Moving overseas is one thing. Trying to work out how to take your bicycle with you is another.
Maybe you've spent years riding the same mountain bike and don't want to leave it behind. Perhaps you're relocating from New Zealand to Australia and want your road bike waiting for you when you arrive. Or you've invested in an electric bike and discovered that getting it overseas isn't as straightforward as you expected.
Whatever the situation you've probably wondered whether it's easier to take the bike on your flight or arrange for it to be shipped separately.
Both options are worth considering but the best choice depends on the type of bicycle, its size and where you're moving.
Your bike deserves a place in the move
Whether it travels as checked baggage or as a separate shipment the important thing is getting it properly packed and accepted for transport.
If your airline accepts bicycles and you can transport a properly packed bike to and from the airport taking it as checked baggage may be the simplest option. Shipping it separately can be more convenient if you're moving with lots of luggage or don't need the bicycle immediately. Electric bikes need additional assessment because lithium batteries are subject to strict transport requirements.
Can you take a bicycle on an international flight?
Yes. Many airlines accept ordinary bicycles as checked sporting equipment provided they meet the airline's size, weight and packing requirements.
However the rules vary considerably.
Some airlines include bicycles within your normal checked baggage allowance while others charge a separate sporting equipment fee. Certain aircraft may also have restrictions on oversized items.
You may be required to pack the bicycle inside a proper bike box or travel case. Depending on the airline you may also need to remove the pedals, turn the handlebars and protect exposed components.
Before making any arrangements check the bicycle policy for every airline involved in your journey. This is especially important if you have connecting flights.
Option 1: Take your bicycle as airline baggage
For someone moving overseas with a single conventional bicycle this can be a practical option.
You pack the bicycle into an approved bike box and take it to the airport with your other luggage.
The main advantage is that the bike may travel on the same journey as you although its arrival is still subject to airline handling and capacity.
The downside is that you're responsible for getting a large bike box to the airport and then transporting it from the arrival airport to your new home.
If you're travelling alone with several suitcases this can be awkward. A bicycle carton can be difficult to fit into a standard car and may require a larger vehicle.
It's also worth checking whether your airline requires you to reserve space for sporting equipment in advance.
Option 2: Ship your bicycle separately
Another option is to arrange international courier or freight shipping.
This means your bicycle travels separately from your passenger flight and can be collected from an address and delivered to another address where the service is available.
For example you could move from Auckland to Melbourne with your normal luggage while your bicycle is packed and collected from your old home.
You won't have to carry a large bicycle box through the airport or arrange transport for it after landing.
The trade off is that the bicycle may arrive before or after you depending on the service and customs clearance.
Shipping costs are often influenced by the dimensions of the packed bicycle rather than just its actual weight. Bicycle cartons are relatively large and can attract a higher volumetric weight.
Travel with your bike
Worth considering when your airline accepts bicycles and you can manage the bike box through your journey.
Send it separately
Worth considering when you're relocating with multiple bags or would prefer the bicycle delivered to your new address.
How do the two options compare?
| Consideration | Airline baggage | Separate shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | You take the bike to the airport. | Collection may be available from an address. |
| Arrival | Usually travels with your journey subject to airline handling. | Delivered according to the shipping service and customs clearance. |
| Packaging | Airline approved bike box or case. | Carrier approved protective packaging. |
| Cost | Baggage or sporting equipment fees. | Freight charges based on the package and route. |
| Convenience | You manage the bike box at both airports. | May offer collection and final delivery. |
| Electric bikes | Lithium battery restrictions often prevent acceptance. | Specialist dangerous goods arrangements may be required. |
How much does it cost to ship a bicycle overseas?
There isn't one fixed price because bicycle shipping costs depend on several factors.
The main ones are the collection location, destination, packed weight and dimensions.
A typical bicycle box is much larger than an ordinary suitcase. Even if the bike itself is relatively light the carrier may calculate the freight charge using volumetric weight.
For example a bike carton measuring 140 cm long, 80 cm high and 25 cm wide has a volume of 280,000 cubic centimetres.
Using a volumetric divisor of 5,000 this would produce a volumetric weight of 56 kg.
So even if the bicycle and packaging only weigh 18 kg the freight charge could be based on 56 kg under that pricing method.
Different carriers use different calculation methods and may apply additional charges for oversized packages.
That's why it's worth comparing the complete cost of airline baggage with a separate shipping quote rather than assuming one will always be cheaper.
How should you pack a bicycle for international shipping?
A bicycle needs more protection than an ordinary suitcase because parts such as the derailleur, brake rotors and handlebars can be damaged if they're left exposed.
A sturdy original bicycle carton from a bike shop can be suitable if it's in good condition and meets the carrier's requirements.
Purpose made bicycle travel cases are another option although not every courier service accepts every type of case.
The exact preparation depends on the bicycle and the packaging being used.
Use a strong bicycle carton or travel case accepted by the transport provider. Avoid damaged or weakened cardboard boxes.
Follow the bike manufacturer's instructions and the carrier's requirements. This may involve removing pedals, repositioning handlebars or removing a wheel.
Use suitable padding around the frame, forks and other exposed parts. Secure any removed components so they cannot move during transport.
Remove unrelated loose items and confirm whether any batteries or other restricted goods are present.
