Transporting 2 Rad Rover E-Bikes with a 2017 Honda HR-V

Updated 01/14/2021 | Published 01/12/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1166)

$529.99

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(185)

$196.61

Question:

I am looking to purchase a bike rack for the Rad Rover, along with a trailer hitch for my 2017 Honda HR-V EV. I will have two different Rad Rovers that will be put on this bike rack on the back of the vehicle. I was looking for the most affordable option, while still being safe on the highway. Would you have any recommendations? If it would be safer or cheaper, would you recommend another way of mounting the two bikes too? Thank you!!

asked by: Sean A

Expert Reply:

For your 2017 Honda HR-V, I recommend the Curt Class I Hitch, part # C11416. This has a 1-1/4" receiver with a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds and a towing capacity of 2000 pounds. I've linked to a video installation of this hitch for you to reference.

The Rad Rover e-bikes tend to weigh quite a bit, so you may have to take the batteries off to lower the weight in order to use it with the bike rack. With that in mind, you need a bike rack that can not only handle the weight, but won't weigh much itself (since we need to stay under that 200 pound tongue weight capacity).

The only bike rack we have that fits this bill is the Yakima OnRamp, part # Y96FR. This weighs 39 pounds, leaving you with 161 pounds for your bikes. Of course, this rack can only carry bikes up to 66 pounds, so make sure to weigh your bikes without the batteries to ensure they fall under that mark. Even if they hit the 66 pound mark, you would still be comfortably under your hitch's capacity.

Of course, you need to check your owner's manual to ensure the HR-V can handle this weight.

As for another way to mount the bikes, there isn't any. Your roof won't be able to handle that kind of weight, so a roof rack mounting option wouldn't work.

expert reply by: Kef G