Bikes for the World collects repairable or better-condition complete (or nearly-complete) bicycles and usable bike parts, for donation in developing countries.   We also collect operating portable sewing machines, and old cell phones in any condition.  See below for further details.

1. Bicycles

We accept ANY serviceable bicycle, adult or children’s, accompanied by a suggested $10 per bike donation to defray a share of the costs in getting bikes to quality programs overseas and get information back for donors and the public.  Flat tires or a missing seat or pedal matter little.  Mountain bikes are the most-desired models.  Also highly desirable are fat-tired one-speed “cruisers”, three-speed touring bicycles, and good-quality men’s road bicycles.  We also accept tandems, recumbents, adult tricycles, trail-a-bikes, and even unicycles.  We accept scooters in good condition.

We DO NOT generally accept: children’s tricycles, “Razor” scooters, bicycle frames lacking any or most components, or “rust-bucket” bikes whose painted frames are beginning to rust through or whose chains are frozen solid with rust.

We welcome children’s bikes, because (1) they get children to school, (2) servicing a kid’s bike overseas generates mechanic employment just as an adult bike does, and (3) they fit well into the interstices of a shipping container (and increase the value of the shipment)!

2. Bike-related items

In addition, we gratefully accept most bicycle spare parts and components (e.g., tubes, tires, chains, cables, and mountain bike handlebars, but not “drop” handlebars), accessories (e.g., pumps, locks, helmets, gloves), bicycle books and manuals, bicycle tools (including wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers), and operating portable sewing machines. These items fit well within the shipments of bicycles, adding value without displacing bicycles, and are much welcomed.

3. Sewing machines

Bikes for the World has begun to collect used portable sewing machines to ship along with bikes.  Sewing machines are high-value, in-demand items that fit in small spaces in the shipping containers without displacing bikes.  Like bicycles, sewing machines represent a “productive asset” for a low-income working person.   Some of the sewing machines will go to the same vocational programs receiving our bicycles, others to sewing cooperatives or other institutions separate from the bicycle program.  

Unlike the bikes, sewing machines are to be used by identified groups and generally not sold to individuals.  The numbers needed to make a difference are much smaller—half a dozen to a dozen sewing machines can make training or a small group business possible.

Acceptable sewing machines should be in working order, or close to it.  Any make, model or age is welcome.  Our aim is to send the machines so they can be used right away.  They will be checked out here and serviced, if needed, before they are sent.

You will get a receipt valuing the sewing machine and any cash contribution, for tax purposes.  As with bike donations, an accompanying contribution of $10 is strongly suggested.  

4. Cell phones

Bikes for the World collects and sells old cell phones for re-use or recycling, via a commercial re-use program.  Funds raised through the sale of cell phones supports the shipping of bikes and administration of the program.