So they turn to us with the question: "Which car rack is best for eBikes?" The answer is a Saris platform hitch rack, specifically the MTR, Freedom EX and SuperClamp EX racks – all perfect to carry eBikes right out of the box. For 1-bike adventures: the MTR 1-bike can carry 1 bike weighing up to 60 pounds.
In a general, can you put an electric bike on a bike rack?
My number one suggestion is you wanna take your eBike on a bike rack, take the battery off. Take the battery off, put the battery in the front seat or the back seat or in the trunk and then put the bike onto the bike rack. ... Take the battery off, put it on there so the answer is yes, you can put eBikes on there.
Forbye, what is the easiest bike rack to use? Of the 70 bike racks we've tested, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 tray-style hitch rack is the best overall for transporting one or two bikes. As long as your vehicle has a trailer hitch, this lightweight model is one of the easiest to mount on your vehicle and is simple to load bikes onto.
Still and all, are hitch bike racks better?
Hitch Rack Platform racks, although heavier and more expensive, offer many advantages over other designs. The stable platform where the front and rear wheels sit on a tray and virtually eliminates any risk of balancing during transport and many different styles of bicycles transported at the same time.
Why you should not transport your'e bike on a standard bicycle trunk rack?
The reason being that your vehicle's roof or trunk is likely not sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a heavy e-bike or two. A platform that you can mount to a trailer hitch is the best choice because it distributes weight much more evenly.
BESTSELLER NO. 1 in 2021
KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2†Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, Fat Tire, and Electric Bicycles – 60 lbs/Bike Heavy Weight Capacity – Smart Tilting – RV Use Prohibited
Keeps your bikes sturdy and safe with a patented Anti-Wobble System
Quick Release Tilt Design makes it easy to access rear cargo and fold up the bike rack when not in use
Supports 2 bikes up to 60 lbs each using durable powder coated steel tubing and keeps them secure with padded clamps and locking knob and hitch pin; Rear reflector adds enhanced visibility
Easy to install and adjust; Most parts come pre-assembled; Heavy duty 5” wide trays are adjustable to fit most e-bikes, fat tire, road and mountain bikes, and more; Low Y-frame bikes may require support of an KAC Overdrive Bike Frame Adapter; For 2” hitches only (not recommended to use a 1 ¼” - 2” hitch adapter)
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers a wide variety of mishaps and performance guarantees; RV or 5th wheel use is prohibited
BESTSELLER NO. 2 in 2021
Tow Tuff TTF-2762KR Steel Cargo Carrier with Bike Rack
The Tow Tuff Cargo Carrier measures 27” x 62” x 3” deep, giving you plenty of room to take care of your various hauling needs
With a total weight capacity of 500 lbs., this Tow Tuff product can hold large loads. Constructed of heavy-duty steel for a durable product
The unique design allows this 2-in-1 carrier to function as a cargo carrier or as a bike rack by simply removing the pins to turn the bike rack into a cargo carrier or vice versa; fits 2" receivers for easy mounting onto your vehicle
When using as a bike rack, the adjustable wheel holder and tie-down holes secure the bike(s) in place. The wheel cradles fit most bikes and holds up to 4 bikes
Includes a tie-down strap; 1 year limited Manufacturer's parts warranty
BESTSELLER NO. 3 in 2021
Hollywood Racks Fat Tire Electric Bike Rack, Fat Tire/Up to Wide Tires
Bike rack carries two electric bikes (up to 5 inch wide tires) with up to a 60" wheelbase; Maximum capacity 80lbs per bicycle
Locking bike frame hooks to deter thefts; includes keyed alike locking hitch pin
