Bike Rack Options for Ebikes on a 2018 Acura ILX
Question:
Hi, will this bike rack work for an ebike?
asked by: Candi
Expert Reply:
The main obstacle when choosing a bike rack for your electric bike is finding one that can handle the weight. The average ebike weighs between 38 and 70 pounds, with most of them falling in the 45-60 range.
This means the Thule Gateway Pro 2, part # TH88VR, will more than likely not be able to carry your ebike as its weight capacity per bike is 35 pounds. This is true for the vast majority of trunk-mounted bike racks as well.
The only option to carry your bikes on your 2018 Acura ILX is to use a hitch-mounted bike rack. There are quite a few designed to handle ebikes' weight and tire width.
If you do not have a hitch on your vehicle, I recommend the Curt Class I, part # C11391. It has a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds, meaning it will be able to carry both the rack and the bikes. I've linked to a video installation of this hitch on a 2014 Honda Civic.
For your bike rack, I recommend the RockyMounts MonoRail 2, part # RKY10003. It has a weight capacity of 60 pounds per bike and can handle tire widths up to 5 inches. It has a tilt-away feature that allows easy access to your trunk even while installed (a clear advantage over trunk racks) and the padding on the ratcheting hooks protects your ebikes' frames from scratches, which is another thing you want to keep in mind as ebikes are quite expensive. The hooks can also be adjusted to hook onto the tires of the bike, further protecting your frames. I've linked to a video review of this rack for your consideration.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
RockyMounts MonoRail Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- RockyMounts
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Lock Rack
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
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