Comparing The Thule EasyFold XT And Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Racks

Question:

Hello. My wife and I have Aventon Pace 500.3 e-bikes. I was only able to install a 1/25inch hitch on my 2006 Toyota Matrix. The hitch rides pretty close to the ground with nothing mounted to it, so Im a bit anxious about what might happen with two heavy bikes 52 pounds each with the batteries installed and a rack. That said, I think I have the rack options narrowed down to the Thule Easy Fold or the Hollywood Sport Rider. The Thule is really spendy, but were 65 and having the ramp is probably a good thing. That said, we can get into the Hollywood for half the price, and if we remove the batteries, we should be able to get the bikes loaded without too much trouble. I wondered if you have any thoughts about which of the two racks might be the best option. Also, the Sport Rider seems to come in a few flavors,inch so some guidance as to which one we need would also be welcomed. Thank you for your time and expertise.

asked by: Jon N

Expert Reply:

E-Bike batteries can not be installed on the bikes while hauling them on a bike rack for both weight and safety reasons. If anyone rear ended you the batteries could be damaged and cause a fire.

The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider you referenced has been discontinued and replaced with the Sport Rider SE # HLY74FR, which would still fit the 1-1/4" class 2 receiver hitch opening and has an 80lb per bike capacity. Depending on if your frame is step through or not you may also need a frame adapter # HRBA-PRO to properly secure the bikes to the ratcheting hooks.

The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes # TH903202 can fit class 1, 2, and 3 trailer hitch receiver openings and has a 65lb per bike capacity. It does have a ramp to make getting the bikes on and off the rack easier and padded clamps instead of ratcheting hooks so you probably wouldn't need a frame adapter.

Even though the EasyFold # TH903202 is quite a bit more expensive it will be the better option for you since it includes a ramp to help load and unload the bikes and weighes 15lbs less than the Sport Rider SE so you'll have a bit more hitch capacity for the bikes.