Shipping of Vado SL 5

[GuruUno]

Headed to Florida for Feb. Considering shipping my Vado SL for use. I know I asked a few years ago, but due to the miserable selection of rentals (no "real" e-bikes, just visitor junk), I'm looking at bikeflights.com. I have to get an OEM box from my LBS, but curious if anyone has good or bad about bikeflights.
I got a cost of $152.95 each way (NJ <---->FL) +$76.80 for $5,000 insurance + $5 pickup charge via UPS each way, total of $469.50
It's a lot of enjoyment to use my own bike and I'm looking forward to it.
Comments, suggestions, alternative option(s)?

 

[kahn]

Have a great time and hope the weather rewards you with days of sunshine and riding.

 

[e-levity]

We’ve used Bikeflights several times to ship and receive bikes, but no ebikes thus far. Service was smooth and flawless. We always add insurance, but we have not had to make a claim ( fortunately) so I can’t comment on that.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Headed to Florida for Feb. Considering shipping my Vado SL for use. I know I asked a few years ago, but due to the miserable selection of rentals (no "real" e-bikes, just visitor junk), I'm looking at bikeflights.com. I have to get an OEM box from my LBS, but curious if anyone has good or bad about bikeflights.
I got a cost of $152.95 each way (NJ <---->FL) +$76.80 for $5,000 insurance + $5 pickup charge via UPS each way, total of $469.50
It's a lot of enjoyment to use my own bike and I'm looking forward to it.
Comments, suggestions, alternative option(s)?

Guru: Will they fly an e-bike?

 

[kahn]

Guru: Will they fly an e-bike?

I don't think anybody will fly an e-bike with batteries over a certain capacity. They may not fly them at all if they can't verify the battery capacity. Obviously, within the US they can be ground transported and part of the cost may be the speed of the service. Over an ocean - who knows but a ship would be pretty damn slow!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I don't think anybody will fly an e-bike with batteries over a certain capacity. They may not fly them at all if they can't verify the battery capacity. Obviously, within the US they can be ground transported and part of the cost may be the speed of the service. Over an ocean - who knows but a ship would be pretty damn slow!

I've heard that if the 320 Wh internal battery has been removed by the LBS, it is still possible to travel with the 160 Wh Range Extender. Someone more experienced could give a good advice.

 

[GuruUno]

They said no problem with e-bike.

 

[BioWheel]

Given the cost of renting an Ebike - the shipping cost doesn't seem that terrible. Find it hard to believe they'll fly an SL though since such a high capacity battery. Good to know.

 

[kahn]

Given the cost of renting an Ebike - the shipping cost doesn't seem that terrible. Find it hard to believe they'll fly an SL though since such a high capacity battery. Good to know.

Here's from their website:

"Yes, you can ship your e-bike with BikeFlights via ground service within the contiguous U.S."

I take that to mean, an e-bike is GROUNDED and not flown across or around the USA!

Oh, more from their site:

"E-bike batteries are potentially hazardous (if they are damaged, they can catch fire or explode), so you must follow additional e-bike-specific packing instructions prior to shipping.

Because of this, e-bikes can only be shipped via ground service within the contiguous U.S. They can NOT be shipped to Alaska or Hawaii or via air service or internationally."

 

[GuruUno]

FYI, here is what BikeFlights site says about shipping e-bikes:

HOW TO SHIP YOUR E-BIKE WITH BIKEFLIGHTS​

Our e-bike shipping service is for shipping single e-bikes with a fully functioning battery that is either contained within the bike’s frame or installed on the bike.

Prior to shipping your e-bike, you must do these five things:

1. Lower your battery charge to less than 30% to limit cell-to-cell combustion.
2. Power off your battery, remove any keys and ensure that your battery cannot turn “on” during transit.
3. Protect your e-bike and its battery by using lots of extra-dense foam padding.
4. Pack your e-bike into a large and sturdy box rated for e-bikes such as the BikeFlights Bike Box Large (BBL).
5. Completely remove or completely cover ALL bulk shipping hazmat markings like these:

Why? Hazmat stickers are required for bulk e-bike shipments such as when a manufacturer or distributor ships many e-bikes together on a pallet, but these stickers are NOT required for single e-bike shipments. In fact, failure to remove Class 9 or UN 3480 markings on your single e-bike shipment will result in your e-bike being incorrectly considered a hazmat shipment, which means it will be stopped and tagged for disposal.