Your e-bike ships in one big box, and the first hour after it arrives decides how smoothly everything goes from there. Here's exactly what to do from the moment the driver pulls up to your first ride, whether it's one of our fat tire electric bikes, a commuter or a holiday gift.
The Quick Answer
- Be home to sign, and inspect the box before you sign. Note any damage on the delivery slip and photograph it.
- Unbox and check the bike the same day. Report visible shipping damage within 48 hours and hidden damage within 3 days.
- Most bikes arrive mostly assembled. Plan on attaching parts like the handlebar, front wheel, pedals and seat, then charging fully before your first ride.
Before It Arrives
Orders are processed in 1–3 business days, and most bikes arrive within 7–10 business days of your order. You'll get a tracking email as soon as your bike leaves the warehouse. If you haven't received tracking within 3 business days, email us at info@vortexcycles.bike.
Bikes ship free to the lower 48 by FedEx or UPS, and a signature is required. This isn't a package that gets left on the porch, so plan to be home. If you're buying a gift, keep that in mind when you pick the delivery address. Our e-bike gift guide for hunters has more tips on timing a surprise.
A few things to have ready:
- A clear space indoors or in the garage, roughly the length of the bike plus room to walk around it
- Scissors or a box cutter (used carefully, so you don't nick the frame or cables)
- A helper for lifting, since fat tire and moto-style bikes are heavy
- Your phone for photos
Step 1: Inspect the Box Before You Sign
This is the most important two minutes of the whole process. When the driver hands you the tablet, walk around the carton first. Look for tears, crushed corners, punctures or anything that looks like it took a hit.
If you see damage, write it on the delivery slip before you sign. If the box is badly damaged, you can refuse the delivery. Either way, photograph the outside of the box before you open it and keep all of the original packaging.
Why it matters: a clean signature is treated by the carrier as confirmation that the bike arrived undamaged. That makes a later claim much harder to win. Our Delivery & Inspection page walks through it step by step.
Step 2: Unbox and Inspect the Bike the Same Day
Don't wait for the weekend. Open the box the day it arrives, even if you won't assemble it yet. Hidden damage found after unboxing must be reported within 3 days, and visible shipping damage within 48 hours.
How to unbox without causing damage
- Stand the box upright or lay it flat with the opening on top.
- Open the top and remove loose parts and accessory boxes first.
- Lift the bike out with a helper, keeping it level.
- Cut zip ties carefully, away from cables and brake lines.
- Peel off foam and protective wrap, but keep everything until you're sure the bike is right.
What to check
- The frame and fork for dents, cracks or deep scratches
- The display, lights and wiring for damage or pinched cables
- The brake rotors for bends
- That the battery, charger and all listed parts are in the box
If anything is damaged or missing, email photos of the box and the bike to info@vortexcycles.bike. A damaged, defective or wrong bike costs you nothing: we repair, replace or refund it, and we handle the claim with the manufacturer and carrier for you.
What's in the Box
Every bike ships factory-sealed and mostly assembled, with the battery, the charger and the owner's manual. Most models include a tool kit for setup, and bikes with a keyed or card lock include the keys or NFC card. Each product page has a "What Shows Up at Your Door" section listing model-specific extras.
A few examples from our lineup:
- The EUNORAU FAT-HD 2.0 (Hunter X7) ships with the battery, charger, lights, bell and tool kit, plus a free gear kit.
- The Revi Rebel.2 Pro arrives about 95% assembled with the battery, charger, fenders and lights. You'll attach the pedals and handlebar.
- The HappyRun G70 cargo bike arrives about 90% assembled with both batteries, the charger, battery keys, NFC cards, fender, inflator and tools.
If anything on the list looks missing, message us before you assemble.
Step 3: Assembly
Bikes arrive mostly assembled, and no bike shop is needed. Typically you attach the handlebar, front wheel, pedals and seat, following the manufacturer's step-by-step video and the owner's manual. How long it takes depends on the model. The HappyRun Tank G60 Pro lists about 45 minutes of setup, and the HappyRun G70 lists under an hour with basic tools.
Assembly tips
- Pedals are marked L and R. The left pedal threads on in the opposite direction from the right. Never force a pedal that won't start by hand.
- Handlebar: center it with the front wheel and tighten the stem bolts evenly, following the manual.
- Front wheel: seat the axle fully, make sure the brake rotor slides cleanly into the caliper, and tighten the axle securely.
- Seat: insert the seat post at least to the minimum insertion mark.
- Brakes: don't squeeze hydraulic brake levers while the wheel is out, since that can push the pads together.
Stuck on a step? Send us a photo and we'll talk you through it.
A note on returns before you build
Change-of-mind returns must be requested within 14 days of delivery, and the bike has to be unused, unridden and unassembled, in its original packaging. A 20% restocking fee applies and covers return shipping. If you have any doubts about fit or power, call us before you assemble. Full details are in our Return Policy.
Step 4: First Charge and Pre-Ride Check
Charge the battery fully with the included charger before your first ride. Use only that charger, charge on a hard surface away from anything flammable, and unplug once it's full. If the bike sat in a cold truck or garage, let the battery reach room temperature before charging.
Then run through a quick pre-ride check:
- Check tire pressure against the range printed on the tire sidewall.
- Squeeze both brakes and make sure they engage firmly.
- Check that the handlebar, stem, seat post and pedals are tight.
- Set the riding mode and class for where you'll ride.
- Take a slow first ride in low assist somewhere open and quiet.
That first ride is when you'll notice how the pedal assist feels. If you're curious why some bikes surge and others ramp up smoothly, see Torque Sensor vs Cadence Sensor E-Bikes.
Step 5: Register and Keep Your Paperwork
For EUNORAU bikes, register your bike with EUNORAU after delivery to keep your warranty active. We'll send you the link. For other brands, keep your order confirmation as proof of purchase. Either way, save a few photos of the bike and its serial number in case you ever need warranty support.
As an authorized dealer, our Ride Desk handles manufacturer warranty claims for you. If something stops working, email us with your order number and a short video, and we'll troubleshoot with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be home for e-bike delivery?
Yes. Bikes ship by FedEx or UPS and require a signature, so they're never left on the porch. Inspect the box before you sign.
What should I do if my e-bike box is damaged?
Write the damage on the delivery slip before signing, or refuse the delivery if the box is badly damaged. Photograph the box, keep all packaging, and email us the photos within 48 hours.
How long does it take to assemble an e-bike?
It depends on the model. Most of our bikes arrive mostly assembled, and several product pages list setup times of under an hour with basic tools. Check the product page for your bike.
Can I return an e-bike after assembling it?
Change-of-mind returns are only accepted on unassembled, unused bikes within 14 days of delivery. Assembling the bike doesn't affect warranty coverage, so defects found later are still covered. Report shipping damage before you assemble.
Ready When It Arrives
Browse our fat tire electric bikes with free shipping on every order and most bikes arriving within 7–10 business days. Questions about delivery or setup? Call the Vortex Ride Desk at (855) 970-3574.
Updated November 2026. Specifications are from the manufacturers; check each product page for the latest details.
