How to Ship E-Bike Battery Internationally [Regulations]
In the online e-bike communities that I participate in, the topic of how to ship an electric bike battery frequently comes up. Unfortunately, the solutions offered are frequently wrong or even unlawful. It’s not as simple as you may assume to ship an electric bike battery. Let me discuss the whole scenario with you so that you won’t get confused.
How to Ship E-bike Battery Internationally
Most e-bikes use lithium batteries, which are classified as dangerous products by USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL due to their high flammability.
Lithium-ion batteries under 5 kilos can be transported without a dangerous goods contract, just like any other cargo. Couriers typically accept lithium-ion batteries; however, if you’re transporting lithium metal batteries, you should get in touch with the couriers in advance as they are riskier and rarely accepted. Before shipping your e-bike battery, you must accomplish these five things:
Step 1:Lower your battery charge
Reduce the battery’s charge to under 30% to prevent cell-to-cell combustion.
Step 2: Power off your battery
Make sure it can’t turn “on” during transit by turning it off, removing any keys, and making these other preparations.
Step 3:Protect your e-bike and its battery
Use heaps of extra-dense foam cushioning to shield your e-bike battery from damage.
Step 4: Park your e-bike battery in a box
Place your e-bike inside a big, reliable package designed for e-bike batteries.
Step 5: Remove all hazmat shipping markings
Remove or conceal ALL hazardous markings on bulk shipments.
Restrictions and Regulations For E-bike Battery at air flight
There are several restrictions and regulations concerning battery-powered air flight. Most batteries people bring with them are safe and allow for plane travel. These batteries are often rated at less than 100Wh. The table below summarizes these general constraints.
| Watt-hour (Wh) rating | Checked | Carry-on |
| <100Wh | Yes | Yes |
| <100Wh | Permitted only with air carrier approval | Yes |
| 100-160 Wh | Permitted only with air carrier approval | Yes |
| 100-160 Wh | Permitted only with air carrier approval | Maximum of 2 individually protected spares per person with air carrier approval |
| >160Wh | Permitted only with air carrier approval | No |
| >160Wh | Permitted only with air carrier approval | No |
How Much Does it Cost to Ship an E-bike?
Depending on the amount of care you require and the service and shipping providers you select, the cost of delivering a bike varies. Expect to pay between $50 (small distance, delayed shipping, and self-packing) and $250. (longer distance, faster shipping, professionally packed). Below are some of the estimated shipping prices of some famous e-bike battery brands.
| Shipping Method | Bike weight(pounds) | Shipping Price(NY-SF) |
| FedEx | <30 | $60 to $160 |
| UPS | <30 | $135 |
| BikeFlights | <30 | $60 |
| ShipBikes | <30 | $65 |
| Sport Express | <30 | $174 |
The cost of transporting up to 50 pounds of lithium-ion battery is typically between $50 and $60. However, the delivery price will be greater for lithium-ion batteries that weigh more than 50 pounds, usually costing between $75 and $100.
Due to the greater cost of shipping per pound, shipping by air will cost extra. Instead, shipping by water is typically less expensive whether you employ a freight shipping business or a private shipping service.
How to Pack a Bike Battery For Shipping
There are specifications you must adhere to while packing rechargeable batteries, such as an e-bike battery. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) both set these standards.
Why Is Shipping Your E-bike So Difficult?
The lithium-ion battery that powers your e-bike is categorized as a hazardous good. This implies that extra measures must be taken when transporting it, either with or separately from your e-bike.
While this is a rare occurrence, the effects can be serious given the enormous number of e-bike lithium-ion batteries in use. Shipping e-bikes is difficult due to the risks of transporting batteries, particularly by air.
What You Need to Know Before Shipping
When shipping your items, you want to ensure that they arrive when you want them to and in a state worthy of your high standards. You want a simplified process that will cause you the least stress. To assist you in making your logistics operations as efficient as possible, we’ve listed the five things you should know before shipping.
It’s usually a good idea to start here. Discuss a proper budget for your shipping efforts with the important members of your organisation.
Which kind of freight do you need? Shipping by sea? Freight by air? Overland? An amalgamation? When your items reach their destination or before delivery, will you need warehousing?
