Best Bike Racks for Recumbent Bikes (2023)

Recumbent bikes are great for exercising while also treating your back, joints, and hips more gently than a traditional bike. However, due to their unique frames, recumbent bikes typically require specially designed bike racks if you want to transport them on a vehicle.

To simplify your search for the right recumbent bike rack, we've put together a list of our top 3 favorite bike racks for recumbent bikes below.

Best Recumbent Bike Racks of 2023

Bike Rack

Capacity

Why Choose This Rack?

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2

2 Bikes

Best Overall

Saris Freedom

2 Bikes

Highest Weight Capacity (60 lbs per bike)

Swagman XC-Extended

2 Bikes

Value Rack

Read more about our top platform racks for recumbent bikes below!

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2

Pros

Secure your recumbent bikes with the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 for recumbent bikes. The anti-rattle handle, cushioned ratcheting hooks, and adjustable wheel cradles all work to safely tranport your bikes from point A to point B. Locks are included for theft deterrent, and the rack easily tilts down with or without bikes loaded, so you can still access your rear cargo area. The SE2 folds up against the vehicle when not in use. If you have a recumbent trike, Hollywood Racks also makes a trike version of the rack.

Cons

One of the most common complaints is that the rack is heavy at 53 lbs. You may need a second set of hands when installing or removing the rack.

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Key Features

Capacity: 2 Bikes (50 lbs per bike)

Mounting Style: Hitch Mount - Platform

Trike Model: # HR1450Z-R-TRKADP2

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes

Hitch Size: 2"

Carrier Weight: 53 lbs

Locks Included: Yes (Bikes & Rack)

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Customer Review: 5/5

This rack is bomb proof. It hauls my semi-recumbent and traditional mountain bikes just fine. Super easy to load and unload bikes and the tilt feature is a BIG plus when opening the hatch on my Subaru Forester. I dont have any complaints regarding this rack and I am very pleased with the quality and design.

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Bike Rack

Saris Freedom

Pros

The Saris Freedom bike rack for recumbents is sturdy and versatile. Soft rubber cradles cushion your bike frame, and the sliding wheel trays easily fit bikes of various lengths. The rack is lightweight at 22.5 lbs, though it still boasts an impressive 60-lb capacity per bike. The Freedom also carries traditional bikes, so you can carry whatever you need, whenever you need it.

Cons

The Saris Freedom does not include any kind of locks or theft deterrent, so you'll most likely want to purchase those separately.

Saris Freedom Key Features

Capacity: 2 Bikes (60 lbs per bike)

Mounting Style: Hitch Mount - Platform

Trike Model: N/A

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes - when unloaded

Hitch Size: 1-1/4" or 2"

Carrier Weight: 22.5 lbs

Locks Included: No

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Customer Review: 5/5

The Saris Freedom 2 Platform Rack fits my needs very nicely. It is lightweight, so it is easy to handle, and is plenty strong to hold 2 bikes. The platform format supports the bikes nicely and is convenient to load. etrailer has been very helpful and cooperative with getting me set up with this rack.

Swagman XC-Extended

Pros

The Swagman XC-Extended Rack is perfect for the casual and/or budget-minded recumbent bike owner. The rack secures your bike by means of padded hooks, and the offset hook arms allow you to carry 2 bikes of the same (or different) size, so you can mix and match your bikes as needed. The arms fold down when unloaded so you can access your rear cargo area. The Swagman rack isn't flashy or fancy, but it does the job at a palatable price point.

Cons

The Swagman XC-Extended Rack doesn't offer many additional features. Locks must be purchased separately. The rack does not tilt away for rear cargo access (the arms do fold down when unloaded).

Swagman XC-Extended Key Features

Capacity: 2 Bikes (35 lbs per bike)

Mounting Style: Hitch Mount - Platform

Trike Model: N/A

Allows Trunk/Cargo Access: Yes - when unloaded

Hitch Size: 1-1/4" or 2"

Carrier Weight: Approx. 36 lbs

Locks Included: No

Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Customer Review: 5/5

I bought the Swagman Extended platform rack because I have a very long recumbent bike. The bike fits onto the rack perfectly and very securely. The rack is solid and very well-made--there is nothing cheap about it. It is a quality product.

Watch Now: Swagman XC-Extended Review

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Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 2/15/2023

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