Donate a bicycle

Velafrica accepts all types of bicycles, including e-bikes. We do not collect scooters, kickboards, bike trailers, balance bikes, tricycles or bicycle accessories.

Yes, Velafrica also accepts damaged bicycles and bicycles in poor condition. Bicycles that can no longer be repaired are dismantled for spare parts, while unusable parts are recycled.

Please note when dropping off a bicycle at an SBB baggage counter: the bicycle must be able to be pushed. This means that it must have two functioning wheels. Flat tyres are not a problem.

Yes, you can also donate e-bikes to Velafrica. E-bikes are primarily dismantled for spare parts, while unusable parts are recycled. Batteries and motors are also given a second life through our collaboration with upVolt, a company specialising in battery upcycling.

Bicycles can be donated at more than 300 Velafrica collection points in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany.

In addition to these collection points, bicycles can be donated at more than 100 collection events and pick-up campaigns held each year.

Yes. After registering in advance, you can donate a bicycle at any staffed SBB baggage counter listed on the map.

To donate a bicycle at an SBB baggage counter, the bicycle must be able to be pushed. This means that it must have two functioning wheels. Flat tyres are not a problem.

In February, July and August, no bicycle donations are accepted at SBB baggage counters due to the peak travel season.

It is not possible to donate more than four bicycles at a time at SBB baggage counters.

Collection point / SBB baggage counter: Dropping off a donated bicycle is free of charge. Velafrica covers the transport costs itself.

Bicycle pick-up campaign:
Collection as part of a bicycle pick-up campaign is free of charge.

Customised collection:
A customised collection (e.g. clearing bicycles from a property) by Velafrica or a partner company may be subject to a fee.

This is available in some regions. Fees may apply. Details can be found in the list of contacts and prices.

There are also bicycle pick-up campaigns that take place several times a year in selected regions. Once you have registered, collection as part of a bicycle pick-up campaign is free of charge. Find out when the next bicycle pick-up campaign will take place near you.

Every donated bicycle is checked by one of more than 30 processing partners to assess its roadworthiness and repair needs. Bicycles in good condition and those that can be repaired are refurbished, exported and reused. Bicycles that can no longer be repaired are dismantled for spare parts, while unusable parts are recycled.

Velafrica exports bicycles and spare parts to partner companies in Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Malawi, Ivory Coast, Ghana and The Gambia. There, the bicycles help people gain access to education, income and healthcare and create jobs and training opportunities related to bicycles.

Velafrica’s processing partners are permitted to sell a maximum of 10% of the bicycles collected in Switzerland to cover their workshop costs. The sale of one bicycle in Switzerland therefore helps finance the refurbishment and shipment of several bicycles to Africa.

If you would like to donate bicycle accessories or components, please contact info@velafrica.ch in advance.

In addition to permanent collection points, Velafrica collects bicycles at more than 100 collection events and pick-up campaigns in various regions each year.

Yes. Please state how many bicycles you would like to donate when registering so that you receive the correct number of labels.

For properties, Velafrica offers a clearance service at a flat rate of CHF 240 per collection.

Für Unternehmen, die Lagerbestände spenden möchten, gibt es individuelle Lösungen.

Absolutely! You can find all the information on the ‘Organise a bicycle collection’ page.

Become one of more than 300 official collection points! Recycling centres, bicycle shops, railway stations and private individuals can all serve as collection points. You can find more information on the “Become a partner” page.