Is the Thule Helium # TH44VR Strong Enough to Transport Electric Bikes?
Question:
Is this Thule rack strong enough for ebikes?
asked by: Heidi
Expert Reply:
At the end of the day, it truly depends on the overall weight of your electric bikes. However, it is important to note that the Thule Helium Bike Rack # TH44VR only has a per-bike weight capacity of 37.5 pounds. If one of your e-bikes weighs more than this limit, the Thule Helium does not work. Trying to transport a rack rated below the weight of your bikes is extremely dangerous.
With that being said, we do have some great wheel-mount bike racks that have an increased capacity. If you have heavier e-bikes, a great alternative is the Inno Tire Hold 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # INH120. The Tire Hold only weighs a total of 48.6 pounds and includes a total overall weight capacity of 120 pounds. This means that you can have up to 2 e-bikes on your rack as long as the total weight does not exceed the 120-pound limit. It is important to note that this rack only accommodates wheels up to 3 inches wide. There is unfortunately no way to use the Tire Hold with wider tires. It is also important to note that the Tire Hold is only compatible with Class II 1-1/4" hitches and 2 inch hitches.
If you have fat bike tires, I recommend the Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # TH23JV (for Class I or Class II 1-1/4" hitches) or the # TH83JV (for 2" hitches). This rack comes with the same wheel-mounted attachment style you are looking for as well as a 60 pound per-bike weight capacity. These racks also come with cradles that fit bike tires up to 5 inches wide.
If you need a hitch receiver for your vehicle, feel free to respond to this answer with your year/make/model, and I will be happy to recommend a hitch that is perfect for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Inno
more information >
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Helium Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
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