Recommended 2-Bike Carrier For 63lb Electric Bikes On Class 1 Receiver

Question:

Hi there, My wife and I both have Lectric XP ebikes, one step-through version and one regularinch bike. They both have fat tires my tires are about 3 inches wide, my wifes are about 4 inches. The bikes weigh about 63lbs each inlcuding the battery. Would the Saris Freedom 2-Bike Platform Rack # SA4412B work for our bikes? Thanks so much!

asked by: Jason K

Expert Reply:

The bike rack you were looking at is not designed for fat bikes, but there is a fat bike version: Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack for Fat Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # SA4412B-FB. This can handle up to 5" wide tires and has a weight capacity of 60lbs per bike. Since you stated that your bikes weigh 63lbs with the battery, I recommend removing each battery pack to reduce the weight so that you do not exceed 60lbs. One thing to note is that this only works at full capacity with class 2 or higher trailer hitch receivers, so if your 2005 Ford Focus has a class 1 1-1/4" receiver, this will not work. That's because a class 1 will reduce its capacity to 35lbs per bike.

In that case, your best bet is the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # TH903202 which fits class 1 receivers. Not only does this carrier have a higher weight capacity at 65lbs per bike, it also has a handy ramp that eases loading or unloading your bikes. Unlike the Saris, this Thule EasyFold also comes with locks to deter theft of your bikes and bike rack. I highly recommend going with this carrier. I attached demonstration videos for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N