Shipping E-Bikes & Electric Vehicles Internationally

We ship e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and similar electric personal vehicles from our UK, Germany, and US warehouses. We're also working to confirm e-bike shipping from Japan. Because these products contain lithium batteries, they are subject to international dangerous goods regulations that affect how they are classified, packaged, and shipped.

The key variable is the battery: whether it is installed in the bike or separate, and whether it exceeds 100 Wh (watt-hours). These two factors determine which rules apply, which couriers can carry the shipment, and what additional fees are involved.

We ship a range of electric personal vehicles, subject to the battery regulations outlined above.

  E-bikes – Including pedal-assist and throttle-controlled bikes. Battery must be declared with Wh rating and MSDS/SDS provided.

  E-scooters – Electric kick scooters with lithium batteries. Same battery classification rules apply.

  Hoverboards & electric skateboards – Subject to battery Wh classification. Retailer packaging is rarely sufficient — repacking is standard.

  Electric ride-on children's vehicles – Battery classification rules apply. Confirm Wh rating before ordering.

  Standalone replacement batteries – Accepted but classified as Dangerous Goods if over 100 Wh. Full DG packaging, documentation, and surcharges apply. Contact us before ordering.

International air (IATA) and road (ADR) regulations classify lithium batteries by watt-hour (Wh) rating and whether they are installed in the device or shipped separately. Your battery's Wh rating is usually printed on the battery itself or listed in the product specification.

There's no fixed weight limit for e-bikes shipped under UN3556 — the limiting factor is each courier's standard maximum package dimensions and weight. If your e-bike exceeds courier limits, it will need to ship via freight instead. Limits vary by courier and destination, so check with us before ordering if your e-bike is unusually large or heavy.

How you ship your e-bike makes a significant practical difference. Here's a side-by-side comparison of what each scenario involves.

Not all e-bikes are the same – and the type you own determines which regulations apply in your destination country, and in some cases which couriers can carry your shipment.

• Pedelec / EPAC (Standard e-bike) – The most common type. Motor assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, maximum continuous power 250W, pedal assist only. Treated as a standard bicycle across the EU and UK – no insurance, registration, or licence required.
• S-Pedelec (Speed pedelec) – Pedal assist up to 45 km/h, higher motor power. Treated as a motor vehicle in most EU countries — requires registration, insurance, a licence plate, and in Germany, a helmet. Cannot use cycle paths.
• Throttle e-bike – Motor can be activated without pedalling. Legal in the US (Class 2) but not permitted as a standard bicycle in the EU or UK, where throttle models are typically reclassified as motor vehicles.
• US Class System (Class 1, 2, 3) – Class 1: pedal assist up to 20 mph. Class 2: throttle-assisted up to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal assist up to 28 mph. Within legal class limits, e-bikes are generally treated as bicycles.

The base shipping rate depends on the weight, dimensions, and destination of your shipment. For e-bikes with batteries installed, this is the main cost. For standalone batteries, additional dangerous goods fees apply on top of the base rate.

These fees are in addition to standard shipping costs and any import duties or taxes payable at the destination. All fees must be confirmed and agreed before we proceed with packaging or dispatch.

 Get a shipping estimate first

Before ordering, use our shipping calculator or contact us for a quote. E-bike shipping — especially for standalone batteries — involves fees beyond the standard rate. Know the total cost before your item arrives at our warehouse

Order to your forward2me address

Shop from retailers in the UK or Germany and ship to your unique forward2me warehouse address. Make sure the item is an e-bike or electric vehicle — not a standalone battery over 100 Wh, which has different requirements.

Provide your MSDS/SDS document

We require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS or SDS) for your e-bike. This document must confirm the battery type and state that it can be shipped under the relevant UN classification (UN3171 for battery-powered vehicles). Your retailer or manufacturer can usually provide this.

Agree all fees before we proceed

If your shipment involves a standalone battery or Dangerous Goods packaging, we will contact you to confirm all applicable fees — including the UN box charge and any surcharges — before we begin processing. We will not proceed without your approval.

Respond to customs promptly

Once your shipment is in transit, the courier will contact you directly about import duties and taxes in your destination country. Respond within 24–48 hours. Delays can result in the shipment being returned to us at your expense.