Recommended Platform Bike Rack for Two 52 lb Electric Bikes on a 2016 Subaru Forester

Updated 03/15/2017 | Published 03/14/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(516)

$878.95

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1178)

$529.99

Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(473)

$299.99

Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(532)

$39.99

Question:

We are purchasing 2 of these electric bikes in the pass thru model. Raleigh company has the weight of the Raleigh Superbe IE Bike bike at 52 lbs. Because electric bikes are heavier, we want a platform bike carrier for ease of mounting. Will the HR200Z work, or do you suggest a similar carrier for my 2016 Subaru Forester? Thanks

asked by: Laura

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, but the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider # HR200Z that you referenced has a max weight capacity of 90 lbs so it will not be able to safely carry both of your 52 lb electric bikes safely on your 2016 Subaru Forester.

If you want to stay with the Hollywood Racks brand, they have the Sport Rider SE # HLY84FR which is made to carry electric bikes. This is a folding bike rack that will fit in a 2 inch hitch receiver, has a weight capacity of 80 lbs per bike, and also includes a hitch lock and bike locks to secure your hitch to your trailer hitch and your bikes to the bike rack. Since the hook that secures the bike slides straight down, you might want to use an adapter # HRBA-PRO to accommodate the low frame that your step-through bike has.

Even though the Hollywood Sport Rider SE2 is a great choice, the bike rack that I recommend using is the Thule EasyFold XT 2-Bike Platform Rack # TH903202. The EasyFold XT has a weight capacity of 65 lbs per bike so it can easily handle the extra weight of your electric bikes. This rack will fit both 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch hitch receivers, has the hitch lock and bike lock capabilities, uses a foot pedal to tilt to bike rack for access to your back hatch, and includes a storable folding aluminum ramp which makes loading and unloading the bikes easier. Instead of using an arm that comes straight down to secure your bikes, the EasyFold XT uses versatile padded clamps that can clamp onto the frame of your electric bike so you won't need to worry about using an adapter while driving down the road.

I have attached a demonstration video for you to check out as well.