How Can I Carry 50lb Ebikes On The Roof Of My Car

Question:

We have a 2021 santa cruze heckler and a 2021 giant stance e2. Will these bikes fork mount and will the carrier handle the weight? Each bike is approx 50 lbs.

asked by: Brad S

Expert Reply:

Your ebikes weight is one of the limiting factors in carrying them on the roof of your vehicle. The Yakima ForkLift Roof Mounted Bike Carrier - Fork Mount, part # Y02098, has a weight limit of 40lbs. But if your roof rack has crossbars with a channel my recommendation would be the Inno Fork Lock Roof Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Channel Mounted - Aluminum, part # INXA391.

It is a fork mounted rack that attaches to the channel of your crossbars. It has a weight limit of 50lbs and locks your bike to the vehicle. But since your bikes have thru-axles you need a separate adapter for each bike that is compatible with thru-axle bikes. The Yakima Fork Adapter for Bikes with 15-mm x 110-mm Boost Thru-Axle Forks, part # Y02113. This adapter clamps onto the quick release skewer that comes with the Inno Fork Lock Roof Bike Rack and your bikes front fork attaches to the adapter. Keep in mind while the adapter will be locked to your bike rack and vehicle, anything attached to the adapter is not locked to the vehicle.

If your cross bars do not have a channel the only option is to carry your bikes with the front wheel on the rack. My recommendation would be the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum, part # TH599000. This rack has a maximum load of 44lbs. You should be able to meet that limit by removing the batteries from your bike when you transport them on the roof. It would also make the bikes safer to transport on the roof. The rack holds your bike in place via the wheels, so it never touches your frame. It fits bikes with 20 - 29" wheels and tires up to 3" in width. With the Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2, part # TH450200, you can lock the bike to the rack and the rack to your vehicle.

Keep in mind your roof racks weight limit will be 165lbs. That is the weight of the rack, the accessories, and the bikes.

I have included product description links and video review links below.