If you find the right bike rack for your E-bike, you can take it for a spin anywhere and anytime you feel like it!
But the problem is- you have to do some math here! The hitch type you’re using, the rack’s load capacity, the shape of your E-bike- all of these factors put together (like the rings from Captain Planet) make the best hitch bike rack for electric bikes.
The silver lining here is that I’ve taken all these golden factors into consideration before creating this list. So, you don’t have to do the heavy lifting.
So, let this article work as a blueprint as you figure out what bike mount floats your bike (pun intended).
Best Hitch Bike Rack For Electric Bike – Quick Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | KEY FEATURES | price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Pick | KAC E-Bike Rack |
| |
budget | HYPERAX E-Bike Rack |
| |
Versatile | Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR |
| |
heavy load | Saris Freedom E-Bike Rack |
| |
Premium | Thule EasyFold XT |
| |
Secured | Vibrelli e-Bike Rack |
|
The 10 Top Hitch Racks for Electric Bike – Reviews
Now I’ll show you what each of the hitch bike racks I’ve listed has in store. All the positives and the shortcomings will be outlined. So, you should be able to get a clear idea about the different E-bike racks.
1. KAC Overdrive Sports K2 2″ Hitch Mounted Electric Bike Rack
A decent price point, user-friendly design, standard load capacity, and excellent powdered steel build.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Dimensions: 36.89″x 61.02″ x 38.11″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 44.8 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 120 lbs
- Brand: KAC
While I always wanted a quality bike rack, I was a little skeptical. I didn’t know whether the expense would get me the performance I wanted. I wasn’t sure about the KAC Overdrive Sports K2 when I saw it first despite my extensive homework. But this bike rack cleansed all my doubts and made a believer out of me.
The moment I got this bike rack, I tried to check all there is to it. What took me aback is that all the parts of this bike rack are adjustable. From the hooks to the tire trays, I was able to move everything around to fit my e-bike. It’s a game-changer for me because I knew if I get a new e-bike tomorrow the rack wouldn’t be obsolete.
I also loved the use of powder-coated steel instead of regular steel. While it may not seem like much, the powder coating has a major contribution in protecting an e-bike’s body. If you’re not familiar with powder coating, let me tell you. The coating functions as a layer to prevent discoloration, dings, and scratches.
Besides, there is a lock mechanism for the hooks and tire trays. So, once I got everything set up, I could use the keys provided with the bike rack to lock my bike into place. This took away a lot of anxiety I have during the long trips I take carrying my e-bike.
There is also a safety strap that you can wrap around the e-bike just to stop the scary and unpredictable wobbles. Another major safety concern for people who use hitch mounts is the rear light visibility. The e-bike rack can obstruct the rear light, causing other drivers to trip up. However, the reflector attached to this rack takes care of the rear light visibility issue.
I always had access to the trunk of my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. All I had to do is simply tilt the rack, and voila. E-bikes are the fat kid of the biker’s block. So, the tilt option helps users mount the bikes easily.
The only concern I had (still have) with this bike rack is the load capacity. It can carry up to 120 lbs. That’s 60lbs per bike. Now, my RadRunner 1 weighs around 65lbs. So, I can’t mount another RadRunner even if I wanted to. Still, I was able to take my VanMoof S3 along with me because of its 41lbs weight.
Apart from the load capacity, there is no other dent in the shining armor of KAC Overdrive Sports K2. The “no other dent” only applies to people who have a handsome budget. Yeah, this e-bike rack can put some serious stress on your wallet! But it’s worth the wallet-stress- trust me!
2. Hyperax 2 E-Bike Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Carrier
Incredible 140lbs load capacity, innovative design, access to the trunk, wide and adjustable tire trays.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Dimensions: 32.68″ x 8.11″ x 13″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 33.5 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 140 lbs
- Brand: HYPERAX
When I saw my friend carrying his bike rack like a mini suitcase, I got curious. He was just walking around with the rack as if it was just another day at the office.
I wanted to test this allegedly highly transportable rack out. So, I took it from my friend for a few weeks and later decided to get one Hyperax 2 Hitch Mounted EBike Rack for myself.
As you can see from the events I described, the standout feature of this rack is the carrying handle. Of the many electric car bike racks I’ve used, none of them could be carried vertically. The Hyperax, however, was built for vertical carrying. So, it was easy and comfortable to take it from the storehouse to vehicle and vice-versa.
