The e-bike rack for cars is a smart solution for people who are looking for a safe and convenient way to transport their bicycles. The e-bike rack is made of high-quality steel, which makes it sturdy and durable. It also comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors so that it can fit any car. The e-bike rack also has a lockable hook that enables the user to secure their bike while driving, making it a safe and convenient solution. With the rise of electric bikes, more people are getting into cycling as an alternative means of transportation. The e-bike rack is an ideal solution for people who want to transport their bikes without getting into the hassle of folding them up and taking them with them on public transit or using a bicycle bag.
Things to consider buying an e-bike rack:
- Since most e-bikes weigh over 45lb you won’t be able to use certain rack types. Trunk racks is not an option as there are no trunk racks on the market that can carry such heavy bikes. Most roof bike racks can’t carry e-bikes as well. It follows that hitch bike racks is the only option for you. However, you should check the load capacity anyway since not all hitch racks are capable of carrying heavy bikes,
- Be ready to spend some money since hitch racks that can carry heavy bikes are not cheap (as well as roof racks),
- You’d better buy a zero frame mounting rack (secures bikes by the wheel or by the fork) as it won’t damage your bikes. It won’t cost you extra given that you have to buy a premium bike rack in any case,
- For a hitch rack, you have to have a trailer hitch receiver of the right size and class. For a roof rack, crossbars are required. Check the compatibility before buying a rack!
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Best hitch e-bike racks
Hitch racks are the best choice for carrying e-bikes, no question about that. How so? Well, e-bikes normally weigh more than 50-60 lb, and the hitch rack is the only rack type that is capable of carrying such heavy bikes. I have chosen hitch racks that can carry up to 60 lb bikes (not all hitch racks can do it).
Kuat NV Base 2.0 (2+2) – Best hitch rack for heavy e-bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
Completely new and upgraded, the Kuat NV Base 2.0 has a new, stronger tube made from alloy steel, a stronger anti-rattle hitch plate that is less likely to break or come loose over time, and a sleek new design. This bike rack is made to carry almost any bike – up to 60 lb each. With the NV Base 2.0 you can carry two bikes or four bikes with an add-on.
Key Takeaways
- Even though it is quite expensive rack you won’t regret,
- It is super sturdy since it is designed for really heavy bikes,
- It is easy to install but keep in mind that rack itself is pretty heavy (52 lb empty),
- Easy to load bikes and access trunk with bikes loaded (thanks for tilt function),
- This rack is definitely recommended for bike enthusiasts,
- Designed to carry really heavy bikes. That’s why it is made from steel and rather heavy itself. For not too heavy bikes it might be an over-kill.
PROS
- Top-notch quality materials
- No assembly required
- The most sturdy rack on the market
- Can carry super heavy bikes and most bike types
- Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
- Proper clearance between bikes and no frame contact
- This rack won’t damage your car
- Goes in two receiver size versions (1.25″ and 2″)
- Compact when not in use
- Negligible mileage reduction
CONS
- Quite pricey
- Keep in mind that this rack quite heavy (52 lb empty)
- The hitch receiver must be either 1.25″ or 2″
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack up to 60lb
- Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 5″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ different versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR offers a modular design and easy installation with its lightweight aluminum construction. The XT version fits most 1.25″ hitches, the XTR version fits most 2″ hitches and can carry up to four bikes with an adapter. The system creates zero frame contact, making it the perfect bike rack for your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Definitely worth the money since it is really robust and well-made,
- Bikes are very sturdy on the rack so you won’t experience any annoying wobbling,
- Very easy to use and load bikes on, if you are planning to use this rack rather often then you won’t regret about the money spent,
- This bike rack is awesome for fat-tire bikes because of a lot of space between bikes, for e-bikes because it can easily carry up to 60 lb and expensive bikes because of zero frame contact which guarantees your bikes won’t get damaged.
PROS
- High quality materials
- Easy to assemble and install
- Very easy to load bikes
- Bikes are very secure (no wobbling)
- Can carry heavy and fat-tire bikes
- Can carry different types of bikes (lady’s, kid’s, etc.)
- Easy trunk access (tilt function)
- Can’t damage your bikes
- No frame contact
- No risks of damaging your car
- Both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches are available
- Can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ version)
CONS
- Rather expensive
- Bike-to-rack locks are not reliable
- Is not universal in terms of receiver size
Saris SuperClamp EX (2 or 4) – Hitch rack for heavy e-bikes
- Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
- Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
- Total load capacity: 190 lb (54.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″ (fat-tire compatible)
- Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 63 lb (28.6 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ versions (class 2-4)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
- No frame contact
The SuperClamp EX is the ultimate bike carrier. Its unique design allows it to carry 2 or 4 bikes up to 60 pounds each, with zero frame contact. With its lightweight aluminum construction, super-strong clamp easily attaches to any hitch receiver, anywhere you go. With its universal mounting system, your bike will be held securely and you’ll be able to ride with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- It is worth the money due to overall quality and features,
- This rack is sturdy in general but some wobbling has been reported,
- This rack is easy to install and load bikes on,
- This bike rack can carry very heavy bikes (up to 60lb),
- Also, due to zero frame mounting your expensive bikes won’t get scratched so it is recommended for such bikes.
PROS
- High quality overall
- Easy to install and mount bikes
- Bikes are secure on the rack
- Can carry very heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (at-tire, e-bikes, women’s, etc.)
