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E-bikes or electric bikes are modern bicycles that have electric motors used for thrust. There are several kinds of e-bikes available worldwide, depending on the power and the function of the bike. Electric bikes use rechargeable batteries, and lighter e-bikes can travel much shorter than high-powered ones.
Depending on the kind of e-bike, they are generally used to give a head start to the biker and sustain the thrust as the biker pedals. Some bikers use e-bikes on hilly routes when mountain biking. Some also use the e-bikes for daily use.
Top 5 Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
As you plan to buy an e-bike, you have to keep in mind that there are different types of e-bikes for different types of needs. Here is the list of the best e-bikes that most bikers use to help you decide on which one to buy.
- EasyFold XT 2 E-Bike Platform Rack by Thule
- Backstage 2 Bike Platform Rack by RockyMounts
- Freedom XE 2 Bike Platform Rack by Saris
- Sport Rider SE2 2 Electric Bike Rack by Hollywood Racks
- SuperClamp EX 2 Bike Platform Rack by Saris
#1. EasyFold XT 2 E-Bike Platform Rack by Thule – Best Overall E-bike Rack
[amazon fields=” B07954CY49″ value=”thumb” image size=”medium” image_align=”center” image _title=”e-bike rack” image_alt=”Thule EasyFold XT 2 E-Bike Plaform Rack” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″/]Specifications:
- Maximum Number of Bikes: 2
- Load Capacity: 130 lbs
- Receiver fits: 1 ¼ “/ 2” (class 1-4)
- Product weight: 44 lbs
- Maximum Tire Width: 4.7”
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 platform rack is a premium, high-load capacity bike rack that is ideal for both e-bikes and mountain bikes. The hitch-mounted, platform-style rack will let you fit two bikes at the back of your car.
With the Road Dampening Technology (RDT) of the pads of the clamps, your bike is protected from road shock and vibration. The hand knobs of the padded clamps will also hold the bike firmly on the rack. The arms that independently attach and detach will let you carry the bikes at different heights. It also contains the bikes together without any bike-to-bike contact.
The straps of the rack hold and secure your bike wheels on the rack. If you have some extra bucks, you can use the extra-long wheel straps to convert you wheel cradle if you have fat bike tires.
As the name suggests, you can easily fold and install the platform rack because of the integrated anti-rattle hitch pin and hand knob. That sure is fast and effortless! The release lever of the rack lets you tilt the rack forward so that you can quickly load and unload your bikes.
For easy loading and unloading of heavy bikes, the rack has an aluminum ramp that you can quickly fold and stow away. If you have an SUV or any tall vehicle, you can also purchase the extra-long ramp of the rack.
The Thule EasyFold XT is known for the convenience that it gives to the users. With the racks integrated handles and wheels, you can easily store and transport the rack into your vehicle.
If you are worried about the security and safety of your bikes while on mobile, don’t fret because the Thule EasyFold has a One-Key Lock System that can deter theft of your rack and bike. Because of the free red reflectors, other cars can quickly notice the rack during night time.
Lastly, you don’t have to worry about the materials used on the bike platform rack since Thule only uses the best construction materials like the ABS and aluminum plastic that ensures a durable and rustproof e-bike platform rack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The aluminum ramp used for easy bike loading – no need to lift bikes | The ramp can only extend to 48" – too short for tall vehicles |
| The rack has compact storage and can easily be transported | Premium quality means a premium price |
| A perfect combination of heavy-duty function and usability | |
| The rack has One-Key Lock System |
|
#2. Backstage 2 Bike Platform Rack by RockyMounts – Easiest Access for Cargo
[amazon fields=”B01MSTIKNK ” value=”thumb” image size=”medium” image_align=”center” image _title=”e-bike rack” image_alt=”RockyMounts Backstage 2 Bike Platform Rack” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″/]Specifications:
- Maximum Number of Bikes: 2
- Load Capacity: 120 lbs
- Receiver fits: 2”
- Product Weight: 60 lbs
- Maximum Tire Width: 5”
The RockyMounts Backstage 2 Bike Platform Rack is the first 180 degrees swing away platform rack in the bike rack industry. The rack can carry up to two bikes with 60 lbs each. With the Swing-away design, you can easily access your rear cargo without detaching your bike rack with the help of the hinged arm at the base of the rack.
