Solution For Carrying 4 Electric Bikes On A 2013 Ford Edge.

Question:

I need a bike rack that hooks up to a 2” trailer hitch that can hold four e-bikes. Right now I have two RadRunner 1 E-bikes, but I have two girls that will have bikes ranging in size as they get older. What do you recommend for my 2013 Ford Edge Sport?

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

My research tells me that the RadRunner Electric bikes weigh about 60-65lbs each. The best way to transport two of these along with two other various bikes would be to use Saris Freedom 4 Bike Platform Rack for Fat Bikes - 2" Hitches # SA4414B-FB. This has a weight capacity of 60lbs per inner bike slots and 35lbs per outer bike; if your bikes are not under 60lbs then you can remove the battery pack when transporting which should reduce the weight enough. The Saris Freedom has wheel trays that can fit up to 5" wide bike tires, so you won't have an issue there.

This carrier secures the bike by the frame with a padded cradle; it works with bikes that have fenders or baskets. An anti-rattle hitch pin is included to reduce wobble and vibration, but you can lock the carrier to your vehicle's hitch receiver by using Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks # SA3022. I also recommend adding Saris Cable Lock - 8' Long # SA981 to lock your bikes to the carrier and deter theft.

If your other 2 bikes weigh more than 35lbs each then you could use RockyMounts SplitRail LS Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # RKY11404-4 which has a weigh capacity of 45lbs per bike, no matter which slot. If your bikes weigh over 45lbs then you can remove the battery to reduce the weight. If you are still exceeding the 45lb weight capacity then luckily this bike rack also gives you the option to remove a bike slot and when removing one bike slot you will then have a weight capacity of 60lbs per bike for the three bike slots left on the carrier.

Then your fourth bike could be installed with SeaSucker Talon Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted # 298-BT1004. This simply mounts on top of your roof if it doesn't have a roof rack installed. It has a 45lb weight capacity and mounts onto 9mm forks. For 12mm forks add 12-mm Thru-Axle Adapters # 298-BA1423, for 15mm forks add 15-mm Thru-Axle Adapters # 298-BA1424.

I attached demonstration videos for you to check out.