E-Bike Rack Recommendation for Gazelle E-Bike Rack for SUV Hitch 2018 BMW X5

Question:

I was wanting to get your recommendation for an SUV trailer hitch 2 ebike rack. I have a pair of Gazelle Ultimate T10 ebikes that are full step through no cross bars and and they have fenders. It seems like the racks needs to be a frame clamp option because of the fenders but these bike have no bars across. The bikes weigh about 51 lbs each. I saw 2 racks on your website that may be a possibility: Thule EasyFold XT 2 E-Bike Platform Rack - but not available until late Sept. Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Platform Rack with Ramp - It seems of only have 1 vertical support to grab both bikes. Not sure both bikes will be in a single clamp position. I included a photo of the T10 ebike so you can see what rack clamping options might work for a pair of them. Separate question: I also need to mount a trailer hitch to my 2018 BMW X5. Do you have any suggestions on places near Peoria, Illinois to mount one of your trailer hitches to my X5? Thanks

asked by: Kyle S

Expert Reply:

E-bikes are challenging in a few ways for bike racks in ways like you mentioned. The frames are unusual shapes, they are heavy, and they have fenders. This means you need a bike rack that uses unique frame clamps and that have higher weight capacities like the two racks you mentioned. The Thule EasyFold XT part # TH903202 and the Yakima OnRamp part # Y36FR. Most frame mounted platform bike racks use a single hook that you lower onto the top tube of the bike frame whereas these racks have clamps that can rotate and fit around the alternative frame and hold it in place. Both of these racks have the unique advantage of having ramps built into the racks to make loading/unloading the bikes as easy as possible too.

The EasyFold is my pick though as it's lighter weight, has an easier to use and more universal frame clamp, and because it folds down more for storage purposes. I attached a picture of it securing an e-bike similar to yours with the same style of frame.

Then for a hitch to carry it on your 2018 BMW X5 the Curt part # 13077 is a mostly hidden option with plenty of capacity and clearance. Finding an installer would be based on finding someone local to you with a good reputation.

expert reply by: Jameson C