E-Bikes, A Trunk Rack, And Their Fit On My 2014 Mazda 3

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Question:

Thank you for this information. I unfortunately have a bike that is closer to 48 pounds, and cannot have the battery removed (it’s a VanMoof) and as such I’d love to look into getting a hitch installed. I’m based in Los Angeles, CA if you have any recommendations for this in the area.

asked by: Robert P

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Expert Reply:

If your e-bikes are on the very low end of that weight range, as in right at 40 lbs, there may be a trunk rack that is able to carry your e-bikes. It is also recommended that e-bikes be transported on your vehicle without the battery installed on the bike. That will also save you some weight. Our trunk bike racks are going to max out at 35 lbs a bike. If that weight is enough, my trunk bike rack recommendation is the Saris Bones EX 2 Bike Rack - Adjustable Arms - Trunk Mount, part # SAR83FR. This rack is designed specifically to be compatible with cars with spoilers. There are two legs on this rack that route the straps through a groove in the leg to alleviate the pressure the rack places on the spoiler. I have extensive experience with the Saris Bones racks. I have used them to carry bikes across the country on two occasions: from St. Louis to Los Angeles and back, and from the Washington DC area to St. Louis and back.

There is another option if a trunk bike rack does not work due to the weight of your e-bikes. It would require the following, you get a hitch receiver installed and then purchase a hitch bike rack. I can make some recommendations if you let me know if this is something that interests you.

I have included a product description link and a video installation link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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Robert P.

11/26/2021

Thank you for this information. I unfortunately have a bike that is closer to 48 pounds, and cannot have the battery removed (it’s a VanMoof) and as such I’d love to look into getting a hitch installed. I’m based in Los Angeles, CA if you have any recommendations for this in the area.

Reply

Mark S.

11/26/2021

I believe you said that your e-bike weighs 48 lbs. We can still find a way for you to transport that bike. The first thing your 2014 Mazda 3 will need is a hitch receiver. My hitch receiver recommendation is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2", part # 306-X7305. This 2" hitch receiver has a maximum tongue weight of 300 lbs and a maximum gross trailer weight of 2,000 lbs. Next we need the hitch bike rack. I am partial to the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount, part # TH903202. It comes with a ramp, making it easier to load and unload your e-bike. The EasyFold XT is fender friendly; you will strap the wheels, so you do not have to worry about anything clamping down on your fender. It comes with an anti-rattle mechanism to reduce the movement between the hitch bike rack and the hitch receiver. This will also allow you to lock it to your vehicle. Lastly, the EasyFold has padded locking clamps to secure your bike to the rack while protecting its finish. I have included a product description link and a video review of the Thule EasyFold XT below.

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Answer 1

I checked with all other bike manufactures and it looks like Thule is the only one who has confirmed fit of a trunk mount bike rack on a 2003 Infiniti G35. I called them just to make sure the factory spoiler would not be an issue and they confirmed…

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Answer 2

If I personally had to choose between the two, I'd go with the Thule #TH911XT. I actually prefer the looks of the #SA805BL Saris Bones, but I don't care for the way that the weight of the bikes and the rack rest on feet that small. Spreading…

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Answer 3

One of the main differences between the Thule Gateway Pro 2 #TH88VR and the Saris Bones 2 #SA805BL is that the Gateway Pro 2 includes an integrated cable lock that secures the bikes to the rack. Even though the Saris Bones 2 does not include a lock…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

Yes, the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches #HLY94FR will allow access to the trunk when bikes are removed from the carrier. You can see in the attached demonstration video that this bike rack actually…

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Answer 6

Hey Taewon, we have the EcoHitch part #EH47FR that is a fit for your 2014 Mini Cooper hardtop S model.

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Answer 7

Since none of the trunk mounted bike racks have the weight capacity for a 50 lb weight capacity you'd have to go with a hitch mounted option as they have higher weight capacities like the Thule EasyFold XT part #TH903202. You would need a hitch…

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Answer 8

Between all of the bike racks you mentioned I'd prefer the Yakima Fullback part #Y02634. The Fullbak is considered to be on the higher end of the trunk rack quality/feature spectrum yet they aren't that crazy expensive so the value for these…

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Answer 9

For your 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan with dual exhaust, I recommend the Curt #C11317 which is a confirmed fit for your vehicle. You will also need the security strap #18050 when using this hitch for cargo carriers or bike racks, but not for towing.…

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Answer 10

Yes, the Yakima HangOut 2 Bike Rack #Y02637 is compatible with all models of the 2018 Ford Edge to include your SEL model. The straps wrap over the spoiler and anchor to the rear door on the top and the bottom.

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Answer 11

I have a better option. The Curt #C11482 hitch is desined for the sedan model, but the Curt #C11483 is designed for your coupe. This hitch's tow capacity exceeds your G35's two capacity and it is well hidden. I have attached a picture of this…

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E-Bikes, A Trunk Rack, And Their Fit On My 2014 Mazda 3

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