Donate a Bike
To donate, bring your bike to Good Karma Bikes during shop hours, and we will happily provide a tax donation receipt.
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We have limited staff, so we do not offer pickup services. If you have no other option, our transport fees are $250 (1-5 bikes) and $500 (6-10 bikes).
We Accept
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​Bikes in good condition
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Bike parts, locks, tools
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Gently used clothing, helmets
We do not accept
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e-Bikes
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Bike racks for cars
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Trainers
Bike Donation Guidelines
Your donated bike is the raw material that powers our mission at Good Karma Bikes. Each bike is remanufactured by our dedicated team of skilled volunteers, then returned to the community or sold in our shop to help fund what we do.
Our volunteers are the heart of this operation — and unlike a lot of things these days, they can't be replaced by technology. That also means their time is our most valuable resource. To serve more people, we focus on donations that can be repaired efficiently and put back into use quickly.
What makes a good donation:
Every bike we receive is evaluated to determine the best path forward. Bikes that have been stored indoors — in a garage, for example — and are in reasonable condition can typically be repaired quickly and cost-effectively. These are the donations that fuel our mission most directly.
Bikes stored outside and exposed to the elements, or bikes from low-cost big-box brands, often require more time and resources than they're worth to repair. When a bike can't be practically restored, we either recycle it or salvage any reusable parts — keeping as much as possible out of the landfill.
Before you donate, please review the guidelines below. If your bike doesn't meet them, recycling is a great way to give it a responsible second life and keep it out of the landfill. We are happy to take a look and make an assessment.​
Detailed Donation Guidelines
The following are fatal flaws that make a bike not worthy of repair.​​
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Poor condition from being stored outside
If there is significant rust on the chain, derailleurs, brakes, rims and frame. If their is significant sun / weather damage to the tires, grips and saddle. -
Bent, cracked, damaged frame
If the frame is bent or damaged from an accident. -
Bent or missing wheels
If the wheels bent from an accident, or missing altogether -
Seat post cannot move up or down
If the seat post is frozen on the seat tube and cannot be moved up or down.
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The following are judgement calls whose additive effect could make the bike not worthy of repair.
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Low quality brand, box store brand in fair or poor condition
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High quality brand in poor condition
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Conditions to consider:
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Rusty, dirty, greasy​
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Saddle, grips dried out or messy
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Cable housing dried, cracked
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Derailleurs, cranks, cassette / freewheel damaged
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Brakes damaged
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Recycling Options
If we determine your bike cannot be refurbished cost effectively, we will gladly recycle it for a $20 donation per bike. You're also free to recycle the bike on your own. We recommend any of the following local recyclers.
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