What Bike Rack do You Recommend for 2 60-Pound E-Bikes on My 2011 Toyota Prius Hatchback?

Question:

Will this rack hold two electric bikes each weighing approximately 60 lbs? I have a 2011 Toyota Prius hatchback. Also looks as if I would need a top tube adapter, as my ebike is a low riser frame Trek Verve 3 ?

asked by: Carmen N

Expert Reply:

I have a great way to transport your 2 e-bikes that weigh about 60 pounds each. However, the Yakima FullBack 2 # Y02634 and all other trunk bike racks do not have the required weight capacity that you need to safely transport your bikes on your 2011 Toyota Prius hatchback. With that being said, exceeding the 35-pound weight capacity of the FullBack is extremely dangerous.

For the doable route, I recommend using a hitch-mounted bike rack. A great rack that provides you with the capacity you need is the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # SA4412B or the # SA4412B-FB (if you have fat-bike tires between 2.25" and 5"). Since the Freedom has independently-adjusting cradles on the mast, you do not need to worry about using a bike frame tube adapter for your Trek Verve 3. For locks on the Freedom, I recommend the Hitch Tite Anti Rattle Hitch Lock # SA3022 along with the etrailer Cable Lock # e98891 to protect the rack and the bikes.

It is important to note that in order to use the Freedom with the weight capacity you need, you need to use it on a Class II 1-1/4" hitch or a 2" hitch receiver. You cannot use a Class I 1-1/4" receiver with this rack because the weight capacity declines from 60 pounds per bike to 35 pounds per bike. For a great 2" hitch for your vehicle, the only one we carry is the EcoHitch - 2" # 306-X7178.

If you want to go the route of a Class I hitch receiver on your Prius like the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" # C11276, the absolute best option that won't reduce your per-bike weight capacity with this Class I hitch is the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202. The EasyFold XT comes with a 65-pound per bike weight capacity and also comes with the same style of independently-adjusting cradles as the Freedom, so you do not need to worry about a bike frame tube adapter. It comes loaded with locks and includes an integrated ramp that allows you to roll the bikes on and off the ramp without ever having to lift them off the ground. If you happen to have fat tires that measure between 3 and 4-11/16 inches wide, you need the fat tire straps # TH985101 for each bike.

As with all hitch applications, I recommend that you consult with your vehicle's owner's manual to make sure your vehicle can handle the amount of weight you wish to transport.