Best Kids’ Bike Racks for Cars: A Buyer’s Guide

The main problem with kids’ bikes is the shape of the frame. This is the case because quite a few rack models secure bikes exactly by the frame. In most cases, it can be solved with the help of an adapter.  However, if you are not excited about having to put an adapter on a bike each time you load it on the rack, there are many racks on the market that can carry kids’ bikes without an adapter.

Things to keep in mind buying a kids’ bike rack:

  • How many bikes do you need to carry? All rack types can carry 3 bikes or less (trunk, roof and hitch). However, for 4 bikes and more, you will have to buy either a roof or a hitch rack,
  • How much money you are willing to spend. Trunk racks are much more affordable in comparison with hitch and roof racks,
  • All hitch racks require a trailer hitch (of the right size and class) and all roof racks require crossbars to be installed. Trunk racks require nothing,
  • Keep in mind that all trunk racks block trunk access. So to speak, in order to open the trunk, you will have to remove bikes each time,
  • Moreover, I would not recommend trunk racks for expensive or new cars. It might be tempting to go for a trunk rack since they are much cheaper in general. However, given the much higher risk of scratching your car, this rack type can end up costing you much more at the end of the day.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you click on my links (I would really appreciate it). Anyway, all ratings are not paid directly or not and are based on my personal experience. I hope you will enjoy the products. Thank you!

Best kids’ hitch bike racks

Basically any hitch rack that has zero frame contact (secures bikes by the wheel) can carry a kids’ bike without an adapter. Moreover, hitch bike racks are the best overall since they are super sturdy and won’t damage your car.

Yakima Dr.Tray (2) – Awesome hitch rack for not too heavy bikes

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 80 lb (36.3 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 26” to 29” (66 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 4.8″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 41 lb (18.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ (class 2)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

Yakima Dr.Tray is the ultimate bike rack for carrying up to 2 bikes 40 lb each. Dr.Tray is made from aluminum and plastic, so it will never rust or corrode and can carry any bike with a 1.25″ receiver hitch. It features a secure locking system that allows you to carry bikes with no frame contact, as well as a sturdy bottom rack that keeps your bikes in place.

Key Takeaways

  • Very robust and high quality materials make this rack a very good choice,
  • Rack itself and bikes on it will be secured very sturdy,
  • The installation process is very straightforward and takes less then 10 minutes,
  • Perfect choice for those who need to transport bikes rather often,
  • This bike rack is amazing for fat-tire and expensive bikes due to great spacing between bikes (18″) so they will fit and won’t be hitting each other. However, keep in mind that this rack is not designed for really heavy bikes, up to 40 lb each bike only.

PROS

  • Highest quality materials
  • Very easy and tool-free installation
  • The whole construction is very robust
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes out of the box
  • Tilt function for easy trunk access
  • Locks included
  • Unprecedented spacing between bikes (18″)
  • Zero frame contact (won’t damage bikes)
  • No risks of damaging your car
  • Folds up when not in use
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • High-priced
  • Rather low load capacity (40 lb each bike)
  • Only 1.25″ hitch receiver version

Yakima HoldUp EVO (2+2) – Zero frame contact universal hitch rack

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 50 lb (22.7 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 100 lb (45.4 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: 51 lb (23 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

Yakima HoldUp EVO is a revolutionary bike rack that is made from durable aluminum and plastic, features a receiver hitch (either 1.25″ or 2″) that fits most bikes up to 50 lb each, and can carry up to 2 bikes or 4 bikes with an adapter. It secures bikes at the wheels by design so there is no frame contact system.

Key Takeaways

  • Very well-made premium bike rack that is worth the money spent,
  • Both rack and bikes on the rack are very sturdy, very easy to install and load bikes on,
  • Easy trunk access with bikes mounted,
  • Excellent choice if you are planning to use it rather often,
  • This bike rack is truly universal in terms of diversity of bikes it can carry,
  • It is especially good for expensive bikes because of zero frame contact.

PROS

  • Premium materials
  • Super straightforward installation
  • Easy to mount bikes
  • No wobbling (both rack and bikes)
  • Can carry most bikes (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s and so on)
  • Easy trunk access with bikes loaded
  • Rack-to-vehicle and bikes-to-rack locks
  • Enough clearance between bikes
  • No frame contact mounting system
  • Can’t damage your car
  • Comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Very compact when not in use

CONS

  • A bit pricey
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes (up to 50 lb)
  • To carry more than 2 bikes you have to buy an add-on

Hollywood Destination (2 or 4) – Budget hitch rack for many bikes

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 4 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 140 lb (63.5 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 42 lb (19 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ (2″ only for 4 bikes version)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): No

The Hollywood Destination is an innovative bike rack that folds completely flat when not in use. It features a locking hitch receiver, an integrated storage tray that can hold up to 4 bikes, and it works with 1.25″ or 2″ receivers. The Hollywood can carry two bikes on the crossbars, or four bikes on the frame of the bike rack, depending on the version.

Key Takeaways

  • This is a good bike rack given that it won’t break the bank,
  • The whole construction is quite sturdy,
  • It is easy to install and load bikes but you won’t be able to access the trunk with bikes loaded,
  • Perfect choice for those who are on budget and planning to use it rather occasionally,
  • This bike rack can’t carry most fat-tire or heavy bikes. This bike rack can’t carry some rounded frame bikes,
  • I don’t recommend this rack for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes because it secures bikes by the frame which can result in scratches.

PROS

  • Very cheap in comparison with most hitch racks
  • Easy to install and mount bikes
  • Quite robust
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Both 1.25″ and 2″ receiver size versions available
  • Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)

CONS

  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Can’t carry most fat-tire bikes
  • Won’t fit some rounded frame bikes
  • Can’t access the trunk with bikes mounted
  • Frame contact mounting (can damage your bikes)

Best roof kids’ bike racks

Most roof bike racks can carry kids’ bikes without an adapter. This is the case because bikes are secured either by the wheel or by the fork so the rounded shape of a kids’ bike won’t be a problem.

Yakima ForkLift – Premium roof rack for not heavy bikes

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 42″
  • Empty rack weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • No frame contact

Yakima ForkLift is an anti-sway, continuous-loop, fork-mounted bike rack that supports most bikes weighing up to 35 pounds. This is the one of the easiest ways to take your bike on and off your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • This is a really light and well made fork-mounted rack,
  • The whole construction is super sturdy (zero wobbling),
  • You have to be ready to remove the front wheel each time you would like to transport a bike,
  • This bike rack is designed to carry rather lightweight bikes (up to 35 lb). Except for this limitation, it can fit basically all bikes,
  • The rack is amazing for carrying expensive or carbon frame bikes since no frame contact ensures no scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality overall
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Your bike will be super sturdy
  • Most bikes will fit
  • Easy trunk access
  • Won’t obscure license plate and taillights
  • No frame contact mounting ensures no scratches
  • Negligible risk of damaging your car
  • Universal since it fits most crossbars

CONS

  • The whole system is expensive (requires crossbars)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • The front wheel must be removed each road trip
  • Expect 10-20% mileage reduction

Yakima Raptor Aero – Roof rack for not heavy and not expensive bikes

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: frame
  • Max bike weight: 30 lb (13.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Crossbar spread: between 16″ and 38″
  • Downtube diameter: 1” to 3” (round shaped only)
  • Empty rack weight: 7.4 lb (3.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes

If you’re looking for a bike rack that’s worth the investment, look no further than the Yakima Raptor Aero. It comes complete with a lifetime warranty and is made from alloy steel, requiring a crossbar in order to be installed. A great bike rack for carrying most bikes up to 30 lbs, it secures your bike by the frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium roof rack to carry lightweight bikes,
  • The rack itself and a mounted bike are quite sturdy,
  • The installation process is pretty much straightforward (the instructions are clear),
  • This rack is not designed to carry heavy bikes. Other than that, it fits most bikes (including fat-tire),
  • Since it has frame mounting, I would not recommend this rack to transport expensive or carbon frame bikes (will scratch the frame).

