Can 2 e-Bike Rack Be Used on 2012 Kia Optima
Question:
I want to use the Hollywood Sport Rider SE Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes. What hitch can I install on my car?
asked by: Amy
Expert Reply:
As you probably noticed, there are only two trailer hitches available for your 2012 Kia Optima and both are Class I models with a 1-1/4" receiver. Between the two options I recommend the Curt # C11025 because of its superior powder coat finish that will do a better job of resisting rust and corrosion over time.
Trailer hitch manufacturers typically try to match up the hitch size/capacity to the capacities on the vehicle(s) they are designed to fit. This helps to keep customers from potentially overloading the vehicle. This is the simple answer as to why there isn't a larger 2" hitch available for your Kia Optima.
With this in mind the only way to use a 2" bike rack like The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HLY74FR that you referenced is with a hitch expander like # HTAD. The drawback though of a hitch adapter like this is that it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent.
This means the 200 pound tongue weight capacity on the above-mentioned Curt Class I hitch will be reduced to 100 pounds, making this setup unrealistic since the Hollywood Racks bike rack by itself weighs 51 pounds.
Now we do have a selection of bike racks available that are designed to support heavier e-bikes and can be used on Class I 1-1/4" receivers. I specifically recommend the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 that uses a nice clamp-style attachment to the bikes with adjustable padded clamps and can secure two bikes that weigh up to 65 pounds each. Locks are also included to help deter theft.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this rack that you can check out, along with a link that will take you to our complete selection of e-bike racks that can be used with a Class I hitch on your Optima.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Heavy Bikes
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- 7-1/4 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- Brophy
more information >
Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Which Hitch for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will be the Least Visible and What are the Differences
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Hitches for the Scion XB
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Receiver For a 2011 Hyundai Sonata For Carry Bikes With Hollywood Racks Sport Rider
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: What Do I Need To Tow A Trailer?
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch for 2013 Hyundai Sonata
- Q&A: Is Curt 2-Bike Platform Carrier Good Choice for Carrying E-Bike that Weighs 42 lbs
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Complete a Tow Package on a 2013 Kia Sportage
- Q&A: Will the Heat Shield Need to be Modified on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS When Installing a Hitch
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers