Best Electric Bike Racks (Buying Guide Included)
The electric bike sector is one of the fastest-growing areas within the bicycle industry, and with this growth comes the rise of the need for an electric bike rack for transporting the bikes using cars.
More and more people have discovered the ease of use and convenience of electric-assisted bicycles, but face the problem of transporting them by car. Unless you own a folding eBike, your only option might be a tow-bar ebike rack (otherwise known as a hitch mount bike rack).
What is an electric bike rack?
There are numerous types of bike racks that you can use for transportation and storage.
Compared to standard bike racks, e-bike specific racks for tow bars have a higher maximum weight capacity compared to standard models. This means that e-bike racks are made using more durable materials and can handle a higher weight.
If you already own a bike rack but don’t want to risk the rack breaking while driving, you are better off getting a specific tool for your e-bike. The same goes for an RV bike rack – make sure to check the max load capacity and the compatibility between the vehicle and the hitch-mount.
When choosing for a rack, make sure to check if your e-bike comes with fenders or not. We have marked racks with their attachment points
Table of Contents
Best Single E-Bike Racks
Quietkat’s 1Up Bike Racks 2″ Super Duty Single
Suits most bike types without the frame-adapter
Price: from $379
QuietKat
Weight: 28 lbs | Max tire width: 5″ | Tilts down to 30-degrees | Fits: Up to 54″ wheelbase, 16″ – 29″ wheels
Number one in the single ebike racks is a high-tech product by a brand that specializes in bike racks. The Super Duty from 1Up comes in single and double sizes, fits a wide variety of wheel sizes, and is equipped with an anti-wobbling system.
Compared to other racks in this list, what stands out the most is the way bikes attach to the rack. Unlike other racks where the attachment point is on the frame, this rack can be used safely on carbon bikes as well.
If you ever ask the e-bike community how they carry their electric bike by car, the 1Up bike rack will quite often be mentioned. The brand has a different approach to racks than other companies and has succeeded in the market thus far.
- 75 lbs per bike (Max: 225 lbs with extensions)
- Fat tire adapters available
- Can be increased to 3 bikes (With extra add-on adapters)
- Folds down to 30″ x 14″ x 8″
- Anodized, except for a powder coat finish on the trays
- Slot for standard hitch pinholes
Saris SuperClamp HD
Max capacity – 120lbs
Price: $629
Jenson USA
Weight: N/A | Max tire width: 4″ | Tilts Yes | Fits: 2″ hitches only
Here’s a great example of what to expect from a premium hitch rack. Even though it looks heavy due to its sturdy construction and high weight capacity, the SuperClamp HD rack itself is relatively light at only38lbs.
It only fits 2″ receivers but includes integrated locking cables and a hitch lock. In addition, it secures your bikes without touching the wheels and has extra-strong ratcheting arms. The SuperClamp also folds flat when not in use a tilts down. All in all, it is a great rack for two heavy bikes!
- Best for: E-bikes and fat bikes (fat tire adapter available for purchase)
- Includes: Locking pin and locking cables
- Attachment point: tire
Best Double E-Bike Racks
KUAT NV 2.0 Hitch Rack
REI Score: 4.7 / 5 out of 151+ ratings
Can be used as a bike stand when folded up
Price: $849
REI.com
Weight: 52-60 lb | Max tire width: 3″ | Tilts down to 30-degrees | Fits: 20″-29″ wheels, 1-1/4″ & 2″ tow bars
Here’s a serious sci-fi-looking tool that enables you to carry eBikes safely on a tow bar. Küat is a well-known name in the bike rack industry, and the NV 2.0 is no exception. Suitable for most e-bikes with 27.5″ (650b) wheels, the Küat NV 2.0 passed the anti-wobble test, and overall, they have positive feedback on many online stores.
For the 2″ receiver model, the capacity can be increased from 2 to 4 bikes. This is a premium product, inside and out. Read more reviews or watch the instruction videos from REI’s page to get a full overview of the Küat NV 2.0.
- Max capacity: 120lbs (60lbs per bike)
- Max wheelbase: 48″
- Foot lever for tilting
- Locking: Individual cable locks & hitch lock
- Access Bike Ramp available as an extra
- Converts into a work-stand when folded up! 🏆
- Attachment point: tire
Buy on REI.com Buy on GovVelo.com
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider 2 Bike Rack
Recommended by Rad Power Bikes
Price: $500
Rad Power Bikes
Weight: 58 lbs | Max tire width: 5″ | Tilts down to 30-degrees | Fits: 2″ only (Do not use 1.25″ adapters)
Just like the 1Up, Hollywood bike racks isn’t a new name in the business. Their single electric bike rack can transport even the heaviest of electric bikes. Although the Sport Rider itself is quite heavy at 60lbs, it does a decent job carrying large e-bikes with a max wheelbase of 60″ and tire width of up to 5″.
