How to Choose the Best E-Bike Rack

Updated 08/18/2020 | Published 05/29/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches

(1164)

$529.99

Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black

(397)

$898.00

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

(513)

$999.95

Question:

Need info regarding e bike carriers

asked by: Bill S

Expert Reply:

There are a wide variety of E-Bike racks that we carry and the best way in filtering through them is by looking at these points:

Weight Capacity
Style/Compatibility
Pricing

Weight capacity is important because it can vary between bike racks. For example, the best racks (in my opinion) for E-Bikes are the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HLY74FR (80 lbs per bike), the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 (65 lbs per bike), and the Kuat NV 2.0 Base # BA22B (60 lbs per bike). When factoring in weight capacity you'll want to know the weight of your E-Bike with the battery off as that's how you should be transporting your bike to avoid stress on the battery.

Style and compatibility can be preference or crucial depending on the style of bike you have. The Sport Rider SE2 uses a hook that comes down on the frame which can be good unless you have a sensitive frame or paint job. The EasyFold XT uses clamps with a special pad so it can be used with sensitive frames/paint jobs but if your frame is thick then the clamps might not work. The NV 2.0 Base uses a hook for the front tire so it's basically compatible with anything that doesn't have a front fender. Be sure to check bike and wheel sizes as well.

Pricing can make or break a purchasing decision. When it comes to bike racks you definitely get what you pay for. I'm sure there is some inflation with name brands just like everything else, but I can say from research and experience that there is a huge difference in ease of use and quality of rack when you look at an entry level rack compared to a high-end rack. The one thing you want to keep in mind is that if you have spent a significant amount of money on a bike you want to make sure that your bike rack can transport it safely. Sometimes the extra money isn't needed, but other times it's really the only way to go.

I have linked our selection of E-Bike racks as well as review videos to the 3 bike racks I used in this scenario for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

Debbie

7/25/2020

I have a 2019 Hyundai Ionic hybrid and a 50 pound Giant step through e-bike. I can only get a class 1 hitch for my car. Is there a bike rack that will work for me with a class 1 hitch?1

Chris R.

7/29/2020

There is! The Thule EasyFold # TH903202 is a perfect option for your application. It can support bikes that weigh up to 65 pounds, features an integrated ramp to help with loading, and is compatible with Class I hitch receivers.

Debbie

7/29/2020

@ChrisR Thanks, Chris! I’ll check it out!

Debbie

7/29/2020

Wow! That rack is very expensive, especially with my Canadian dollars. I weighed my bike, and it’s 40 pounds without the battery. My issue really is the class 1 hitch which is all I can get on my car.

Debbie

8/8/2020

@JonG This bike rack sounds good. It will work with a class 1 hitch and fit my 2019 Hyundai Ionic?

Jon G.

8/18/2020

It will fit your Class I hitch on your 2019 Hyundai Ioniq but it is worth noting that from the hitch pin hole to the closest edge of the carrier when it's folded up is 5". This could be cutting it close to your vehicle so I recommend measuring from the center of your hitch pin hole to the rearmost edge of your bumper to see if it's less than 5".