With the versatile design of the rack, you can load all types of e-bikes and even mountain bikes with fat tires. Since the rack is front-mounted, you can quickly release the lever and allow anyone to tilt and fold the rack.
If you are worried about your bikes getting in contact with each other, be assured that Backstage Swing-away will securely hold your bikes by the front wheels because of the ratcheting hooks on the pivoting straight arms. You can load bikes with fat tires up to 5″ wide because of the extra-long straps and the deep-wheel cradles. The pivoting rear-wheel cradles can also adjust to fit long bikes.
The back trays of the rack can adjust to 3” side to side so that you can optimize your bike spacing. You don’t also need to worry about all that bulk since the rack has a hand knob and threaded anti-rattle hitch pin, which you can pull for a quick and easy installation.
For those worried about the security and safety of their racks and bikes, the Backstage Swing-away has two locks, namely, the hitch lock, which locks your rack to your vehicle, and the cable lock secures your bike to the rack.
RockyMounts only uses the best construction materials made of durable steel and aluminum to build the Backstage Swing-away rack. Plus, it has a black powder coat finish for a rust-resistant rack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The first swing-away rack with 180-degree swing | Tilt mechanism can sometimes be a little tricky |
| Can fit bikes up to 29” in length | Locks are not heavy-duty |
| Bikes with fat wheels can fit | Rack is heavy |
#3. Freedom XE 2 Bike Platform Rack by Saris – Lightest rack
[amazon fields=” B071FVCM2L” value=”thumb” image size=”medium” image_align=”center” image _title=”e-bike rack” image_alt=”Saris Freedom XE 2 Bike Platform Rack” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″/]Specifications:
- Maximum Number of Bikes: 2
- Load Capacity: 120 lbs
- Receiver fits: 1 ¼”/ 2”
- Product Weight: 27 lbs
- Maximum Tire Width: 4”
One of the most lightweight platform racks of the Saris Company is the Saris Freedom XE 2 bike platform rack. The platform-style carrier is made with soft rubber cradles and frames and sliding wheel trays that can fit two bikes. With the soft rubber cradles and cushioned straps, you are sure that your bike frame won’t have any scratches or scuffs. It also creates an excellent grip on your bikes and can adjust independently along with the upright masts.
The sliding wheel trays of the Freedom XE can accommodate different types of wheelbases up to 48″, and with the twist knobs, you can easily adjust the wheel trays. If you have some spare cash, you can purchase the fat tire adapter to accommodate those bikes with fat wheels.
The push level of the rack is front-mounted, which means that any person can easily tilt and fold the rack. You can easily tilt the rack down without unloading the bikes to access the cargo area of the vehicle. You could also fold the rack up against the car to store the rack.
You are sure that the bikes are secured into the rack because of the 8ft 10mm braided stainless steel locks. The anti-rattle hitch lock also secures your bike into the rack and creates lesser movement and rattle in the hitch. The rack package also includes the hitch adapter sleeve that converts into a 1-1/4” shank so that you can use 2” hitches.
During the nighttime, you are sure that the bikes and the rack are easily seen with the free oversized reflectors in the outside wheel tray.
Saris only uses the best lightweight and sturdy construction materials for all its bike racks. The steel base and the mast of the rack are coated with a black powder finish to maintain rust-resistant. The wheel trays are also made of injection-molded plastic.