The updated version carries bikes with heavy-duty wheel holders, ratchet straps, and rim protectors. The rack uses a reinforced frame and an external brace for added strength. There is also the anti-wobble system which is a must when carrying expensive e-bikes behind your car.
Another great feature of the rack is that it folds flat against the car when not in use. This is convenient as you can drive your car normally without sacrificing too much space for parking and maneuvering.
- Distance between: 10″
- Max 80lbs per bike 🏆
- Maximum width: 5″
- Maximum wheelbase: 60″
- Tilts down with the loaded bike
- Folds in when not in use
- Attachment point: frame
Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Hitch Rack
12″ gaps between bikes
Price: $700
evo.com
Weight: 52lbs | Max tire width: 5″ | Tilts: Yes | Fits: 20″-29″ wheels, 1.25″, 2″ hitch mounts
It is hard not to love the Swedish combination of functionality and design. Thule has been around for 75 years, and they have mastered the art of transportation accessories. Their range includes roof racks, ski boxes, kayak holders, and, of course, bike racks!
The T2 Pro XTR is as professional as it sounds. Right out of the box, XTR fits fat bikes, there’s a solid 12.5″ gap between the bikes, an anti-wobble pin system, and much more to rely on. When carrying E-Bikes, the max load rating of 120lbs is quite high. A further reason we like the Thule brand is their wide selection of accessories which can be added to the racks.
Accessories (extras) such as the loading ramp and one-key system are good investments in the long run!
Notes & Features
*While the capacity can be extended from 2 to 4 bikes, the max load ratings stay the same!
*Fits 20″ – 29″ wheel fat bikes up to 5″
*Can’t be used on a bike with a front fender
*Ratchet fits 20″ bikes at minimum
*Write down the number marked on keys in case you should lose them
- Maximum capacity: 120lbs (60lbs p/bike)
- Locks: Cable & knob
- Capacity can be extended from 2 to 4 bikes
- The ratcheting system is carbon-friendly
- Attachment point: tire
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Price: $629
REI.com
Kuat is a top-end rack brand that makes some of the best products on the market. Made of lightweight aluminum, the construction on this model is simple and easy to use. Notable features of this rack include the semi-integrated bike lock, rear tire cradle, foot-actuated pivot lever, and stylish low-profile arc design. It is an excellent tool for two bikes with a maximum tire width of up to 3″.
Finally, you can install the Kuat Sherpa rack tool-free thanks to the hand tightening system.
- Made of steel
- Folding design
- Easy install
- Fit on 2″ receivers
- Max capacity: 145lbs, 72lb max p/bike
- Attachment point: tire
Buy from REI Buy on GovVelo.com
Yakima HoldUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Price: $549
REI.com
Weight: 49lbs / max bike weight p/bike: 60lbs | Max tire width: 29″x2.5″ or 27.5×3″ | Tilts down to 30-degrees
As much as we are unbiased, we decided to include another rack by Yakima.
The HoldUp is one of the most intuitive and convenient bike racks you can get for your bikes and car. unfortunately, this comes at a price. Yet while expensive, it can be easily folded down to a compact size and tilts to provide trunk access. It also boasts other additional features such as locks and ratcheting StrongArm design secure bikes at wheels. Finally, you have a helpful feature that allows you to adjust the space between the bikes.
- Dimensions – 34.50″ x W 64″ x H 12″
- Maximum weight per bike: 60lb (Total: 120lb)
- Maximum wheelbase – 48″
- Carbon frame compatible
- Fits 1.25″ receivers / Fits 2″ receivers
- Attachment point: wheels
Buying Guide—How to Choose
Popular Bike Rack Types
Roof rack for electric bikes (left) vs tow bar bike rack (right)
Almost all e-bike racks for cars are designed for the hitch-mount tow bar for obvious reasons – they are easy to load. Some racks, (including the Thule UpRide, pictured below) are great for carrying a lighter electric bike on the roof. Although the ease of loading the heavy electric bike to a hitch-mount bike rack makes it the most attractive rack type.
Hitch-mount (tow-bar) bike racks are heavier than racks for the boot and roof, but they also hold up two to three times more weight. Generally speaking, 60lbs per bike is the norm.
Locking and Securing Your Bike
Luckily, almost all electric bike racks reside in the mid-to-high-end quality section which means that both the rack and bike(s) can be locked.
In essence, a lock is for ‘animals’ anyway which won’t keep away all the folks with bad intentions. In this situation, prevention is the key, and a lock (of any sort) is a must-have feature, especially if you have e-bike insurance as this will often be a condition of your policy.
Tire Width Rack Compatibility
E-Bikes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and when choosing a rack for your e-bike, make sure that your bike fits within the recommended sizes for the rack.
