Bike Rack Needed for Electra Townie Bike and Transport Wheelchair

Question:

Im in the process of searching for a hitch-mount bike rack. While used predominately for transporting my Electra Townie, I will sometimes need to transport a very small 17# lightweight aluminum wheel chair sometimes referred to as a companion chair or transport chair. Any suggestions? I was able to transport it folded and upside down from a traditional trunk-rack style, but Id prefer my new rack be a platform rack!

asked by: TERRY J

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a few possible options for you but please keep in mind that bike racks are only tested and approved for use with bikes so they likely will not work perfectly for your transport chair.

The bike rack option that is most likely capable of carrying your Electra Townie bike and wheelchair is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 # HR1450Z-85. It features a 2-bike rack as well as a cargo carrier that can be used to transport your wheelchair. The only potential problem with bike fitment is if your Electra Townie has a step-through frame you would need to use an adapter bar like part # UB01 for the arm to secure your bike. If you don't already have bungee cords, then part an assortment would come in handy to stabilize your chair. I would recommend 4-6 each of an assortment of lengths such as: # EM06664 19" and # EM06656 24", and 2-3 each of the lengths such as: # EM06658 36" and # EM06668 42"

For a traditional platform style bike rack the only one that would possibly work with your Electra Townie and wheelchair would be the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202. It has a solid platform area so it is more likely to accommodate the width of your wheelchair and features a clamp on an arm that which can secure your chair from a few different angles.

I have attached review videos of each of these bike racks for you to check out.