Recommended Bike Rack For A Turbo Vado SL On A 2021 Kia Niro PHEV

Question:

THis should be an easy question. I have a 2021 Kia Niro PHEV and I want to carry ONE bike, a lightweight e-bike, the Turbo Vado SL weight ~ 38 lbs.. For various reasons, I am advised not to install a trailer hitch on the Niro it can void the warranty, strain EV electric-motor only use, so I am told. I can fit the ebike in the trunk, but only with rear seats flat, passenger seat max. forward, and the bike seat adjusted or removed a pain!. I have 3 other choices, I think: 1 Roof rack, 2 trunk mounted platform rack Thule has one, and 3 standard trunk rack. Lifting a 38lb. ebike on the roof would be a pain. But, of course, everyone says: Dont put an ebike on a trunk rack. Yet it seems to me, I SHOULD be able to do that, if I only put ONE bike on a two-bike rack rated for max 35 lb./bike. What say you? Your recommendation is welcome!

asked by: James T

Expert Reply:

Hi James,

Even with your e-bike weighing only 38lbs the compatible trunk-mounted bike racks for your 2021 Kia Niro PHEV unfortunately just aren't going to have enough capacity. Even though you'd only be using one of the spots on the rack the extra weight is going to wear on the rack and eventually break it and you'd be without a warranty. Instead you'll need a roof rack:

Yakima JetStream Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2 # Y00425
SightLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Flush Side Rails - Qty 4 # Y64AR
SightClip Fit Kit for Yakima SightLine and RidgeLine Roof Rack Towers # Y27AR

Along with a roof mounted bike rack like the Yakima HighRoad Roof Bike Rack # Y02114.

expert reply by: Kevin C