- 20″ – Common e-bike wheel size for folding e-bikes
- 26″ – Found on cheaper electric bikes
- 27.5″ – A standard e-bike wheel size
- 29″ – Maximum wheel size
- 650b = 27.5″
- 700c = E-Fitness / E-Road wheel sizes
Fat bike tire width – 4″ – 5″
Standard tire width among electric bikes – 2″ – 2.4″
Attachment Adapters
This type of frame adapter creates attaching point between the seat tube and head tube. The mechanism in the adapter works simply – rotate it one way to decrease it in length, rotate the other way to shorten the length.
When choosing an eBike rack – make sure to check if you need any special adaptors or attachments for bikes such as fat-bikes, step-through frames, and small wheel size bikes such as 20″, 24″. A common extra to purchase is a step-through frame adapter
Anti-Wobbling System
Another must-have component for high-quality racks is an anti-wobbling system that prevents the rack from moving on the hitch. Although tow bar bike racks come in two sizes (1 1/4″ or 2″ ), I’m sure we’ve all seen instances of unstable racks when driving down the road. Luckily, this problem can be fixed with an extra tightening knob on the bottom of the rack. All of the e-bike racks listed above have an anti-wobble system.
Tilting
A pivot system with a foot assist is one of the greatest features besides the locks on the rack. Most e-bike racks have quite a high load capacity, but they can still be tilted down for easy access to the boot.
Convenience
Thankfully, there is a handful of useful accessories and features to make loading electric bikes onto racks much easier, for example:
- A loading ramp
- Accessibility to the boot by tilting the rack (even with the bikes on)
- Both the rack and bike(s) can be locked
Does your E-bike have fenders?
Check out the reference to choose the right type we’ve added under the product image
Attachment point – tire (Might NOT fit e-bikes with fenders)
Attachment point – frame (Suitable for ebikes with fenders)
Safety & Precautions
On average, an electric bike weighs around 40-70lbs (18-32kg), and the standard e-Bike electric rack holds up 60 lbs per bike. (Cannondale Canvas NEO – 44lbs)
We strongly advise using proper gear according to its proposed usage. E-bikes tend to cost more than non-assisted bicycles, which means it is best to follow the right instructions and recommendations. If you have e-bike insurance, this is extra important as insurance companies will often only pay out if certain storage or transportation criteria are met.
- Always check the vehicles’ recommended maximum weight capacity
- Follow the torque settings on the rack. If in doubt, it’s better to tighten things to ‘wrist tight‘ over ‘elbow tight‘
- Keep the rack keys safe, and write down the number written on the keys
- Do not use 1 1/4″ to 2″ racks with an adapter (and vice versa)
- In some states, getting a third number plate is compulsory
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Hello ! – I have a 2007 Ford Explorer XLT (medium-size SUV) for which i have to purchase and attach an expensive 2″ RECEIVER HITCH to support my E-BIKE, because Ford had inexplicably decided for it to have a (totally inadequate) 1.25″ hitch receiver….
So, i also need an E-BIKE CARRIER , which I require to-
1. SAFELY support my 70 lb / 4″ wide tire E-BIKE on a 2” hitch.
2. When NOT in use, it can FOLD UP VERTICALLY, very close to the SUV.
3. When NOT in use, it will REMAIN LOCKABLE to the hitch.
Following the above three requirements, can ANYONE please refer me to any specific E-BIKE CARRIERS ? – Paul
I have a Sun Triycle which rack if any would accomodate it?
Hey Ron, see if your trike fits on this carrier or contact one of these brands:
https://www.cyclesimplex.com/collections/trike-racks
http://www.atoc.com/draftmastertrike.php
http://www.alpacacarriers.com/Trike_Bike_Examples_s/38.htm
I own a 26″ Rambo Rebel e-bike with 4.8″ tires and would like a well engineered (stout) 2″ VERTICAL hitch rack that will support a total of 4 e-bikes. I am not having much luck in finding such a rack. Any suggestions?
How to build bike ramps – I think this is a great approach to learning techniques and improving balance even when you are inside your house. To create a bike ramp, it’s important to have three crossbars. You need a total of three vertical racks to create a good-quality cycling ramp. Then sketch a curve on one side to create the base of the bike path. You can use a jigsaw to cut a curve by tracing the sketch you made. For positions, you should find three points on the curve: the top, middle, and bottom. It will ensure that your bike’s uphill platform is firm and doesn’t come apart during use. «After you have built the foundation of your homemade bike ramp with the crossbars and vertical racks, proceed to cut the deck. For the floor of the bike ramp, cut the plywood into 24″ wide and 26″ long pieces.
Will this work on an e-bike with fenders?
Please suggest a source for a rack to carry a Reise & Muller Nevo GT ebike (73 lbs) and an HP Velotechnik Enduro recumbent mountain etrike (about 50 lbs). The hitch requirement is 1.25 ” Class 2. I have been unable to find a rack to carry these ebikes.
Thank you
Hi Mark
Check out Hollywood Racks – Sport Rider SE for Cargo Bikes