Shipping Your Electric Bike: Fedex Guide For Beginners

Shipping an electric bike with FedEx is a straightforward process, but there are some important steps to follow to ensure your bike arrives safely and securely. This includes lowering the battery charge to less than 30% and ensuring the battery is switched off before packing your bike into a sturdy box with plenty of extra-dense foam padding. You'll also need to consider the additional hazardous material fees charged by FedEx for shipping ebike batteries.

Packing and protecting your electric bike

To pack and protect your electric bike for shipping with FedEx, you must first lower the battery charge to less than 30% to limit cell-to-cell combustion. Power off the battery, remove any keys, and ensure that the battery cannot turn on during transit.

Next, wrap the bike frame in protective material to help prevent scratches and place it in a large and sturdy box rated for e-bikes. Fill the bottom of the box with packing materials, such as packing peanuts or air pillows. Position a cardboard divider between the frame and the wheel, then add the wheel.

For extra protection, use extra-dense foam padding around the bike and its battery. Close the box and shake it. If you hear rattling or parts moving around, add more padding or use cable or parts ties to secure the parts to the frame.

Finally, seal the box with packing tape (at least 2" wide) around the edges of the top and bottom of the box. For extra support, add a strip of tape around the entire centre of the box, securing both the top and bottom flaps.

Lowering the battery charge to less than 30%

When shipping an electric bike with FedEx, you must lower the battery charge to less than 30%. This is to limit cell-to-cell combustion and ensure the bike's safety during transit. To do this, first, power off the battery and remove any keys. Make sure that the battery cannot turn on during transit. Then, use extra-dense foam padding to protect the e-bike and its battery. Pack the e-bike into a large and sturdy box rated for e-bikes, such as the Bikeflights Bike Box Large (BBL).

Hazardous material fees

FedEx separates dangerous goods from hazardous materials. Lithium batteries fall into the hazardous materials category, and FedEx will only ship these via ground. This means that there is an extra $39 fee for ground shipments that contain hazardous materials.

Before shipping an electric bike, you must lower the battery charge to less than 30% to limit cell-to-cell combustion. You must also power off the battery, remove any keys, and ensure that the battery cannot turn on during transit.

FedEx requires special certification on the label for UN 3171 shipments.

Using a special e-bike shipping box

E-bikes are considered large or heavy shipments, so they require specific shipping tactics. One of the most important things to consider when shipping an e-bike with FedEx is the use of a special e-bike shipping box. These boxes are designed to accommodate the unique size and weight of e-bikes, ensuring safe and secure transportation.

When using a special e-bike shipping box, follow these steps:

• Lower the battery charge to less than 30% to limit cell-to-cell combustion. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent any potential hazards during transit.
• Power off the battery and remove any keys to ensure that the battery cannot accidentally turn on during transportation.
• Use extra-dense foam padding to protect your e-bike and its battery. This will help cushion the bike and absorb any shocks or vibrations during transit.
• Place the e-bike inside the shipping box. Make sure to use a box that is specifically rated for e-bikes, such as the Bikeflights Bike Box Large (BBL).
• Close the box and shake it gently. If you hear rattling or parts moving around, add more padding or use cable ties to secure the components to the frame.
• Apply packing tape (at least 2" wide) around the edges of the box, both at the bottom and the top. For added support, consider adding a strip of tape around the centre of the box, securing both the top and bottom flaps.
• Fill any remaining space in the box with packing materials, such as packing peanuts or air pillows. This will help prevent the e-bike from shifting during transit and provide additional cushioning.
• If you are shipping the e-bike with its wheel attached, position a cardboard divider between the frame and the wheel for added protection.
• Finally, seal the box and ensure that it is securely closed.

By following these steps and using a special e-bike shipping box, you can confidently ship your electric bike with FedEx, knowing that it is properly packaged and protected during transportation.

Securing the bike box with packing tape

To ship an electric bike with FedEx, you'll need to place the bike in a box and secure it with packing tape. Here are some detailed steps to help you secure the bike box with packing tape:

Firstly, make sure you have a suitable box for your electric bike. The box should be large and sturdy, specifically rated for shipping e-bikes. Once you have the box, place your packed bike inside and close the box. Apply packing tape that is at least 2" wide around the edges of the bottom of the box. Stand the box upright and fill the bottom with packing materials such as packing peanuts or air pillows. This will help cushion the bike and protect it during transit.

Next, wrap the bike frame with protective material to prevent scratches. You can use bubble wrap or foam padding for this. Place the wrapped frame in the box and position a cardboard divider between the frame and the wheel. Add the wheel and any other parts or accessories, ensuring they are securely packed and won't move around. Close the box again and shake it gently. If you hear rattling or movement, reopen the box and add more padding or use cable ties to secure any loose parts to the frame.

Now you're ready to apply the packing tape to secure the box. Seal the box by applying packing tape around the edges of the top of the box. For added strength and security, add an extra strip of tape around the centre of the box, securing both the top and bottom flaps together. This will help ensure the box doesn't accidentally open during transit.

It's important to use strong, durable packing tape that is specifically designed for shipping. The tape should be at least 2" wide, as recommended by FedEx. This will help ensure the box remains closed and provide extra support to protect the contents. By following these steps, you can securely pack and ship your electric bike with FedEx, ensuring it arrives safely at its destination.

Frequently asked questions