The design of this rack is strikingly similar to the KAC Overdrive I’ve mentioned earlier. The foam-padded hooks, the tire trays, and the lock-mechanism, all of it reminded me of the Overdrive. The only difference in terms of design is the carrying handle.
However, it’s not an exact replica of the KAC Overdrive. The load capacity of the Hyperax is higher than the KAC Override bike racks mentioned. This feature is what truly sets this rack apart from the crowd. Most racks have a standard load capacity of 120lbs.
Not the Hyperax. It can carry 40lbs more. So, I was able to “finally” mount my RadRunner1 and my friend’s Gazelle Ultimate C8 HMB. The load capacity alone makes this the perfect fat tire electric bike hitch rack.
The other features are industry-standard. It works with a 2″ hitch receiver. The hooks and wheel trays are adjustable. So, I didn’t run into any trouble moving the parts around according to different e-bike sizes and shapes.
There is also a strap to secure the tires from wobbling. Once you set it up, you can put the strap around the tires.
The rubberized hooks are nice, but I never put all of my faith into them. E-bikes are expensive and it’s better to be safe than sorry. I placed microfiber cloth on top of the crossbar that the hooks would latch onto. I recommend you do it as well because rubber can come off due to the friction with the bike’s crossbar.
I have no complaints about the Hyperax Bike Rack. However, my friend who’s the reason behind me getting this rack did complain about the inconsistency of the locks. The hitch and the two holder locks can cause some trouble. If the locks act up, contact customer support. The customer service team is prompt, efficient, and courteous.
3. Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack for E-Bike
Can carry different types of bicycles, has tons of options, customization facilities are off the charts.
- Material: Aluminum
- Dimensions: 54″ x 43″ x 15″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 52.04 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 120 lbs
- Brand: Thule
I’ve heard about Thule way before getting their bike rack. They have quite a reputation due to their trademark engineering. So, I thought it was finally the time to test out one of their hitch racks. For the test run, I thought I would start with the Thule T2 Pro Hitch Bike Rack.
First of all, I was simply amazed by the build quality of their racks. The T2 Pro rack came with a beefy body and featured black alloy as its core component. It looked sturdy from the beginning; so, I was never afraid to place both my E-bikes on it.
Although, it says the maximum loading capacity of the rack is about 120lbs, yet both my bikes together weighed a little more. I didn’t come across any problems due to the extra weight; so, I believe you wouldn’t either. But it would be better not to cross 120lbs limit.
Installing the rack was child’s play, so was removing it. I didn’t even need to use any wrench, or plier because of the Tool-Free AutoAttach knob of the rack. To make my life even easier, there was an included built-in lock cylinder.
I liked the HitchSwitch lever, which allowed me to tilt the rack up or down. What I mean is you can tilt the carrier down to access your vehicle’s rear. You can also tilt it upwards, which will fold the entire thing up for compact storage. Whenever I’m not using the rack, I just press the HitchSwitch lever, and voila it becomes all small.
Afterward, there is the ratcheting arm of the carrier. It is frame-free and can secure the bikes quickly without contact. The arm also features a 24-inch security cable, which I always used to keep my e-bike secured to the rack. When I’m not using it, the cable retracts back to the arm for extra convenience.
There is a big space between platforms; thus, I was never worried about my bikes coming into contact with each other. One of the downsides to the rack is that the security cable is a bit too short for some bicycles.
Attaching the rack to my car was a piece of cake; however, assembling the rack itself was a herculean task due to the poor instruction manual. It was tough but I managed to do it on my own.
Nevertheless, I loved the rack, especially because of its versatility. It was compatible with not only my E-bikes but also with my mountain, downhill, and fat bikes.
4. Saris Freedom Bike Rack for E-Bike
High flexibility, ratchet straps instead of hooks, can reach low crossbars, foldable.
- Material: Steel
- Wheelbase: up to 48″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 54 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 4
- Load Capacity: 190 lbs
- Brand: Saris
I continued down the premium rack lane to see where it takes me. After cruising around a while, I parked my metaphorical bike around the Saris Freedom Bike Rack station. I must admit- the design had me cornered at first. But I got a hold of it after taking some time to understand the overall layout.
