Bike Rack Recommendation for 2 Electric Bikes on a 2013 Toyota Prius V

Question:

Can the Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier safely carry one 55 pound electric bike? Can it carry two electric bikes if the total weight is less than the 105 pound maximum? I ask because in one place it says its rated for 105 pounds, but in another place it says 35 pounds per bike.

asked by: Bill B

Expert Reply:

The Thule Passage 3 trunk mount bike rack # TH911XT is rated for 35 pounds per bike. The most a single bike can weigh is 35 pounds. None of the trunk mount bike racks are rated high enough to carry 2 electric bikes. In order to carry 2 electric bikes you would need to install a trailer hitch on your 2013 Toyota Prius V.

For a hitch I recommend Draw-Tite hitch # 24847. This is a Class I trailer hitch rated for 200 pounds tongue weight so the combined weight of both bikes and the rack will have to be under 200 pounds.

Your best option for a hitch bike rack that is compatible with the Class I hitch offered for your Prius is the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Platform Rack # TH9045. It has a weight capacity of 60 lbs for a single bike, or a maximum of 100 lbs when carrying two. You may need to remove your batteries in order to carry both your e-bikes, but otherwise this is the perfect solution.

expert reply by: Michael H