Fits 2" hitches only; Features patented no wobble-no tools hitch tightening system for fast and secure installation; Cannot be used with 1-1/4" to 2" adapter; Not to be used on any trailer, towed vehicle, or fifth wheel
The rack folds flat against the vehicle when not in use, and tilts down for easy cargo access
Batteries on electric bikes must be removed before mounting and transporting bikes on ebike rack
BESTSELLER NO. 4 in 2021
KAC Overdrive Sports K4 2†Hitch Mounted Rack 4-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, Fat Tire, and Electric Bicycles – 60 lbs/Bike Heavy Weight Capacity - Smart Tilting – RV Use Prohibited
Keeps your bikes sturdy and safe with a patented Anti-Wobble System
Quick Release Tilt Design makes it easy to access rear cargo and fold up the bike rack when not in use
Supports 4 bikes up to 60 lbs each using durable powder coated steel tubing and keeps them secure with padded clamps and locking knob and hitch pin; Rear reflector adds enhanced visibility
Easy to install and adjust; Most parts come pre-assembled; Heavy duty 5” wide wheel holders are adjustable to fit most e-bikes, fat tire, road and mountain bikes, and more; Low Y-frame bikes may require support of an KAC Overdrive Bike Frame Adapter; For 2” hitches only (not recommended to use a 1 ¼” - 2” hitch adapter)
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers a wide variety of mishaps and performance guarantees; RV or 5th wheel use is prohibited
BESTSELLER NO. 5 in 2021
KAC Overdrive Sports K1 1.25†Hitch Mounted Rack 2-Bike Platform Style Carrier for Standard, Fat Tire, and Electric Bicycles – 60 lbs/Bike Heavy Weight Capacity - Smart Tilting – RV Use Prohibited
Keeps your bikes sturdy and safe with a patented Anti-Wobble System
Quick Release Tilt Design makes it easy to access rear cargo and fold up the bike rack when not in use
Easy to install and adjust; Most parts come pre-assembled; Heavy duty 5” wide wheel holders are adjustable to fit most e-bikes, fat tire, road and mountain bikes, and more; Low Y-frame bikes may require support of an KAC Overdrive Bike Frame Adapter; For 1.25” hitches only (2” hitch adapter sold separately)
Supports 2 bikes up to 60 lbs each using durable powder coated steel tubing and keeps them secure with padded clamps and locking knob and hitch pin; Rear reflector adds enhanced visibility
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers a wide variety of mishaps and performance guarantees; RV or 5th wheel use is prohibited
BESTSELLER NO. 6 in 2021
Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
EASY TO ASSEMBLE & USE: Only takes a few minutes to assemble and the upright ratchet arms easily adjusts to different bike frame sizes, will accommodate bike frames up to 59 cm (23.2")
KEEPS YOUR BIKE STABLE: Sturdy design includes a built in anti-wobble hitch device to keep bikes in place
SAVES YOU STORAGE SPACE: Rack folds easily in to compact mode so that you can conveniently store when done using it
VERSATILE: Easily transports up to 2 bikes and is compatible with 1-1/4" and 2" receiver Hitch. Maximum weight capacity is 35Ibs per bike and fits 20" to 29" tire sizes
ACCESSORIES SOLD SEPARATELY: Fat tire wheel trays (64674), 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin (64029) or 1/2" Locking Hitch Pin and Security Cable (64031)
BESTSELLER NO. 7 in 2021
KAC Overdrive Sports C2 1.25" and 2" Hitch Receivers 2-Bike Capacity Mount Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier - Adapter Included - Front Clamping, Platform Style – RV Use Prohibited
PATENTED ANTI-WOBBLE SYSTEM - Mechanism utilizes a system to eliminate slack between the receiver and the rack, keeping your bikes sturdy and safe
COMPATIBILITY - The ratchet tire-clamps are designed to accommodate a wide range of bikes (Compatible with 24"-29" tires) including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, women's bikes, hybrids and more. This rack maintains a 120 lbs carrying capacity (60 lbs per bike) - Use on an RV is prohibited.