Unlike the KAC Overdrive K2, this bike rack doesn’t have hooks to support the bikes. Instead, the ratchet straps hold the e-bikes in place. There is an upside and a downside to this. The plus is that it can handle bikes with a low crossbar. However, the straps aren’t as strong as the hooks so you have to drive with caution.
I didn’t hit any bumps setting up the bike rack. You plug it into a 2″ hitch, make sure the safety pin is secured, and there you have it. The rack is ready for use.
Similar to the KAC Overdrive K2, all the different parts, the strap holders, and the tire trays of the Saris Freedom are adjustable as well. While there is no locking mechanism to prevent these parts from moving when faced with extensive pressure, there is a cyclical lock system. It’s not 100% reassuring, but it gets the job done.
Besides, the Saris Freedom comes in two different forms. Let’s call it- the basic and the evolved form. The basic form can carry two bikes up to 120lbs. The evolved form, however, can carry up to 190lbs. If you’re planning for a family trip with the wife and kids, the inner ring should hold the heavy adult bikes weighing 60lbs each, and the outer ring can carry kid bikes up to 70lbs.
The problem with the Saris Freedom Bike Rack is the wheel trays. The entire body has a steel construction. Unfortunately, the tire trays are made of plastic. So, e-bikes with big and bulky tires can cause the wheel tray to collapse.
Even though there is a glaring weak wheel tray issue, the Saris Freedom is still an excellent bike rack. Only a handful of e-bikes have an oppressively large tire. Most have the standard size, and this hitch mount rack will take care of it with ease.
5. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack for E-Bike
Foldable, has carry handle, built-in wheels, versatile rack, excellent 130lbs load capacity
- Material: Aluminum, Plastic
- Dimension” 48.4″ x 25″ x 26.75″
- Receiver: 1.25″ & 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 45 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 130lbs
- Brand: Thule
If you have been reading till now, you should know that I’ve already talked about a Thule bike rack. Similar to the previous one, the EasyFold XT2 carrier is also a good option for traveling with E-bikes. Now, the question is why the previous Thule rack is in 3rd position while this one is in 5th. Stay tuned because you are about to find out.
In terms of build quality, both Thule hitch racks are great and able to carry two electric bikes easily. Although the XT2 features aluminum and plastic as its core components, I have never faced issues such as hitch bends or breakage.
As mentioned, I have two E-bikes, one weighs around 41 and the other 65 pounds. The rack held both my bikes rather easily and putting them up there was not a challenge either due to the integrated loading ramp, which by the way can be folded for easy storage.
Additionally, the carrier has two attachments that fit with hitch receivers of 1.25-inches and 2-inches. Most of the bike racks come with only one size hitch receiver but this one is suitable for two.
Installing the bike is a two-man job, especially the first time unless you are a beefcake or handy in such scenarios. Once you know your way around, it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to set it up. A good thing about the installation is that you won’t require any tools for the job.
Apart from that, there are detachable bike arms, which come along with AcuTight torque knobs. Using them will let you place the bikes securely with less to no effort. There is a small foot pedal that allows you to tilt the rack when it is still attached; hence, you won’t need to detach the carrier every time you want to access the trunk.
In some cases, the XT2 rack is even better than the T2 pro due to its portability. The former is fully foldable along with a carrying handle and there are wheels to make the job of moving around even easier.
On the downside, the rack won’t be able to hold E-bikes with fat tires. It is said that the carrier can hold bikes with 4.7-inches tires, but it’s wrong. If your bikes have fat tires, I would suggest you look into something else because the XT2 will be a complete waste then.
6. Vibrelli Electric Bike Hitch Rack for E-Bike
3 different locking mechanisms, additional safety strap, adjustable padded hooks, 130lbs load capacity.
- Includes: Safety strap & spare key
- Triple Lock Security
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 43.9 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 130lbs
- Brand: Vibrelli
A couple of years back, there was this uprising of bike thieves. Many of my friends and people I knew lost some really expensive bikes. This almost made me wet pants because I too own some costly bikes, which were very near and dear to me. This is when I decided that I need something to keep my bicycles secured and that something came to me as a blessing in the name Vibrelli Bike Hitch Rack.
Okay, let’s talk about the compatibility functions of the rack. As mentioned, I use a 2018 Hyundai Tucson (SUV) and it has a 2-inch hitch receiver. The receiver was perfectly compatible with the rack’s hitch tube. However, in the case of RVs, trailers, or Class B vehicles, there will be major compatibility issues.
In terms of bike compatibility, the rack can pretty much hold any type of bicycle. It won’t matter whether you are using a road, mountain, fat tire, or E-bikes. The carrier can hold up to two bikes and has a maximum weight capacity of 130lbs. Make sure the bikes don’t weigh more than 65lbs each.
There is a quick-release pedal, which you can use to tilt down or fold up the rack. With just one press of the leg, you can either have a smooth parking experience or easy access to the trunk.
On the other hand, the rack features an anti-wobble hitch that firmly locks the carrier to the vehicle. Once I locked it, I knew that it could only be opened by my key. It made sure there was no funny wobbly business while I’m driving soundly with my E-bikes at the back.
Now the reason why I bought this rack in the first place. The carrier’s wheel cradles have ratchet straps that hold the bike in one position. Then there are these three locking mechanisms which to me were the most important features of the rack because they always kept my bikes safe from potential thieves.
I was a bit pissed off when the pointy part of the locking arm left a scratch on one of my bicycles. Well, I was to blame there because I wasn’t careful enough. It could’ve been avoided easily with some safety pads.
Nonetheless, because of all the security mechanisms and included safety strap, I was never worried about the safety of my bikes while using the rack. It is very comforting to know that your bikes are always safe and sound at the back.
7. Upright 2 Mountain Hitch Bike Rack for E-bike
Cheapest option, adjustable tire trays and holders, moderate build quality.
- Material: Steel
- Dimension” 59″ X 23.5″ X 23.5″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 23.8 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 70lbs
- Brand: EGO BIKE
If you are running low on cash or just want to give a test run before buying a costly rack, the Upright 2 Mountain Hitch Bike Rack, can be a good choice. I remember buying it as my first hitch rack ever and I actually thought it wouldn’t last more than a few months but guess what? It did last for a couple of years and I got my money’s worth out of it.
I thought the rack would come with an aluminum body considering the price. However, I was amazed to see that it featured durable metal tubing. The steel built ensured the longevity of the carrier. I didn’t come across any accidents, where the weight of my e-bike would rip apart the rack. Additionally, there was no sign of corrosion as well.
Unlike the last few racks, this one comes with chocks. You will be able to adjust the chocks according to the size of your bike. It is not hard to adjust them and they pretty much go with any bike size. I’ve tried placing a couple of different bikes there and so far, there weren’t any complications.
You will be able to carry 2 mountain bikes on the rack, depending on the weight. However, E-bikes are usually heavier; therefore, I would suggest you don’t place more than 1 e-bike there. There is a good hitch distance between the rack and the car; so, there is no chance of your bikes coming in contact with the vehicle’s rear.
Apart from that, the hitch is suitable for 2-inch receivers. You will be able to use the rack with truck hitch, SUVs, and vans. However, the main tubing is straight; so, you make sure your vehicle has high ground clearance.
The overall installation process of the hitch rack is easy. But there is no instruction manual included with the package. If you are not handy with these sorts of stuff, you may have a hard time assembling the rack.
I almost forgot to mention; you won’t be able to fold the rack when not in use. You will need to completely disassemble it for compact storage. However, once you get used to the ins and outs of the rack, it doesn’t take long to take it into pieces.
Overall, the rack was worth the deal for me. It is undoubtedly a very good budget hitch bike rack for E-bikes.
8. BUZZRACK E-Scorpion H1 1-Electric Bike Platform Hitch Rack
Single e-bike carrier, carries up to 66lbs, foldable, easy access to the trunk.
- Material: Metal
- Dimenssion: 32.3″ x 51.2″ x 41.3″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 32.6 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 1
- Load Capacity: 66 lbs
- Brand: BUZZ RACK
While on my journey to find the best hitch bike rack for e-bike, a friend of mine suggested that I check out the BUZZRACK E-Scorpion H1 carrier. I already had my eyes on another rack at that moment; so, much to my disinterest, I got this rack and what do you know? From that day, I still don’t regret buying this beast of a hitch rack.
