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Electric bikes are winning over more and more people. They are practical, sustainable and perfect both for getting around the city and for out-of-town holidays. But there is one aspect that few people consider until the problem arises: how do you ship an electric bike, especially if you have to do it by air?
The answer, unfortunately, is not simple. In fact, in many cases it is impossible to ship an e-bike by plane, and the main reason is the lithium battery.
The battery: the real flight obstacle
The battery is what makes a bike ‘electric’, but it is also what complicates (and often blocks) its transport by air. This is because lithium-ion batteries are considered dangerous goods according to international air transport regulations (IATA - International Air Transport Association).
The risk? If damaged, they can overheat or catch fire. For this reason, the air transport of these batteries is strictly regulated and subject to very strict limits, which depend on the power of the battery (expressed in Wh) and the shipment method.
In particular:
- Batteries over 160 Wh cannot be transported on passenger flights and require specific authorisations even on cargo flights.
- Airlines do not accept electric bicycles with batteries fitted.
- Separate shipment of the battery is not an easy solution either: in many cases, it is not allowed by air anyway.
This means that electric bikes, complete with battery, cannot be shipped by plane, either as luggage or as cargo. And even if you separate the battery from the frame, complications remain.
What about trying to remove the battery?
Removing the battery may appear to be the easiest way, but even then many precautions are required.
If you decide to ship only the bike (without battery) by air, you must check that the battery is indeed removable and that there are no other lithium components integrated in the electrical system. In addition, the battery must then be shipped separately, via couriers authorised to transport dangerous goods, with certified packaging and precise documentation.
What if the battery is integrated in the frame and is not removable? In that case, air freight is practically excluded.
The complications do not end there: packaging and customs
Even if the battery hurdle is overcome, the issue of packaging remains. The bike must be packaged in such a way that the battery (if present) is protected from shocks and short circuits, and certified containers conforming to IATA regulations are needed. Not all couriers offer these, and they are often expensive and difficult to obtain.
Then there are customs regulations. Some countries have very strict rules on importing lithium batteries and may require permits or hold the goods for inspection. Another reason why transport by air is likely to be more of a problem than a solution.
Alternatives to air transport
Since most e-bikes cannot be shipped by air due to battery restrictions, there are safer and more viable alternatives:
- Transport by land or sea: As an alternative to air transport, many companies opt for transport by land or sea. Although these methods may take longer, they are generally cheaper and less complicated than air transport.
- Removing the Battery and Shipping it Separately: If the bike is equipped with a removable battery, it is possible to ship the bike without a battery and handle the shipment of the battery separately. In this case, the battery must be treated as hazardous material and transported via specialised couriers.
Ship To Cycle and electric bicycle transport solutions
If you need to ship an electric bike, the best solution depends on your specific transport needs and regulations. If air transport is not an option, we can help you explore other logistical solutions.
