Yeah, the shipping price feels like bait and switch when you see it doubles the cost. However its like that for everyone, the wholesalers and a couple of the high quality places. Some people used to ship surface which was like $40, but sometimes it took 3 months to arrive.
Green Bike Kit managed to stuff some extra stuff in my box for basically the same price, so I got a second kit (motor and extras) for free shipping. Had to build the wheel myself though.