People, who are quite fond of bike rides, always want to carry their bikes with them. But due to the size and adjustment problem, it becomes quite tricky. Fitting the bike within a car is not an option that can even be considered because of evident reasons. Bike racks solve this issue in a jiffy.
They are fitted at the rear end of a vehicle; hence, it does not cramp up the interior space. The racks also make carrying the bike across the country a lot easier. The article provides a detailed account of the best bike rack for electric bikes so that the user can judge for them.
Reviews of 7 Best Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes
Transportation of ebikes from one place to another can be difficult if they do not own any e-bike racks. Hence, to solve this purpose, some of the best bike carriers for e-bikes are listed below, which will assist the mass in buying:
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | KAC Overdrive Sports K2
| Check Price |
 | Thule EasyFold XT 2
| Check Price |
 | KUAT NV BASE 2.0
| Check Price |
 | Saris MTR 2
| Check Price |
 | Yakima OnRamp 2
| Check Price |
 | RockyMounts BackStage 2
| Check Price |
 | Saris Superclamp Bike Hitch
| Check Price |
KAC Overdrive Sports K2
The KAC Overdrive Sports K2’s most appealing feature is that the rack of the rack is padded with foam, which protects the paint job done on the bike.
There are two locks; one is located at the top hook arm of the rack and the other around the hitch pin. Both the locks work together to make the rack more secure than ever. The anti-wobble technology helps the user to have a noiseless ride. The rack can fit two bikes of 60 lbs. The smart tilt feature allows easier access to the cargo. The racks are 5 inches wide, helping the user accommodate even a mountain bike with humongous tires, even though the rack has been made for electronic bikes.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Anti- wobble
- Ideal for electronic bikes
- Smart tilt technology
Cons
- The rack itself is heavy.
- The wheel holder section could have been wider.
Thule EasyFold XT 2
- The rack can hold two bikes
- The maximum weight of the bike should be 65 lbs
- The height of the hitch receiver is 2.5 inches
- Smart tilt technology
- The weight of the rack is 45 pounds
- Foldable ramp enables the user to gain easier access
The Thule Easyfold XT 2 comes with smart tilt technology, which allows the user to gain access to the trunk of the car without excessive delay. The rack can hold two bikes of a maximum of 65 lbs and can accommodate a tire up to 4.7 inches thick. AcuTight torque limiter knobs are lockable, and it fixed with detachable bike arms to provide maximum security to the bikes.
The rack has a foldable ramp attached to it, which helps lift and unload the bike when required. Another lock is present in the rack called the receiver rack. The receiver rack’s function is to attach itself to the vehicle, eliminating the prospect of wobbling.
Pros
- The foldable ramp
- Two bikes can be fitted, each weighing no more than 65 lbs
- Two locks present secures the bike strongly
- Anti- wobble technology
Cons
- The rack is not sturdy
- The warning about the fifth wheel should be more noticeable.
KUAT NV BASE 2.0
- The rack is coated with a ballistic powder coat, which helps it to maintain its form for a long period
- The rack can support two bikes
- The weight of each bike should not exceed 60 lbs
- The receiver is 2 inches
- The rack can hold tires upto 4.8 inches wide
- Locking hitch pin to secure the rack
Like most of the bike racks present in the market, Kuat NV Base 2.0 can afford to hold two bikes simultaneously, but each bike should not exceed 60 lbs. The bike is well known for its durability because it comes coated with ballistic powder, which protects it from rusting easily. Even though the bike is sturdy, the company is also providing its customers with a warranty called “no worries warranty,” whose validity lasts for a lifetime.
The tilt level is located exactly in the middle of the rack, but it does not cause any additional problems; it is quite easy to use and operate. This rack does not use the typical lock and key system; rather, the bike has cable locks attached to it, which only requires the key at the time of unlocking. But it has a lock system integrated into the hitch pin, which secures the rack to the vehicle.
Pros
- The setup procedure of the bike is easy
- The rack is sturdy and holds the bike in place
- No worries warranty
Cons
- The cable locks take time to straighten
- If the bike’s wheel is 20 to 24 inches, an extra hardware facility would be required.
Saris MTR 2
- The rack can hold two bikes at a time
- It has an MTR rack system, which also enables to carry three bikes at a time
- Each bike should not exceed the capacity of 60 lbs
- The width of the wheel can be up to 5 inches
- It has an attached ramp
The Saris MTR rack’s unique feature is that it can hold three bikes at the same time, only it needs a bit of tinkering. The bikes should not exceed the weight of 60 lbs, which is the average limit for most of the bikes. The wheel compartment of the bike can be adjusted to support a maximum of 5 inches.
The MTR system’s advantage does not end over here; the technology helps the user operate the rack single-handedly. The bike is easy to operate and assemble. It also has a rack attached to it since e-bikes are usually heavy. The tilt mechanism helps to access the trunk without any added hassle.
Pros
- The rack can hold three bikes at a time.
- The MTR system lets the user operate the rack single-handedly.
- The bike rack is sturdy.
- Tilt mechanism
- The ramp makes the unloading and loading process easy.
- The lock technology secures the bike rack to the vehicle.
Cons
- The weight of the rack is quite heavy.
- The paint job is not perfectly done.
- The rack won’t cinch which the wheel does not fit the rack.
Yakima OnRamp 2
- The rack holds two bikes at a single time
- The weight of the bike should not exceed more than 66 lbs.
- The height of the hitch receive is 1.25 inches.
- The ramp is attached to the rack.
- The frame of the bike is adjustable.
- Tires should not exceed the width of 3.25 inches.
