Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide quick and easy answers to many common questions. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Why do you repair and give away bicycles?
- To promote the bicycle for everyday use – for school, work, errands, exercise and fitness.
- To reuse, recycle and conserve our material and energy resources.
- So children can experience the joy of bicycling even when their parents can’t afford to buy them a bicycle.
- To encourage young adults to adopt sustainable transportation choices.
- To help stop and reverse the trend of increasing childhood obesity.
- To provide bicycles to adults who need them to be able to get to work.
- To teach and share bike repair skills through social work gatherings.
How do people receive the bikes you donate?
We donate refurbished bicycles to local social service organizations whose caseworkers distribute them based on the agency's eligibility requirements. We do not donate bicycles directly to individuals in need.
Who is eligible to receive a bike?
Eligibility is determined by individual agencies and organizations based on the need for and availability of our refurbished bicycles.
Is the Bicycle Exchange a non-profit organization?
Yes, SVBE is a tax-exempt non-profit 501c(3) organization, #46-1608203.
Where do the bicycles come from?
- Bicycles are delivered to our workshop by individuals who no longer need them.
- We DON’T buy/import new bikes; all bikes are recycled.
Can I make a donation to SVBE?
Our program accepts bicycles and bicycle parts of all sizes, and in the condition described below. We appreciate your effort to clean up your bike before donating it so we can focus on repairs. Of course, we also accept monetary donations.
All donations are tax-deductible and we will provide a receipt when requested.
We only accept bicycles by appointment. We do not pick up donations in general unless they are of great value.
What condition bicycles does SVBE accept?
Flat tires and broken or missing parts are no problem. We have an extensive parts inventory. Our volunteers can fix almost anything, however, we don’t restore paint and we can’t reverse corrosion. Before donating your bike, ask yourself:
- Could an experienced mechanic repair this bike in one hour or less?
- Is the bike substantially free of rust and corrosion?
- Is the bike clean enough that you could offer it as a gift without embarrassment?
If the answers are all “yes” then we’ll gladly accept the bike donation. Please clean up your bike before donating it so we can focus on repairs.
How is SVBE funded; where do the dollars go?
The Bike Exchange is funded through bike sales and donations from businesses and individuals. We make an effort to use our dollars locally and support domestic suppliers.
Can I buy a bicycle from SVBE?
Yes! While most bikes are donated to our non-profit agency partners to distribute to those in need of a dependable bicycle, we sell a portion of the bikes we repair in our shop. See the available bikes for sale online here.
Can I trade in one of my bicycles for a SVBE bicycle?
No.
Can I volunteer to repair bicycles too?
- Yes! Individuals under 18 should be accompanied by an adult until we determine they are ready to work independently.
- No mechanical skills are necessary. We provide parts, tools and guidance.
- Check out our Learn page for some excellent bike repair resources.
- Explore our event calendar and visit our Eventbrite page to RSVP for upcoming opportunities. New volunteers can find details about our volunteer roles and general information.
Why Volunteer with SVBE?
- Help us in our Mission: Each year hundreds of volunteers like you power our organization to repair bikes, improve peoples’ lives, and strengthen communities.
- Learn New Skills: Gain valuable knowledge about bicycle repair and maintenance that can be used to empower self sufficiency.
- Make a Difference: Contribute to a sustainable future. On average SVBE keeps 28 tons of material out of landfills each year.
- Meet New People: Become a part of a community and connect with others interested in bikes and cycling.
- All volunteers are expected to abide by our Code of Conduct.
Are there other things volunteers can do for the Bike Exchange?
Yes! We would love your help. Please visit our Volunteer Roles page for more information.
Where/When do I go to volunteer?
Explore our event calendar and visit our Eventbrite page to RSVP for upcoming opportunities. Unless otherwise noted, all volunteer events are at our shop. Please visit our Contact page for detailed directions to the shop and a map.
At the start of your volunteer shift, please log your expected number of hours at our sign-in form. Tracking volunteer time helps us to get financial support.
How do I contact SVBE?
Please visit our Contact page for all the information you’ll need.
How long has SVBE been donating bicycles?
Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange began in 1993, repairing bicycles for clients of the Mountain View Community Services Agency (MVCSA). With support from Xerox Corp., SVBE established a workshop in Mountain View, hosting volunteer workdays to refurbish donated bikes. In 2007, it became part of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition; and in 2013, it gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as an independent organization.