How to Choose the Best E-Bike Rack
Question:
Need info regarding e bike carriers
asked by: Bill S
Expert Reply:
There are a wide variety of E-Bike racks that we carry and the best way in filtering through them is by looking at these points:
Weight Capacity
Style/Compatibility
Pricing
Weight capacity is important because it can vary between bike racks. For example, the best racks (in my opinion) for E-Bikes are the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HLY74FR (80 lbs per bike), the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 (65 lbs per bike), and the Kuat NV 2.0 Base # BA22B (60 lbs per bike). When factoring in weight capacity you'll want to know the weight of your E-Bike with the battery off as that's how you should be transporting your bike to avoid stress on the battery.
Style and compatibility can be preference or crucial depending on the style of bike you have. The Sport Rider SE2 uses a hook that comes down on the frame which can be good unless you have a sensitive frame or paint job. The EasyFold XT uses clamps with a special pad so it can be used with sensitive frames/paint jobs but if your frame is thick then the clamps might not work. The NV 2.0 Base uses a hook for the front tire so it's basically compatible with anything that doesn't have a front fender. Be sure to check bike and wheel sizes as well.
Pricing can make or break a purchasing decision. When it comes to bike racks you definitely get what you pay for. I'm sure there is some inflation with name brands just like everything else, but I can say from research and experience that there is a huge difference in ease of use and quality of rack when you look at an entry level rack compared to a high-end rack. The one thing you want to keep in mind is that if you have spent a significant amount of money on a bike you want to make sure that your bike rack can transport it safely. Sometimes the extra money isn't needed, but other times it's really the only way to go.
I have linked our selection of E-Bike racks as well as review videos to the 3 bike racks I used in this scenario for you to check out.
Debbie
7/25/2020
I have a 2019 Hyundai Ionic hybrid and a 50 pound Giant step through e-bike. I can only get a class 1 hitch for my car. Is there a bike rack that will work for me with a class 1 hitch?1
Products Referenced in This Question
Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
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
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Q&A: Best Bike Rack for RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike
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- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Motor Home or RV
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Q&A: Fat Tire Bike Straps For The Thule Epos Bike Rack TH99XE
- Q&A: Differences in the Sport Rider SE Bike Racks for 2 Inch Hitches and 1-1/4 Inch Hitches
- Q&A: Best Bike Rack For A Rad Rover 5 Fat Tire Electric Bike
- Q&A: Distance From Center of Frame Hook to Hitch on Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
Debbie
7/29/2020
Wow! That rack is very expensive, especially with my Canadian dollars. I weighed my bike, and it’s 40 pounds without the battery. My issue really is the class 1 hitch which is all I can get on my car.