Buying the Right E-bike Rack for Your Vehicle
The e-bike market is one of the fastest-growing areas within the bike industry to date. As a result, the bike industry has put a substantial focus on product design for e-bike components and accessories; this includes vehicle racks to transport your e-bike.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what e-bike rack features to look for to ensure you are buying one that is safe and sturdy enough to transport your ebike. Unless you have a folding e-bike, your only option for transportation is a hitch mount bike rack.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to check out Epicenter Cycling’s “e-bike approved” vehicle racks, or click the link to view our inventory!
Standard Bike Rack v.s. E-bike Rack
The most significant difference between a standard bike rack and an e-bike rack is the tow bar’s weight capacity. A rack that can transport ebikes has a tow bar made from more durable materials than a standard bike rack. With that, the rack has the ability to support more weight. When researching to buy your next e-bike rack, a good baseline is looking at bike racks that can support 65 lbs per bike mount.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
E-bikes tend to cost more than standard bikes, so it’s in your best interest to make sure you buy gear and accessories suitable to transport your bike. Getting your e-bike insured is a worthwhile move for a plethora of reasons as well.
If your e-bike gets damaged during transportation, and you have e-bike insurance, pay close attention to the following: it’s essential that you correctly follow instructions and recommendations with e-bike care, including proper storage and transportation. Insurance companies often may only pay out if specific criteria have been met.
When it comes to transporting e-bikes, here are some must do’s:
- Check the vehicle’s recommended maximum weight capacity. Calculate the weight of the bike rack and the weight of each e-bike you plan to transport.
- Meet the torque setting recommendations on the rack.
- Make sure the rack’s keys are stored in a secure location.
- Only transport your e-bike on a hitch mount bike rack.
- Do not use a hitch receiver adaptor.
- Lock your e-bike when you are not within sight of it. Understand the lock works to prevent your bike from getting stolen but is not guaranteed protection.
E-bike Vehicle Rack Features to Look For
Not all racks are built to load e-bikes. Protect your e-bike by purchasing a bike rack that is up to the task of safely transporting your e-bike to your next destination. In this section, we point out what features to look for when shopping for your next e-bike rack.
Hitch Mount Bike Rack
When you see vehicles transporting bikes, you probably have seen three styles in particular: a hitchless trunk-mounted bike rack, a roof rack, and a hitch mount bike rack. When it comes to transporting an expensive, +/- 65lbs e-bike, we’ll make a strong case that a hitch mount bike rack is the most sturdy and reliable rack for your e-bike.
While hitchless trunk-mounted bike racks are minimalist and relatively inexpensive, I certainly would feel uneasy loading a $10,000 e-bike onto that. Many hitchless trunk-mounted bike racks have a weight capacity of around 35 lbs. Your e-bike will very likely exceed the weight capacity.
As for roof racks? Unless you’ve been doing your squat snatches during Crossfit, why don’t you save your back and the embarrassment of your e-bike toppling down the other side of your car? You don’t need the stress.
Hitch mount bike racks are the best option to find a rack with a high enough weight capacity for your e-bike, easy to load and unload, and reliable during transportation. Keep scrolling to view Epicenter Cycling’s inventory of bike racks ready to haul your e-bike to its next adventure.
Epicenter Cycling’s Pick: Thule EasyFold XT 2
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 is one of the most reliable and cleverly designed racks we have come across. Its high load capacity and easy loading make it perfect for transporting e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes. An ergonomic foot pedal tilts the rack so you can access the trunk of your vehicle without unloading the bikes. As the cherry on top, when removed from your vehicle’s hitch, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 folds compactly, like a suitcase, for easy moving and storage.
The Saris Door Country
If you’re searching for the ultimate bike rack for eBikes, look no further than the Saris Door County. Powered by your vehicle’s 7-pin connection, the Door County is a full-service electric bike rack for electric bikes. Simply turn the key and press a button, and the Door County platform hitch rack effortlessly lifts eBikes into the transport position, and back down again. And when you’re on the road, the Door County keeps the electric vibe going with glowing tail lights, including running, brake and turn signals.
As for your precious two-wheeled cargo, the Saris Door County can transport two bikes, up to 60 lb. per bike, and sports integrated locks. The Door County’s unique lobster claw-style bike holds easily adjust to accommodate common electric bike features, such as fenders and down-tube mounted batteries. Ferocious in name only, the Door County’s lobster bike claws are gentle on your bike’s paint and ensure peace of mind as you travel down the road. And when you’re ready to call it a day, the Door County folds for storage and convenient wheels make it easy to roll away.
Locking Cable
Fortunately, almost any mid to high quality bike rack will include a locking hitch rack and locking cable for your e-bikes. While a lock does not guarantee your bikes won’t get stolen, it acts as a deterrent to any bike thief. It’s in your best interest to buy a bike rack with locking capabilities.
Kuat NV 2.0 Hitch Rack
This sturdy yet lightweight bike rack is perfect for transporting e-bikes to their next adventure. With a fully integrated locking system, you can have peace of mind that your bikes (and your hitch rack) are secure. As an added plus? The Kuat NV 2.0 comes with an integrated bike stand for easy bike maintenance.
For additional Security to protect your bikes, consider the Kyrptonite "Fahgettaboudit" Lock or leave your worries behind knowing your bikes are secure.
14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t HARDENED MANGANESE STEEL for ultimate strength
Durable, protective nylon cover with hook-n-loop fasteners to hold in place
Includes maximum security New York Disc Lock with 15mm MAX-PERFORMANCE STEEL SHACKLE
Patented*, oval hardened STEEL CROSSBAR for extra security
Hardened DOUBLE DEADBOLT locking for extensive holding power
HIGH SECURITY DISC-STYLE CYLINDER with reinforced anti-drill, anti-pull protection system
SLIDING DUSTCOVER protects and extends cylinder life
3 STAINLESS STEEL KEYS – one lighted with high intensity bulb and replaceable battery
Anti-Wobbling
Look for a bike rack that has an anti-wobbling system. This feature prevents the rack from moving while driving your vehicle. If you’ve ever seen a loaded bike rack bouncing while the vehicle is moving, it’s a scary scene. Not to mention it’s a safety issue that your tow bar does not adequately support the weight of your bike(s).
Pivot System
A bike rack with a pivot is a must-have for those with hatchback vehicles and need quick trunk access. Unloading and loading -/+ 65lbs e-bikes can become a chore, especially when car camping during a bike trip.
Both the Kuat NV 2.0 and Thule EasyFold XT have a foot pedal tilt pivot system. You know a bike rack is well designed when it can tilt and hold two 60 lbs e-bikes seamlessly.
RockyMounts’ BackStage
This one’s a treat. RockyMounts created a rack that is the perfect combination for e-bikers with a truck, SUV, or camper: the industry’s first 180-degree swing hitch rack. The Backstage allows you to move the rack with bikes loaded, a full 180 degrees away from the back of your vehicle. With a three-axis tow bar, you won’t see any wobble with the rack loaded either.
Have more questions about vehicle racks for e-bikes? Give us a call!