There is nothing more convenient than having a bike rack with a compact design. Every Saris bike rack also has a lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cradles have soft rubber protection to prevent scratches | Need to purchase fat wheel adapter for fat wheels |
| Lightweight at only 27 lbs | The twist knobs to adjust the trays are small |
| Has a lifetime warranty |
|
| Made in the USA | |
#4. Sport Rider SE2 2 Electric Bike Rack by Hollywood Racks – Highest capacity of bike weight
[amazon fields=”B007JCGG0A” value=”thumb” image size=”medium” image_align=”center” image _title=”e-bike rack” image_alt=”Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 2 Electric Bike Rack” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″/]Specifications:
- Maximum Number of Bikes: 2
- Load Capacity: 160 lbs
- Receiver fits: 1 ¼”/ 2”
- Product Weight: 50 lbs
- Maximum Tire Width: 3”
Hollywood Racks only promises to have performance built racks that are simple, strong, and secure. True enough, they hold on to their promise. The Sports Rider SE 2 Bike Rack has a platform-style rack that holds 2 bikes. The rack can keep the bikes securely to its frame with the ratcheting hooks on the center mast. The hooks are also protected with cushions so as not to scratch or scuff your bikes finish.
Talk about easy, the wheel hoops are adjustable and slide along the bike tray for effortless loading of the bikes and secure each with the hand knobs. The hook-and-loop straps of the rack also secure the wheels to the tray.
There is nothing like convenience with the rack’s two quick-release spring pins that would allow it to tilt and fold. You can tilt the rack down even with the bikes to access the vehicle’s rear cargo. To store the rack, you can easily fold the rack up.
The Sports Rider SE also has an adapter sleeve which enables to fit hitches from 1 ¼ to 2″. With the anti-rattle handle of Sports Rider SE, there is a reduction in rack movement.
To secure your Sports Rider SE, it includes a keyed-alike hitch lock with frame hoops and security cable to lock the bike to the rack securely and the rack to the vehicle.
Since Hollywood Racks only promises to deliver performance built racks, they only use bolstered steel construction materials for their racks and coat each with a black powder finish to have a rust-resistant Sports Rider SE rack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The lock has 8" security cable long enough to lock bike and rack to vehicle | Cannot be used for the trailer, fifth wheel, or towed vehicles |
| Can accommodate up to 160 lbs total weight of bikes | Adapter sleeve sold separately |
| Hooks cushioned to protect the bike from scratches | No freeloading ramp |
#5. SuperClamp EX 2 Bike Platform Rack by Saris – Highest bike capacity
[amazon fields=”B06ZZBSJQL” value=”thumb” image size=”medium” image_align=”center” image _title=”e-bike rack” image_alt=” Saris SuperClamp EX 2 Bike Platform Rack” image_width=”250″ image_height=”250″/]Specifications:
- Maximum Number of Bikes: 2-4
- Load Capacity: 60 lbs/bike
- Receiver fits: 1 ¼”/ 2”
- Product Weight: 35 lbs
- Maximum Tire Width: 4 ½ “
The Saris SuperClamp EX 2 bike platform rack is one of the most lightweight racks of Saris. It sustains its lightweight feature even if it can hold up to 4 bikes in one journey. The compact 4-bike tray of SuperClamp can adjust independently with the upright masts without scratching or scuffing your bike frame. The flexibility of the rack even allows bikes of different wheels without the use of a bike adapter.
The rack’s sliding wheel trays with the ratcheting straps secure your bike’s rear-wheel to the rack. You can also adjust the wheel trays of the SuperClamp to accommodate different wheelbases by twisting the knobs.
Anyone can easily tilt and fold the rack with its front-mount push lever. Tilting the rack down enables access to the rear cargo area, and folding the rack up to the vehicle for the stage is easy. The levers are spring-loaded so that tilting and folding are easy.
Loading and unloading your bikes are accessible with the platform design and the wheel hooks at the ends of the base.