Most of the bike racks I have used or use come with at least 2 chambers. However, this carrier doesn’t feature the same. It is not like I take both my electric bikes when I’m traveling, but it feels better to have the option than not to. It didn’t matter much because I only took one of my bikes with me.
Nevertheless, the moment I saw the E-Scorpion H1 hitch rack, I knew it was sturdy and would last for a very long time. The carrier is about 32.6lbs despite its steel construction. Usually, rugged build quality means a heavier product, but it’s not the same case with this rack.
Other than that, the hitch fits with 2-inch receivers and you won’t have to worry about tail strike at the bottom of your rack because the main tubing goes in an upward direction. It is said that the total weight capacity of the rack is 66lbs, but it held up quite well even with an e-bike of 72lbs.
The wheel tray is foldable, which comes in handy for compact storage. There are some small wheels underneath the rack for easy transport. Although you might not need them because the carrier itself is light, it still feels nice to have them for future convenience.
When I wanted to use my vehicle’s tailgate, I simply released the rack’s front handle. The hitch rack automatically tilted away with no muss, no fuss. Afterward, the rack features adjustable upright, meaning it can be adjusted to hold bikes of different frame sizes and styles.
If you look at the bottom, you will notice that there are anti-sway holders with ratchet straps to further secure the rack’s hold on your bike. I always used them to remain on the safe side whenever I went traveling.
So far, I haven’t seen any major cons of the E-Scorpion H1 hitch rack. Sure, it would have been better if the carrier had two chambers but beggars can’t be choosers. It is a bit costly, so make sure you are willing to invest that much on a rack before actually buying it.
9. Venzo 2 Bike Platform Style e-Bike Carrier
Went under extensive testing conditions, super sturdy build, foldable.
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Dimenssion: 35.04″ x 13.78″ x 6.69″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Item Weight: 35.274 lbs
- Bike Capacity: 2
- Load Capacity: 90 lbs
- Brand: Venzo
After spending a heck lot on bike racks, I thought I would go for something more budget-friendly and that is when I found the Venzo 2 Bike Bicycle Platform Style Carrier. Honestly, I bought this one for my skinny mountain bikes, yet somehow, someway it held on its own when I took it out for a spin with my E-bikes.
I did a little background check before buying the carrier. Turns out it has been tested in many ways, such as straps pulling, driving, swinging, and vibration tests. It says that the rack passed all of them, including the TUV test with flying colors.
Unlike the last two racks, this one comes with clamp and tire holders. As I mentioned before, I have two E-bikes, both of which weigh more than 40lbs each. I thought the rack won’t be able to hold even one of my E-bikes, but much to my surprise, it was able to carry my VanMoof S3.
I didn’t take the risk of putting both my E-bikes there but I did put one e-bike and a mountain bike, both of which weighed around 70lbs combined. There was no sign of cracks or bends after the journey.
The wheel and clamp holders are adjustable; so, you will be able to adjust them according to the wheel size of your bike. Furthermore, the clamps ensure the safety of your bike while driving. The entire frame along with the clamps is protected with a foam layer. It made sure to keep my bikes safe from scratches or streaks.
Apart from that, the arms are foldable, which you can use to access your vehicle’s rear or for compact storage. Either way, it comes in handy when you don’t want to detach your rack or have a small garage.
One of the biggest drawbacks to the rack is that there is no way to lock the hitch to your car. You can attach it firmly, but anybody can remove it with the right tools. Moreover, the hitch pin is a bit too tight and I had to use tools every time I wanted to remove the rack.
There is also the trouble of having to remove the hook, whenever I want to place my bike on the rack. It is a bit annoying at first because there is no instruction that covers this detail. However, after a few tries, you will get used to the process and it will seem like a walk in the park.
Overall, the hitch rack is solid, budget-friendly, and not so hard to use. But if you are planning to use more than one e-bike or one with a big fat tire, I wouldn’t recommend the Venzo 2. If not then by all means go for it.