- Trunk access with bikes loaded
- Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks included
- No frame contact mounting
- Fits both receiver sizes (1.25″ and 2″) with an adapter
- No risk of damaging your car
- Reasonable mileage reduction
CONS
- A bit expensive
- Some wobbling of the rack has been reported
- Bikes will be close to each other
Hollywood Sport Rider SE4 (4) – Great hitch rack for many bikes
- Max number of bikes: 4
- Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
- Total load capacity: 200 lb (90.7 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″
- Max wheelbase: 60″ (152 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 91.5 lb (41.5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- Hitch receiver size: 2″ only (can’t use adapter)
- Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
Hollywood Sport Rider SE4 is a 4 bike carrier that is durable and easy to use. The hitch receiver slides into the frame of any bike with the automatic ratchet locking system, and can carry up to 4 bikes. The SE4 is made from alloy steel and aluminum for a long lasting product that can carry 4 bikes. Its easy setup and ease of use makes it perfect for anyone looking to transport their bikes.
Key Takeaways
- Worth the money if you need to carry many bikes,
- This rack is very sturdy so you won’t suffer any wobbling,
- Fairly easy to load bikes on,
- Good investment if you are planning to use it rather often,
- Even though this rack can carry rather heavy bikes, it won’t fit certain types of bikes, for example, some fat-tire bikes and rounded frame bikes,
- I would not recommend this rack for expensive and carbon frame bikes because of possible scratches due to frame mounting.
PROS
- The price is reasonable given that it can carry 4 bikes
- Good quality overall (no wobbling)
- Easy to install
- Can carry relatively heavy bikes
- Easy trunk access (tilt function)
- Locks included
- Won’t damage your car
- Low mileage reduction
- Folds up when not in use
CONS
- It is easy to load bikes but could be better
- Not all fat-tire bikes will fit
- Some rounded frame bikes won’t fit
- Frame contact mounting (risk of damaging bikes)
- You might need some help to install (91.5 lb empty)
- Only 2″ hitch receiver (can’t use an adapter)
Best roof e-bike racks
Roof racks are not designed to carry really heavy bikes. Most roof racks can only carry bikes under 40 lb. However, there are few models on the market that can fit 44-45lb bikes. This is the best that I can offer. For really heavy e-bikes you have no other choice than hitch racks.
Yakima HighRoad – Best roof rack overall (especially for fat-tire bikes)
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 4″
- Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
- Crossbar spread: between 18″ and 36″
- Empty rack weight: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Yakima’s HighRoad is a bike rack that caters to both the light-weight and heavy-duty user by providing secure bike mounting with no frame contact. It has crossbars that are easy to install and remove and can carry up to 45 pounds worth of bikes.
Key Takeaways
- Definitely worth the money because of premium quality and useful features,
- No wobbling at all as the whole construction is extremely sturdy,
- Lifting a bike up might be challenging or impossible for some people,
- This bike rack is highly recommended for expensive bikes because of no frame contact. As a result, your bikes won’t get scratches,
- The best choice for fat-tire bikes (in comparison with other roof racks).
PROS
- Premium quality overall
- Straightforward installation
- Both rack and bike are very robust
- Can carry quite heavy bikes
- Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license frame and taillights
- Locks are included
- Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)
- Won’t damage your car
- Universal (compatible with most crossbars)
- You don’t have to remove the wheel
CONS
- The whole system is expensive (since it requires crossbars)
- Keep in mind that loading a bike requires some muscles
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Thule Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars
- Type of mount: wheel
- Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
- Empty rack weight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
- No frame contact
Thule Upride is a lightweight, aluminum bike rack that fits most types of bicycles and can carry up to 44lbs. It is easy to install and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s a great way to transport your bicycle with not having to mess with complicated parts.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality materials make this rack worth the money spent,
- No wobbling since a bike will be properly secured by the wheel,
- It does not block the trunk access obviously but lifting bikes up can be challenging for some people,
- A good rack for those who have no problems with lifting up 20-40 lb,
- An awesome rack for expensive bikes since it won’t damage your bikes due to zero frame contact.
PROS
- Premium quality materials
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel
- Easy to assemble and install
- The rack itself and a bike will be very sturdy
- Can carry most bike types
- Does not block your trunk access
- Locks included (not that reliable)
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Won’t damage your bike (zero frame mounting)
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Looks modern
CONS
- Quite expensive given that it requires crossbars and can carry only 1 bike
- It might not be that easy to load bikes
- For fat-tire bike you need to buy an adapter
- Not universal (fits Thule crossbars only)
- 10-20% mileage reduction
Thule ProRide XT – Premium roof rack with frame contact
- Type of mount: frame
- Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
- Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
- Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
- Max wheelbase: 48.6″ (123.5 cm)
- Downtube diameter: 0.87” to 3.15” (round shaped only)
- Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
- Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
- Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
Thule ProRide XT is the perfect solution for towing your bike. Designed exclusively for Thule crossbars, it carries most bikes up to 44 pounds, rides smoothly, and fits only Thule systems. It secures a bike by the frame and has a unique curve along the top that gives you an added measure of security when loading and unloading from your trunk or hitch.
Key Takeaways
- Premium quality roof bike rack,
- The ease of use highly depends on your physical conditions,
- I would not recommend this rack to carry expensive bikes because of frame contact mounting (will scratch your bike),
- Fat-tire bikes require an adapter (sold separately).
PROS
- High quality materials
- You don’t have to remove the front wheel
- Easy to assemble and install
- Can carry relatively heavy bikes
- Does not block trunk access
- Does not cover license plate and taillights
- Low risk of damaging your car
- Looks modern and fancy
CONS
- Quite pricey considering it requires crossbars
- Not that easy to load a bike
- Won’t fit fat-tire bikes out of the box
- Frame contact mounting will leave some scratches
- Does not fit all crossbars
- 10-20% mileage reduction
What about trunk e-bike racks?
Given that basically all e-bikes weigh 40 lb+, it is impossible to carry them on a trunk rack. This is the case because most trunk racks have a 35 lb load capacity. The best you can find is 40 lb, which is clearly not enough for carrying e-bikes.