Bike Rack for a Currie E-Bike on a 2010 Toyota Venza

Question:

Im looking at the above Thule bike rack for my 2010 Toyota Venza. Is there any problem with opening up the back hatch of the Venza when the bike rack is on the car, but no bike is on the rack? Also, I will be carrying just one Currie E-bike on it that weighs 69 pounds. Is that okay for this bike rack?

asked by: Cel

Expert Reply:

I can't recommend opening the trunk of your 2010 Toyota Venza when the Thule Passage, part # TH910XT is installed. It can change the way the rack is mounted with its weight and cause the trunk to close unexpectedly or the rack to shift into an unsecured riding location.

For an electric bike, you'll be better off in the long run with a traditional hitch-mounted rack. The per-bike weight capacity of the Thule Passage is only 35lbs, and exceeding this limit can cause the rack to malfunction. Many of the trunk mounted racks will put pressure on the top of your glass hatch and the weight of the bike may cause the rack to damage the hatch. Additionally, the hitch-mounted racks tend to be able to swing away, providing access to the rear hatch without worrying about damaging the bikes, rack or hatch.

For a hitch, I recommend a Draw-Tite Class III Max-Frame, part # 75663. This has a no-drill installation, and I've included our hitch installation guide and a video of the hitch being installed on a 2010 Toyota Venza so you can get an idea of the process.

The rack I recommend a lot to e-bike owners is the Hollywood Racks SE, part # HLY84FR. This rack gives you an 80 pound per bike weight capacity to carry your bikes, plus allows you to have a second bike slot available if needed for a friend.

The SE also gives a reliable, secure rack with its integrated hitch and bike locks that keep both bikes safely secured to the carrier.