QUICK RELEASE TILTING - The patented quick release design utilizes levers to easily tilt the rack up when not using bikes and down for rear cargo access
WHAT'S INCLUDED - Purchase includes Heavy Duty Locking Cable (keys included), Hitch Pin Adapter (Compatible with 1.25" and 2" Hitch), Bike Securing Safety Strap, Installation Hardware
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY - At KAC Overdrive, we stand by the quality and design of our Bike Rack products. Our Limited Lifetime Warranty covers a wide variety of mishaps and performance guarantees. Use on an RV or 5th wheel is prohibited.
BESTSELLER NO. 8 in 2021
Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Hitch Rack
Premium hanging hitch bike rack for 4 bikes
Superior bike stability and fit with anti-sway cradles
Bike safe and secure (locking knob secures rack to vehicle)
Quickly attach and secure bikes with ratcheting cradle strap
Bike arms fold down when not in use
Rack tilts down for rear of vehicle access
Ideal for a wide variety of bike sizes/frame styles
Designed to fit 1. 25" Or 2" Hitch receivers
Quick, tool-free installation
Load capacity: 150 pounds
BESTSELLER NO. 9 in 2021
KAC E2 1.25" and 2" Hitch Receiver Mount Bike Rack Carrier 2-Bike Capacity for Truck, SUV, and Car - Platform Tray Style, Compact Folding Design - (Adapter Included) – RV Use Prohibited
COMPACT FOLDING - The unique compact folding design enables the rack to be folded up flush with the vehicle to save space when not in use.
TOP NOTCH QUALITY - Manufactured with heavy duty steel and finished with a durable powder coat ensuring lasting performance
COMPATIBILITY - This rack holds up to 2-bikes with a total weight capacity of 60 lbs (30 lbs each) Maximum tire width of 3-inch. Hitch is compatible with 1.25" and 2" hitch receivers (hitch adapter included)
BIKE PROTECTION - The soft padding on the rack provides protection to the bikes paint preventing chipping and wear and tear
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY - At KAC, we stand by the quality and design of our Bike Rack products. Our Limited Lifetime Warranty covers a wide variety of mishaps and performance guarantees
BESTSELLER NO. 10 in 2021
Tyger Auto TG-RK3B101S 3-Bike Hitch Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack | Free Hitch Lock & Cable Lock | Compatible with Both 1.25" and 2" Hitch Receiver
Fits all types of dual-arm bikes on vehicles equipped with either a 1.25 or a 2 inch hitch receiver. (Cable lock & hitch lock & security strap included.)
3 bike capacity with sturdy and handy construction. Sturdy steel construction with black powder E-Coating for rust resistance.
Convenient vehicle access with tilt down feature and foldable carry arms when not in use. Soft cradles made to protect your bike frame and secure your bikes individually.
Easy installation in minutes. (DIY instruction included in package.) NOTE: Both provided Safety Straps must be installed to stabilize bikes while driving. Otherwise, any resulting accident and damage will not be covered by warranty.
A trunk-mounted bike rack can also damage your car if the bikes are not fully secure. If the front wheel of the bike is able to move, it can easily rub against the paint while you're driving. This will surely result in scratches and fading paint over time.
Even though they don't have as many options when it comes to the number of bike racks they offer, they do offer more styles of bike racks. If you are a Jeep owner with a spare tire in the back then Yakima is the way to go because Thule doesn't offer the type of bike rack you need.
At $120, the Allen Deluxe 4 is the cheapest hitch mount rack we tested, and it's sometimes priced at much less than that. It does present a good value for those who use racks infrequently and are not concerned with security or frame damage.
A good rule of thumb is: Road bikes ~ 20 lbs., Mountain bikes ~ 30 lbs., Downhill Bikes/Cruisers ~ 40 lbs. So depending on your mix of bikes, you can carry up to 6 bikes using the Totem Pole bike rack. Make sure to weigh each bike if you are unsure of the weight and might be approaching the 200 pound limit.
Bikes are attached to the Thule T2 Pro using the built in cable locks - it connects the front wheel and frame to the rack. The T2 Pro can be firmly attached to the trailer hitch using an expansion screw included in the design of the rack.