and how to deal with eBike shipments!

Key points

• Packaging your bike for shipping can be a nerve-wracking process that requires planning, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
• You may need to enquire from your shipping carrier on whether they ship assembled bicycles and the costs involved.
• There is no one-size-fits-all price when it comes to the cost of shipping a bike as this depends on the courier company you use, delivery speed, weight and dimensions of your package, and the destination you are sending it to.

There are plenty of occasions where you may find yourself needing to know how to ship a bike. For instance, you may be an eCommerce retailer sending it to your customers, you may be shipping it to take part in a bike race competition some miles away, or just send it as a gift to your loved one.

Given its awkward shape and size, you may find yourself in the middle of not knowing how to ship a bike! The truth is that packaging your bike for shipping can be a nerve-wracking process that requires planning, especially if you are doing it for the first time.

But it is worth it, especially when you think of the vulnerabilities of damage, from bent frames to damaged seat tubes, and twisted dropouts, that a bike can be exposed to in transit if not packaged properly. So, there is no way around it! If you need your precious touring machine to ship safely and securely, you need to know how to ship a bike.

Important Packing Supplies You’ll Need to Ship Your Bike

The first thing when figuring out how to ship a bike is to know the supplies you need to package it properly and protect it from scratches and damages.

Here is a list of the supplies you need to gather to prep your ride for shipping:

• Bike shipping box or bag
• Pedal wrench
• Foam padding
• Bubble wrap
• PVC tubing to protect the frame
• Zip ties
• Extra cardboard for padding
• Shipping tape
• Scissors or utility knife
• Pad spacers (for hydraulic disc brakes)

Steps For Disassembling a Bike For Shipping

Here are the steps for disassembling your bike for shipping:

1. Use foam pipe insulation: The frame of your bike risks getting scratched during disassembling or on transit. To prevent this, add a little extra cushioning with an extra layer of foam pipe insulation.
2. Disassemble the pedals, seat, and Seatpost: Use a pedal spanner to unscrew the pedals, seat, and the Seatpost. Wrap them up in bubble wrap and set aside. The aim here is to make your bike as narrow as possible and reduce its height.
3. Remove and pack the handlebars: You can either loosen your handlebars and rotate them or remove the stem and position it parallel to the top tube.
4. Remove the wheels: Remove the front wheel. Most bike shipping boxes will accommodate a bike with the rear wheel attached.
5. Rear derailleur and Hanger: Remove the derailleur and hanger and wrap them in dense padding. Zip tie or tape them inside of the frame.
6. Disc brakes: Keep the brake pads separated after removing the wheels. Use a pad spreader to achieve this.
7. Dropouts: Install a plastic spacer, or PVC pipe between the fork dropouts to prevent them from compressing.
8. Partially deflate the tires: Make sure that your tires are only partially deflated to protect the rims.

How to Pack a Bike For Shipping

Here is how to pack a bike for shipping:

1. Find the appropriate bike shipping box depending on the size of your bike.
2. Cover the bottom of the box with bubble wrap, cardboard or packaging peanuts to reduce impact.
3. Make sure that the frame is well protected with plumbing insulation.
4. Place the frame along with the rear wheel into your bike shipping box first.
5. Fill up any space in the box to make sure that all parts are intact.
6. Close the box and secure it with tape.
7. Print out a shipping label and tape it securely on the side of the box.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Bike?

To find the cheapest way to ship a bike, you need to use a shipping rate calculator to compare rates from different couriers.

Approximation cost for shipping a 29lb mountain bike from Brooklyn, New York to Miami, Florida:

• Shipping a bike with USPS: $160.55 in 7 days
• Shipping a bike with FedEx:
  • FedEx Ground: $142.31 in 5 days
  • FedEx Express Saver: $433.99 in 5 days
  • FedEx 2Day: $616.06 in 4 days
• Shipping a bike with UPS:
  • UPS Ground: $101.97 in 3 days
  • UPS 3 Day Select: $373.37 in 3days
• Shipping a bike with DHL:
  • DHL Express Worldwide: $370.25

Protecting and Tracking a Bike Shipment

• Insurance: Insuring your bike during transit will cover for any damages.
• Tracking: Tracking your package minimizes its chances of getting lost.
• Customs information: When shipping your bike internationally, ensure that all customs forms and documents are filled correctly.
• What happens if your package is damaged or lost: If you have insurance, it will cover the loss; otherwise, you may need to file a claim with the courier.

What About an eBike?

For anyone working with eBikes, shipping is a major consideration. Most eBikes use lithium batteries, which are typically considered to be dangerous goods by couriers. If you’re planning to ship eBikes with their batteries, you'll need to meet various requirements.

Here's what you need to keep in mind:

• Getting approval from the national authority before shipping a lithium battery.
• Packaging batteries properly to prevent short-circuiting.
• Ensure your shipment has a lithium battery shipping label and is marked as dangerous goods.

Successfully Ship Your Bikes and Electric Bikes Around the World

Shipping a bike isn't too different from shipping any other product. You just have to know how to package them properly and select the right carrier. Things get a little more complicated if you want to ship an eBike, but it's completely doable!