Supply chains exist in a wide variety of shapes and levels of complexity. You must become an expert on your supply chain for your shipping operations to succeed.
Delays are most likely to happen in this area. You must adhere to the specific laws, regulations, and customs that apply to each country and region. If you don’t, you risk significant delays and maybe expensive fines.
What Are the Rules for Shipping Your E-bike By Air?
In North America, there are standard rules for shipping e-bikes by air. Lithium-ion battery shipping on commercial passenger airlines is subject to restrictions based on battery output imposed by Transport Canada and the US Federal Aviation Administration.
These restrictions are also in place globally with airlines that are IATA members. The e-bike battery air transportation guidelines are fairly specific:
International Battery Shipment Tips
You must ensure that your shipments comply with battery shipping laws to secure your safety. Here are some tips on how to transport batteries securely:
- To prevent short-circuiting, ensure that batteries and terminals are adequately shielded.
- Never place heavy objects on fully packed batteries.
- While being shipped, avoid turning on any items with batteries.
- Any gadget using these batteries should have a cover over the switches to prevent unintentional activation while in motion.
- Never keep batteries in a very hot place.
- To prevent movement that could trigger an unintentional activation, pad the gadget inside the box.
- If the cargo contains harmful products or lithium batteries, it should be marked as such on the packaging.
What Are the Penalties?
Your e-bike may appear to be pricey and challenging to send. There can be a desire to forego some of the specifications for exporting your battery.
Do not, please. Up to $50000 in fines may be imposed for violations of the regulations governing dangerous goods. Your battery might be seized at security, at the very least.
How to Ship Lithium Batteries From the USA to Europe
FedEx, which has its headquarters in Germany, takes the transportation of your package containing lithium batteries very seriously and abides by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines for doing so.
Strong, rigid exterior packing must be used for transporting a box containing lithium batteries from the US to Europe. Additional markings and labeling may also be necessary depending on the kind of lithium batteries.
FedEx Paks cannot be used as outer packaging for lithium batteries; however, FedEx branded boxes or tubes may be used as outer packaging for lithium batteries prepared under Section II of the applicable packing instruction of the IATA DG Regulations.
How to Ship Electric Bikes with Lithium Batteries
Most e-bikes use enormous lithium batteries, which most couriers view as unsafe commodities. Therefore, there are numerous hurdles you must first clear if you intend to ship bikes with batteries already installed.
You must satisfy several conditions before your cargo is accepted by your chosen courier, even if they permit you to transport your bike along with its lithium batteries.
- obtaining authorisation from the national government before transporting a lithium battery that weighs more than 35 kilograms
- Making sure the battery is not faulty or broken
- To avoid short-circuiting, the battery must be packed.
- The package should be labeled as dangerous and have a lithium battery shipping label.
Ebikes are large and hefty, so keep in mind that you should budget for pricey delivery. If you’re transporting an electric bike battery inside the bike, your expenses may also go up. You can use fewer packaging materials for the package without endangering its security to save costs.
FAQ
How do you mail an e-bike battery?
Just use a reputable courier service such as FedEx to mail your battery.
Can you ship an e-bike internationally?
Yes. Send your batteries by courier while your e-bike is shipped through airline.
Can you take an e-bike battery on a plane?
No, using strong lithium batteries that power your electric bike on passenger flights is not permitted.
Has anyone shipped a lithium e-bike battery to Thailand?
Yes! Lithium battery shipping might be challenging, but FedEx has all the details you need to safely send batteries to and from Thailand.
Can I ship an electric bike to Hawaii?
No! Lithium-ion battery-equipped electric bicycles cannot be sent to Alaska or Hawaii.
Do FedEx ship e-bikes?
Yes, but while setting up your shipping, you must also adhere to their lithium battery requirements.
Conclusion
It can be scary to think about the practicalities of transporting a bike, much less an electric bike, on an international flight, but taking things one step at a time and planning can keep you moving on the right path. You’ll ride your electric bike halfway around the globe before you realize it, drifting along the open road!
Resources
- Read More about Lithium-Ion Batteries Hazard and Use Assessment
- What Happens When E-Bike Battery Dies [Tips and Hacks]
- Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own E-bike Battery? Real Example