10. ECOTRIC Universal 4 Bicycle Hitch Bike Carrier for E-bike
Fits universal 2” hitch, padded hooks, bang for the buck, can carry up to 200lbs
- Material: Steel
- Dimenssion: 56.5″ x 49″ x 32.25″
- Receiver: 2″ hitches
- Max. tire width: 3-1/4″
- Bike Capacity: 4
- Load Capacity: 200 lbs
- Brand: ECOTRIC
I have saved a good one for the last. Why do I say it’s good? Well mainly because of its cost, rugged construction, and ability to carry not one, or two, but four individual bikes at once. I have to say, when I first went to buy the Universal 4 Bicycle Hitch Bike rack, I was a bit concerned about the quality. It was cheap, yet came with 4 platforms for bikes.
However, my concerns about its quality didn’t last long. At first, I took it out for a trial run with only one of my bicycles. It was listed that each one of the platforms comes with a maximum loading capacity of 50lbs. I used my VanMoof S3 for the trial run, which weighs around 41 pounds and the rack didn’t seem to have any problem holding it.
Afterward, I tried two bikes and then four. I just made sure not to use a bike that weighs more than 50 lbs. While attaching the four E-bikes to the rack, I noticed that the carrier due to the adjustable wheel holders and top clamps was able to hold all the bikes easily, even though the bikes differed a lot in style. Fyi, the wheel holders have a maximum width of 3.25-inches.
The hooks are not connected with one another and they can move independently. Thus, it didn’t matter if the bikes had the same or different heights. The hooks also came with padding, which kept the bikes safe from scratches.
The rack, on the other hand, features heavy-duty steel and till now there are no signs of rust. I was fairly impressed by the overall build quality of the carrier considering the price. I’ve already mentioned that I use a 2018 Hyundai Tucson, and I personally didn’t come across any issues attaching the rack.
The rack only fits with 2-inch hitch receivers; so, make sure your vehicle has that. Keep in mind that the main tubing is straight, hence if you want to avoid tail strikes use a vehicle with high ground clearance. Additionally, the turn knobs can be quite annoying to turn at first. If you are not carrying a slip lock plier, it will seem like a herculean task.
One final thing I must warn you about is the folding system. Unless you remove it completely, you will not be able to fold the rack; so, it is pretty much going to stick out the entire time. Although the rack comes with some flaws, it is still worth the price. You won’t find something this good at this rate.
Electric Bike Hitch Rack Buying Guide
All the hitch mount e-Bike racks I’ve listed here are a result of extensive research, use, and personal experience. After trying my hands out on many a rack, I saw a pattern. A map per se, that shows one the road to understanding the difference between the best hitch bike rack for electric bikes and a garbage rack. Now, I’ll show you the common path to victory. I’m going to outline the key concerns you need to address before getting highest rated bike racks for electric bikes.
Flexibility is Key
The equation is quite simple here. Better flexibility = more options to store bikes. So, the basic premise isn’t complicated. Every E-bike hitch rack should be flexible. But how do you know if a rack is or isn’t?
For starters, look at the bike holders. Does the rack use straps or padded hooks? Both options provide ample flexibility. You want the hooks or straps to be adjustable. Do the holders move? If so, how far? Can it reach low crossbars? Or does it only support high crossbar e-bikes?
The next part of the rack you’ll be looking into is the wheel trays. Ask yourself the same questions minus the last two. Add this question to the mix. Can the wheel trays hold different tire types? Do the wheel trays move enough to accommodate e-bikes and kid bikes (you know just in case)?
Once you’ve got your answer to all these questions, you should have a clear idea about the flexibility parameter of a bike rack for electric bikes.
Extra Features You Should Look Into
Quality-of-life features in a bike rack aren’t sought out by many. I suggest otherwise. The little features can seem insignificant but that’s an oversight. Maybe the added feature just saves 10 seconds of your time. Add it up. 10 seconds in 100 days makes 16 minutes saved from your life, and it just keeps increasing.
I digress. What extra features should be on your to-get list?
- Lock mechanism
- A ramp to mount bikes
- Foldable rack
- Carrying handle
- Reflector lights for better rear light visibility
Create a mental note of these features because having some or all of them is going to pay big dividends. You may not notice the benefits outright. But the seemingly less important features will make your life easy.
Accessibility and Ease of Use
I am a person who despises wasting hours assembling a bike rack. For me, it has to be well-designed and easy to set up. Even if you don’t mind spending some extra time behind rack assembly, you shouldn’t go for a complex system. Why? A momentary lapse of attention in setting up the rack and before you know it, the rack falls apart.
