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Hitch-Mount Platform Rack for Triathlon and Electric Bikes  

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Given your interest in acquiring an electric bike in the future, the choice of platform-style hitch bike rack comes down to the specific weight of the bikes. Electric bikes can weigh as little as 50-lbs but this beyond the weight capacity for most standard bike racks. The typical per-bike weight capacity for standard bike racks is 30 to 35-lbs. Many e-bikes can weigh up to 70-lbs or more depending on their design and whether the battery is removed during transport. On the linked page you can see all hitch carriers that are rated for the higher weights of e-bikes. You can click on either 2-bike or 4-bike capacity to then see appropriate options. In a 2-bike rack you might consider the Thule EasyFold # TH9032. This offers a 65-lbs per bike weight rating, its fits both 1-1/4-inch AND 2-inch hitches, it includes locks for both the rack itself and for your loaded bikes and it includes a loading ramp. Thanks to lightweight aluminum and ABS plastic construction it has a manageable weight of about 40-lbs. All in all, a lot of rack, one that is backed by a solid, customer-centric company, Thule. I linked a video on this carrier to help you see its features. The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 # HR1450E can handle two 80-lb bikes, includes locks too but only fits a 2-inch hitch and it weighs a much more substantial 60-lbs. If weight capacity is critical then this rack is hard to beat. I linked a video for this rack too.

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Expert Reply:

Given your interest in acquiring an electric bike in the future, the choice of platform-style hitch bike rack comes down to the specific weight of the bikes. Electric bikes can weigh as little as 50-lbs but this beyond the weight capacity for most standard bike racks. The typical per-bike weight capacity for standard bike racks is 30 to 35-lbs. Many e-bikes can weigh up to 70-lbs or more depending on their design and whether the battery is removed during transport.

On the linked page you can see all hitch carriers that are rated for the higher weights of e-bikes. You can click on either 2-bike or 4-bike capacity to then see appropriate options.

In a 2-bike rack you might consider the Thule EasyFold # TH903202. This offers a 65-lbs per bike weight rating, its fits both 1-1/4-inch AND 2-inch hitches, it includes locks for both the rack itself and for your loaded bikes and it includes a loading ramp. Thanks to lightweight aluminum and ABS plastic construction it has a manageable weight of about 40-lbs. All in all, a lot of rack, one that is backed by a solid, customer-centric company, Thule. I linked a video on this carrier to help you see its features.

The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 # HR1450E can handle two 80-lb bikes, includes locks too but only fits a 2-inch hitch and it weighs a much more substantial 60-lbs. If weight capacity is critical then this rack is hard to beat. I linked a video for this rack too.

expert reply by:
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Adam R

Laurie

4/10/2018

Given your interest in acquiring an electric bike in the future, the choice of platform-style hitch bike rack comes down to the specific weight of the bikes. Electric bikes can weigh as little as 50-lbs but this beyond the weight capacity for most standard bike racks. The typical per-bike weight capacity for standard bike racks is 30 to 35-lbs. Many e-bikes can weigh up to 70-lbs or more depending on their design and whether the battery is removed during transport. On the linked page you can see all hitch carriers that are rated for the higher weights of e-bikes. You can click on either 2-bike or 4-bike capacity to then see appropriate options. In a 2-bike rack you might consider the Thule EasyFold # TH9032. This offers a 65-lbs per bike weight rating, its fits both 1-1/4-inch AND 2-inch hitches, it includes locks for both the rack itself and for your loaded bikes and it includes a loading ramp. Thanks to lightweight aluminum and ABS plastic construction it has a manageable weight of about 40-lbs. All in all, a lot of rack, one that is backed by a solid, customer-centric company, Thule. I linked a video on this carrier to help you see its features. The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 # HR1450E can handle two 80-lb bikes, includes locks too but only fits a 2-inch hitch and it weighs a much more substantial 60-lbs. If weight capacity is critical then this rack is hard to beat. I linked a video for this rack too.

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