Can You Carry 2 E-Bikes Behind a 2008 Toyota Yaris?

Question:

I have two Aventon Level 2 E-Bikes ~60lb each that I want to be able to transport with my 2008 Toyota Yaris Sedan. Vendors only sell 1 1/4” hitches for this car, likely due to its small size. On top of this, they only sell Class 1 hitches, so the tongue weight cannot exceed 200lb. The only promising option I’ve seen is the Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack, as it says it accepts 1 1/4” hitches and is only 35lb giving a total weight of ~155lb with bikes. The issue with that though is it uses clamps on the front tire to secure the bike, and the Aventon Level 2s have front fenders. There’s wiring for the brake lights connected to the front fenders so I can’t take them off. Everyone keeps saying to use the Hollywood Bike Hitch Mounts, as they are made for E-bikes. But the Hollywood Hitch Mounts only accept Class 2 hitches that are 1 1/4”. So my question is: what are my options? Are there any Class 2 1.25” hitches that fit my car that I’m just not finding? Would the Saris Bike Mount still work with a class 1 hitch?

asked by: Jay

Expert Reply:

As there is only a class I trailer hitch receiver like the Curt # C11480 available for your 2008 Toyota Yaris, you are going to want to use the Thule Epos Bike Rack # TH99XE. This rack is a class I and is capable of holding 2 bike up to 140lbs with a maximum of 75lbs per bike if you had one weighing 75lbs and another 65lbs or less. The rack itself only weighs 38.1lbs so with your 60lb bikes you are only at 158.1lbs which is below the 200lb capacity of the Curt class I receiver. The uprights for the rack allow you to secure the bikes either by the seat posts or the steering stem.

A few options you may consider are the Loading Ramp # TH933402, Cable Lock # TH89XE and Light Kit # TH79XE to work with the ramp. For the light kit you will need to add a 4-Way # HM11141844 to your Yaris with the receiver.