So, make sure you get an easy-to-assemble bike rack. All the racks I’ve listed here shouldn’t take you more than 7-10 minutes. And I’m exaggerating the time frame here. Once you get the hang of using the rack, it should be up and ready in less than 5 minutes.
Finally, a standard tilt mechanism is a must-have. While you can survive with the complex design, you don’t want to be shut out from your vehicle’s trunk. A lot of people opt for hitch mount racks because it gives access to the trunk. All the quality racks should have a tilt mechanism that allows you to do the same. Also some good racks have swing away feature. You can easily slide swing away hitch rack and get cargo access.
Manufacturer Support is Important
Does the manufacturer stand behind the rack they’re selling?
One quick and simple way to answer this question is to look up the warranty provided. The KAC Overdrive and the Saris Freedom racks come with a limited lifetime warranty. Chances are, you’ll never have to bother about the warranty in the first place.
However, having one in the bag ensures a good night’s sleep. You’ll go to bed knowing that the $$$ you’ve spent on getting that premium rack has a safety net.
Another thing you should be mindful of is customer support. Bike racks often have small yet annoying issues. For instance, the screw wouldn’t come out or the knob fell off. In such cases, the support team will either guide you on how to work around it or send you spare parts.
Whatever the case may be, you won’t be left stranded with no help to be found.
Load Capacity and E-Bike Compatibility
Whether your e-bike is compatible with the rack can be measured by the load capacity. The moment you check a rack out, one of the first things you see is how much weight it can take. Depending on what e-bike you have, you have to choose a rack. I always prefer hitch mount platform rack than non-hitch bike rack.
Let me do some quick math here. If you have two RadRunner 1 e-bikes, the total load comes to 130lbs. The KAC Overdrive and Saris Freedom can carry 120lbs. You see what’s going on here, right? Do the math, and understand the compatibility between the rack and the e-bike.
FAQs
People who are new to this often come across different questions. If you fall into the same category, here are the answers to the most common question users have regarding bike racks.
How do you carry an e-bike?
There are many ways to go about it. You can use the train or truck if you don’t have a car. If you have a four-wheeler that’s not a truck, you need bike racks. Bike racks are diverse, each suited for different purposes.
The hitch mount bike rack is perfect for carrying e-bikes from one place to another. Hitch mount racks can handle the weight of e-bikes and have more stability and security compared to other alternatives. That’s why hitch-mounts are considered to be the best bike rack for electric bikes.
Can you put an electric bike on a normal bike rack?
You can, but you shouldn’t. For instance, if you try to mount an e-bike on a trunk-mount bike rack, chances of accidents are high. Trunk racks can’t carry the weight of e-bikes. Also, it puts the trunk of your car in harm’s way. The same goes with roof mounts as well. So, hitch mounts are the safest way to ensure you keep the e-bike and your car safe.
Do you need a special bike rack for electric bikes?
I won’t call it special. You need hitch mount racks. Trunk, roof, and spare tire racks can’t handle the weight of e-bikes. So, hitch mount bike racks are your best bet.
Why hitch-mounted racks are the best choice for Electric Bikes?
As I said earlier, hitch-mount racks have high load capacity ergo they can handle the relatively higher weight of e-bikes. Apart from the load capacity, hitch-mount racks are stable. E-bikes are expensive (even the cheaper ones). That’s why the stability provided by hitch racks is the best choice for electric bikes.
Wrapping Up
Carrying an e-bike with a rack can be stressful and understandably so. E-bikes cost a decent chunk, and nobody wants their hard-earned green to hit the dirt because of rack failure. The only way to protect your e-bike is either to ride it in the neighborhood and never take it for adventurous trips or using the best hitch bike rack for electric bikes. Period.
A top-shelf bike rack will let you carry the e-bike without having to worry about it. I’ve done it. I don’t see any reason you can’t do it as well.
All the racks I’ve listed here are clear winners. If you understand your e-bike’s needs, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a suitable rack from here. If you want to take my word, I’d say put your money on the KAC Overdrive K2. It’s got all the goods necessary to take care of a wide range of e-bikes.
However, the KAC Overdrive is a high-end rack. Although it’s costly, I’m still recommending it because you don’t want to trash your expensive e-bike just to save a few bucks on the rack.