PROS

  • Decent quality
  • The installation is easy
  • Can carry most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Does not obscure license plate and taillights
  • Low risk of damaging your car
  • Can be installed on most crossbars
  • The wheel is not required to be removed

CONS

  • Rather pricey (requires crossbars to be installed)
  • Loading bikes requires some muscles
  • Secures bikes good enough but could be better
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Frame contact mounting will result in scratches
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Swagman Standard – Budget roof rack for carrying not heavy bikes

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 48″ (122 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 6.6 lb (3 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • No frame contact

Swagman’s Standard rack is a lightweight and affordable option for transporting your bike from point A to point B. The one-piece design secures your bike by its fork, meaning no frame contact and no damage to the frame or paint job. It can carry most bikes up to 35 lbs and its aluminum construction ensures a long life.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack gets the job done and does not cost all money in the world,
  • Even it is rather cheap, it quite reliable and properly secures a bike,
  • The installation is not that straightforward due to unclear instructions,
  • This rack can carry most bikes under 35 lb. The width of the tire must not exceed 3″,
  • Won’t scratch your bikes thanks to zero frame mounting.

PROS

  • Very affordable
  • Decent quality overall
  • Quite sturdy
  • Can carry most bikes
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Zero frame contact
  • Low risk of damaging your car
  • Fits most crossbars

CONS

  • Not that easy to assemble
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • No locks
  • Be ready for 10-20% mileage reduction
  • You have to remove the front wheel to load a bike
  • A bit noisy

Best trunk kids’ bike racks

Trunk bike racks that are listed below are the most universal in terms of carrying kids’ bikes. So to speak, most kids’ bike models will fit without an adapter. In the worst-case scenario, you will have to buy an adapter that won’t break the bank in any case.

Saris Bones EX (2 or 3) – Trunk rack that fits most cars

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 6

Get a safe and secure bike transport for your family or friends. This bike transport is made of two separately-mounted platforms that are attached to the back of your car by straps, and is strong enough to hold up to 3 bikes. It also includes a hitch-mounting kit so you do not have to worry about finding space on your car’s frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Best-seller trunk rack with a good reason for that (fits most cars and decent quality overall),
  • Don’t expect it to be very sturdy (some wobbling is inevitable),
  • Quite easy to easy overall, but keep in mind that trunk access will be blocked,
  • Fits most bikes under 35 lb (an adapter will help with kid’s and women’s bikes),
  • I would not recommend it for carrying expensive bikes (especially carbon frame) since it will cause scratches.

PROS

  • Reasonable price
  • Easy to install
  • Fits most bikes (including fat-tire)
  • Compatible with most cars (universal)
  • Quite compact
  • Won’t affect mileage much

CONS

  • Don’t expect it to be super sturdy
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Blocks trunk access
  • Very easy to steal (both rack and bikes)
  • Bikes will be hitting each other (expect scratches)
  • There is some risk of damaging your car

Yakima HalfBack (2 or 3) – Premium quality but quite affordable

  • Kids’ bike compatible: Yes
  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 105 lb (47.6 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 22 lb (10 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 4

Yakima HalfBack is the perfect hitch rack for cyclists and bike enthusiasts who want to transport two or three bikes with minimal hassle. The lightweight, rigid and corrosion-proof aluminum frame fits almost every vehicle without a trailer hitch or crossbars. The Yakima HalfBack comes in two different models, one that carries 2 bikes, and one that carries 3 bikes.

Key Takeaways

  • Worth every penny due to really high quality and affordable price,
  • Super sturdy once installed (rather uncharacteristic for trunk racks),
  • Fairly easy to use overall, but you have to remove bikes each time you would like to open the trunk,
  • This rack is recommended for carrying lightweight bikes of most designs and shapes,
  • Not suitable for carrying expensive bikes since bikes will inevitably scratch each other.

PROS

  • Good price for a premium rack
  • Goes assembled, fairly easy to install
  • The rack is sturdy
  • Relatively easy to load bikes on
  • Most bikes will fit including fat-tire (kid’s and women’s bikes require an adapter)
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Negligible mileage reduction
  • Folds up when not in use

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble a bit (any trunk rack has this problem)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Can’t access the trunk with bikes loaded
  • Very easy to steal
  • Bikes will scratch each other
  • Some risk of scratching your car (true for all trunk racks)