Yakima OnRamp 2 falls in the category of best e-bike rack. Like most e-bike racks, this rack can hold two bikes simultaneously and quite securely so. Each bike placed on the rack must not exceed 66 lbs, which is more than other bike racks’ capacity. The height of the hitch receiver is 1.25 inches that are basic to all bikes.
To make the matter more convenient for the users, the bike comes with an integrated ramp that helps in loading and unloading the bikes. The bike’s frame can be adjustable so that it can accommodate a plethora of bikes such as mountain bikes, road bikes, etc., but the width of the tire should not exceed 3.25 inches.
Pros
- Adjustable frame
- The integrated ramp
- Can hold various types of bike
- Can carry up to 66 lbs
- Lock and key system to secure the bikes
- The tilt system makes the handling of the bike easier.
Cons
- Width of the wheel compartment could be increased
RockyMounts BackStage 2
- The Hitch rack rotates 180 degree
- Can hold two bikes
- Each bike cannot exceed the weight of 60 lbs
- The wheel compartment can be extended up to 5 inches
- 2 inches hitch
- Tilts 30 degrees for easy hatch access
- Rack weight – 59 lbs
This rack is the only rack with the wing feature, which allows the rack to move 180 degrees that allow easier access to the rear end of the car as it does not block the trunk area. The other specifications of one of the best e-bike car racks are similar to those in the market. The hitch is 2 inches, and it can hold a weight of 120 lbs in total.
The wheel compartment can be extended up to 5 inches to accommodate the bike. The tilt feature, which is incorporated, makes an angle of 30 degrees, and the level can be operated by using one hand.
Pros
- The rack can be moved at an angle of 180 degrees.
- The tilt technology helps with the access issue.
- The lever can be used with one hand.
Cons
- The weight of the rack is quite much.
- The wheel compartment could have been increased.
Saris Superclamp Bike Hitch
- The weight of the rack is 35 lbs
- It holds two bikes at a time
- Each bike weigh 60 lbs
- Tilt technology
- Lock system installed in the bike
- Reflectors are present to assist at night
The best feature of this best electric bike carrier is that the rack weighs only 35 lbs, unlike all those available in the market, which weighs above 55 lbs. The rack can hold two bikes simultaneously; each bike should not exceed 60 lbs. the lock system attached to the rack makes it secure enough. The reflectors attached to the bike makes traveling at night possible as the other vehicles can easily identify the extra portion.
Pros
- The rack is extremely lightweight.
- The reflectors make night traveling secure.
- Fast loading bike rack as it has duel clamping hooks
Cons
- Excessive movement of the rack while traveling
- Not sturdy
Things to Consider While Buying Best Bike Rack for E-bike
There are certain features that the buyer needs to comprehend before impulsively purchasing a bike rack for their electric bike. This buying guide helps the user to make an apt choice that will suit their taste.
Sturdy
The most important factor that the user needs to notice is if the rack is sturdy or not. The rack should be built using such materials to add strength as it is supposed to support heavy bikes. The rack will be attached to a vehicle, which will be in motion for some time. Hence, all the more reason for the rack to be sturdy and durable.
Locks
These locks help the bike be firmly fixed to the rack and give it an anti-wobble quality that makes the drive quite noiseless. There are two types of locks attached to the bike racks. One lock secures the bike to the rack, and the other lock secures the rack to the vehicle.
The receiver lock that attaches the bike to the vehicle usually uses the lock and key facility as it is the most prominent way to do it. The other form of lock, located in the arm hook, can either be a lock and key one or a cable one. Based on the preference of the buyer, he should choose the lock system. The lock system is the most integral part of the bike rack.
The Hook Arms
Some of the bike racks have the quality of hook arms. In those cases, the buyer needs to see that the hook arms are perfectly padded so that the bike is not inflected with scratches during its journey due to the steel finishing of the arms. The padded arms protect the paint done on the bike and keeps it in an immaculate condition.
Wheel Size
All racks for electric bikes available on the market do not share the same specific credentials. The width of the wheel compartment differs in size. The person who is buying the rack must note the wheel size of their bike before purchasing a bike rack. Some hold a wheel size of 5 inches, while the other holds a size of 4.8 inches.
An Extra Layer Of Protection
Some of the e-bike racks are coated with ballistic powder, which adds an extra coat of protection from the oxides suspended in the air. Thus, the bike does not get easily rusted. In turn, it increases the durability of the bike.
Considering you love bike riding, I would suggest you check out Best Mountain Bike Computers to know about your riding stats.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
- What is the best bike rack for an ebike?
There is a plethora of bike racks as well as electric bike racks available in the market. Each of those racks has different specifications. The buyer’s main objective should be to check all the specifications and then selecting one rack that suits his or her preference. - Can you put an electric bike on a bike rack?
The bike racks are made keeping in mind the electric bikes. Apart from that, some of the racks mentioned above can load mountain bikes and other road bikes, making the racks universal. The dimensions of the wheel compartment and the arms are made in such a manner that it - Do you need a special bike rack for electric bikes?
Not all bikes prefer bike racks for their bikes. People who use bikes to commute daily can forgo the concept of bike racks or electric bike racks. But people who would like to cover a long distance before riding a bike must purchase a bike rack as the bikes would not fit inside a car. The racks are made so that it fits all forms of the bike, especially electric bikes.
Conclusion
The article gives a detailed account of the best bike rack for the electric bike so that the person who desires to buy a bike rack has a clear idea of the usage and specifications. The customer should note the size of the wheel compartments, the paint finish, the locks, and the hitch. People have different requirements for ebike racks; one should always buy according to their need.
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