Yakima OnRamp or Thule EasyFold XT for Low-Step E-bike
Question:
I am trying to find an ebike hitch rack for a low-step ebike. I have it down to two: The Yakima OnRamp, which is brand-new and you havent made a video for yet, and the Thule EasyFold XT, which sticks out 3 feet from the back of the car when not in use, turning our car into a road narwhal. Im terrified of ramming other cars when backing up. How easy is this thing to take out and reinstall for an averge person? If you have another suggestion something well designed that we can install and leave in place would be ideal, but it also has to secure a low-step bike *without an adaptor*. Alternately, when will you post a video for the OnRamp? Thank you in advance!
asked by: Sue B
Expert Reply:
Good news! My friend AJ's video is finally up and you can see him review the Yakima OnRamp #Y36FR in the video I attached below.
I love your description of a road narwhal. If you're worried about the extra length behind your vehicle with a folded bike rack, I recommend the new Yakima OnRamp # Y96FR. In the video, AJ doesn't get into exact measurements since they're vehicle/hitch specific and he was doing a more general review, but I attached picture comparisons of the two bike racks you're interested in so you can see what I mean.
Both bike racks were designed with e-bike users in mind. Since the low-step is a common e-bike frame style, both racks' frames are great with lowering and rotating their frame mounts for the differently angled frames.
In terms of tilting though, there are differences. The Thule EasyFold XT has an easy and controllable tilt straight outwards. Since it sticks so far out, there are no issues with clearance when opening a rear door.
The Yakima OnRamp, however, tilts straight down. The possible issue here is that it has no stop within the rack, so the instructions recommend TWO people during the tilting process: one to hold the rack, and another to undo the tilting pin and release the titling knob. The rack then will continue downwards until it hits the ground. That unstopped design is to allow as much tilt as needed to access your rear door, but it can be a jarring experience for someone who isn't ready to support the rack's weight while releasing the tilting mechanism.
All in all, if you're looking for an easy e-bike hitch rack that you can leave on your car and won't make you feel like an unwieldy road narwhal, I recommend the Yakima OnRamp # Y96FR. The Thule EasyFold XT truly shines when you have to constantly install, uninstall, and store it, but it's not as low-profile when left on the vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike
- Cable Locks
- Utility Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 10 Feet Long
- etrailer
more information >
Swagman Current 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 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Swagman
more information >
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 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
- Saris
more information >
Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Video: Comparison of the Hollywood Destination and the Yakima On Ramp E-Bike Racks
- Search Results: yakima onramp
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Q&A: Thule Easyfold XT vs. Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for E-Bikes
- Shop: Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Q&A: Yakima OnRamp or Thule EasyFold XT For Fat Tire Electric Bikes
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Video: Hollywood Racks Destination E Bike Rack Review
- Video: Review of Yakima Trailer Hitch Lock - HitchLock For Hitch Mounted Bike Racks - Y07235
- Q&A: Can 2016 Toyota RAV4 Curt Class II Hitch Be Used with the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack
- Video: Review of CURT Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Universal Base Rails - C16204
- Shop: Yakima HitchLock for Yakima Hitch Mounted Bike Racks - Same Key System (SKS)
- Search Results: hitch bike rack
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: single ebike rack
- Search Results: aluminum hitch bike rack
- Video: Saris Freedom Hitch Bike Racks Review - 2021 Jeep Wrangler
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Women's Bikes
- Q&A: Total Weight of Thule EasyFold XT 2 Electric Bike Platform Rack TH903202
- Video: Saris Freedom Hitch Bike Rack Test Course
- Video: Best 2016 Toyota RAV4 Trailer Hitch Options
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
Sue B.
10/4/2020
I am trying to find an ebike hitch rack for a low-step ebike. I have it down to two: The Yakima OnRamp, which is brand-new and you havent made a video for yet, and the Thule EasyFold XT, which sticks out 3 feet from the back of the car when not in use, turning our car into a road narwhal. Im terrified of ramming other cars when backing up. How easy is this thing to take out and reinstall for an averge person? If you have another suggestion something well designed that we can install and leave in place would be ideal, but it also has to secure a low-step bike *without an adaptor*. Alternately, when will you post a video for the OnRamp? Thank you in advance!