Bike Rack For Step-Thru Ebikes For Front Hitch

Question:

Rad step thru e-bike 2 bike carrier My bikes weigh 71 pounds each. I have a 2020 Chevy 3500 dually diesel. I have a 2 inch front hitch that has a 500 pound hitch weight that was installed aftermarket. I pull a forest river ultralite so there is no other option as I am unable to load bikes into bed of truck due to weight. I have checked with several states on legal status of hauling bikes on front- The only issue seems to be covering front license plate. As with everything considered- safety- sturdy- and secure is my main concern- price??? The cost is not a major factor. Seems most manufacturers state: not for front hitch ???

asked by: Kenneth

Expert Reply:

Hey Kenneth, thanks for the question and it's a good one as you're right, there are some bike racks deemed not suitable for use on a front hitch. So I did some digging, and since there's only a couple options for your 71 lb step-thru ebikes, the best one that you can use for the front hitch is the Thule Epos Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # TH99XE.

I spoke to Thule about this and there isn't a specific restriction, they just said they hadn't tested it, so this is an option if you're comfortable with that. It does have telescoping masts that work with step-thru frames, though it's capacity is 70 lbs per bike so you'd have to remove the batteries. It also comes with a lock for the rack but you can add one for the bikes with the Cable Lock for Thule Epos Bike Racks # TH89XE. It also only fits tires up to 3-3/16" so if you have tires up to 5" wide you'd need the Fat Bike Straps # TH985101.

The other option that will undoubtedly work on a front hitch is the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes # S94FR. This rack has an 80 lb per-bike capacity and fits tires up to 5" wide. The issue with this is it is a frame-mounted rack, which means you'd need an adapter bar to fit between the seat post and handlebar stem for the hooks to grasp. That would be the Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005 if the measurement from seat post to stem was 22-1/2" to 30" or # S57FR if your measurement was 25-1/2" to 35". This will work with stem posts and seat post diameters up to 2" wide.

Finally, in regards to the license plate, you can easily add a holder that straps onto your bikes or the rack, the Yakima PlateMate License Plate Holder for Bike Racks # Y02713.