Record the external dimensions and packed weight. These measurements are needed for an accurate shipping quote.
What if you're moving overseas with an electric bike?
This is where things become more complicated.
Electric bikes generally contain rechargeable lithium ion batteries. These batteries can present a fire risk if damaged or incorrectly transported which is why they are subject to specific dangerous goods regulations.
Most ordinary electric bicycle batteries are much larger than the lithium battery allowances available to airline passengers.
For example a typical electric mountain bike might have a 500 Wh, 625 Wh or 900 Wh battery. These are well above the 160 Wh upper limit that applies to certain lithium ion batteries carried by passengers with airline approval.
As a result you generally cannot take a typical e-bike battery on a passenger aircraft as normal checked or carry on baggage.
Do not pack a removable e-bike battery inside a bicycle carton and assume it can travel as ordinary baggage or general freight. Lithium batteries require correct classification and carrier acceptance. A specialist dangerous goods shipment may be needed and some batteries cannot be accepted for air transport.
Can you ship the bicycle and battery separately?
In some situations yes.
Someone moving overseas with an electric bike may be able to remove the battery and transport the bicycle separately.
The battery can then be assessed for a specialist dangerous goods shipment using an appropriate cargo service.
This is particularly relevant when a moving company is transporting household belongings but won't accept the lithium battery.
However not every battery is eligible for transport. Its condition, specifications, test documentation and the requirements of the carrier and destination country all matter.
A damaged or defective lithium battery presents a different level of risk and may be prohibited from air transport.
If you're relocating with an electric bike it's worth investigating the battery arrangements before booking the bicycle shipment.
Example: Moving from New Zealand to Australia with a mountain bike
You want your bicycle at your new home in Brisbane
Imagine you're moving from Christchurch to Brisbane and want to take your mountain bike with you.
Your airline accepts bicycles as sporting equipment but you've already got two large suitcases and other belongings to manage.
One option is to purchase the necessary sporting equipment allowance and check the bike in for your flight.
Another option is to pack it into a suitable bicycle carton and arrange international shipping to your new address.
If it's a conventional bicycle without a motor or battery the process is generally more straightforward.
If it's an electric mountain bike you'll need to confirm how the lithium battery can be transported before finalising the arrangements.
Will you pay customs duty when bringing your own bicycle overseas?
Possibly. It depends on the country you're moving to and whether you qualify for any applicable customs concessions.
Many countries have provisions for used personal belongings when someone is transferring their normal place of residence.
However the rules differ and you may need to provide evidence that you already own the bicycle and are moving to the country.
A used bicycle still needs to be declared accurately. It shouldn't automatically be assigned a value of zero simply because you've owned it for several years.
If you're moving to Australia you should also check the country's biosecurity requirements.
Bicycles can carry soil, seeds and other contamination on tyres and frames. Cleaning the bicycle thoroughly before shipping can help reduce the risk of inspection issues.
Can a bike shop help you pack your bicycle?
Yes. If you're not comfortable preparing the bicycle yourself a local bike shop may be able to help.
Bike shops often receive new bicycles in strong cardboard cartons and some offer professional packing services for travel or shipping.
This can be useful if your bicycle has delicate components or you're unsure how to protect it properly.
Ask the shop whether they can pack the bike to the requirements of your chosen airline or shipping provider.
Checklist before moving overseas with your bicycle
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my bicycle on an international flight?
Many airlines accept conventional bicycles as checked sporting equipment provided they meet the airline's size, weight and packaging rules. You should confirm the conditions before travelling.
Is it cheaper to fly with a bicycle or ship it?
It depends on the airline's fees and the bicycle's packed dimensions. Airline baggage may be cheaper for one bike while separate shipping can offer more convenience during an international move.
Can I ship a bicycle in its original cardboard box?
Often yes if the box is sturdy and in good condition and the carrier accepts it. The bicycle must also be packed securely with vulnerable parts protected.
Can I take an electric bike battery on a plane?
Typical e-bike batteries exceed the lithium battery limits for passenger baggage and generally cannot be taken on passenger aircraft. Specialist dangerous goods transport may be required.
Can I ship my e-bike without its battery?
Potentially yes. The bicycle and battery can sometimes be transported separately. The battery must be assessed and accepted under the relevant dangerous goods requirements.
Do I need to clean my bicycle before shipping it to Australia?
Yes. Australia has strict biosecurity requirements and bicycles should be thoroughly cleaned to remove soil, seeds and other contamination before import.
So should you fly with your bicycle or ship it?
If you're moving overseas with one conventional bicycle and your airline accepts it at a reasonable price taking it as checked baggage may be the easiest solution.
If you've got several suitcases or simply don't want to manage a large bike box at the airport shipping it separately may be worth considering.
For electric bikes the battery is usually the part that needs the most planning. It's worth sorting that out early rather than discovering a few days before departure that your airline or moving company won't accept it.
Whichever option you choose good packaging and a clear understanding of the transport requirements will make the process much easier.
Need help getting your bicycle overseas?
If you're relocating and need to arrange international shipping for your bicycle Send Stuff can help you explore the available options.
Let us know where the bike is going and whether it's a conventional or electric bicycle. We can review the details and help you work out the next steps.
Contact Send StuffAirline acceptance and dangerous goods requirements can change. Always confirm the current rules before arranging transport.