There is nothing to fear with your bikes getting lost or being stolen with SuperClamp’s integrated, 10mm stainless steel locks that secure your bike to the rack. Furthermore, the oversized reflectors can increase the rack’s visibility at night.
Thanks to the anti-rattle hitch lock of SuperClamp, there are lesser movements and rattles on the hitch.
Saris Company is known for producing lightweight bike racks, and SuperClamp is as light as a feather with only 35 lbs in weight, and that’s already for the four bike rack. It also only uses the most sturdy construction materials for its racks. Every rack of Saris is made in the USA.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wheel straps can accommodate kids’ bikes and bikes with fenders | The 4-bike model can only accommodate 2" hitches |
| Lightweight and sturdy for a 4-bike rack | A bit expensive |
| Has cable locks for extra security | |
| Can accommodate up to 4 bikes |
|
Getting the Best E-Bike Rack – Buyers Guide
The increase in popularity of e-bikes created a massive demand for e-bike racks. Since many are reluctant about using the regular bike racks for e-bikes, companies began to manufacture bike racks primarily for e-bikes.
Knowing that your e-bike is safe and sound right behind your vehicle takes away all those worries while land traveling, which is why you have to know what rack to buy for your e-bike. Below is a guide to help you choose the best e-bike rack.
Types of E-Bike Racks
Before choosing the best e-bike rack, the weight capacity of an e-bike must first be considered. Since e-bikes are a lot heavier than traditional bikes, certain rack types can only support such weight.
Roof Racks
Roof racks are usually used for traditional bikes since bikers need to lift their bikes into the roof of their vehicles. Therefore, only light bikes can be accommodated by roof racks.
Trunk Mounted Racks
From the name itself, these racks are mounted to the trunk of the vehicle to support the bike weight. Because of the rack’s design, only 35 lbs per bike must be stored in the rack. Another thing to consider with this kind of rack is that bikers still need to lift their bikes to place it into the rack.
Hitch-Mounted Racks
Hitch mounted racks can support higher weights compared to the two other rack types. As the term suggests, the rack is mounted into the hitch of the vehicle to support the heavy weight. With the hitch installed racks, there is more flexibility when it comes to storing bikes since the rack supports the wheels of the bike.
Rack Features
Total Load Capacity
- Must accommodate heavier weights since e-bikes are more massive than usual bikes
- The rack must support the weight of the e-bike and itself
Weight Capacity
- Lightweight racks are better to install and mount unto the vehicle easily
- The lighter weight of the rack means that total weight of the rack and e-bike may be lighter too
Sturdiness and Flexibility
- Safety grabs, hitch pin, and lever must be sturdy enough to withstand weight and movement of e-bike while traveling
- Rack can fit any size of wheelbases and tilting and folding is easy
Materials
- Usual materials used for racks are aluminum and stainless steel
- Racks can have coating finish to resist rusting
A Brief History on E-Bike Racks
Bike racks came from the discovery of cycling. After the introduction of bicycles in the 19th century, cycling became a trend that would soon become of the legendary sports of today.
In many countries, people use bicycles as their mode of transport. However, there will always be times where they need to use the bus or other types of vehicles to get to where they’re going, hence the bike racks. As a mode of transport, bicycles should have accessories such as helmets, reflectors, and bike racks for cyclist’s safety.
Cyclists use bike racks to store their bicycles whenever they travel long distances using vehicles. With the use of the different types of bike racks, cyclists can stuff different types of bikes in their cars.
Recently, the use of e-bikes or electric bikes became a trend in many parts of the world. Since e-bikes are specialized bikes, it also needs specialized racks to support the weight while traveling. With the use of e-bike racks, e-bike enthusiasts can now finally stuff their heavy e-bikes to the back of their cars.
Conclusion
Aside from the convenience that it gives, e-bikes racks are a necessity for every e-bike enthusiast. The ease and peace of mind that it provides to the users make it a recommended accessory.
Before buying an e-bike rack, just make sure that you know the specific features of your e-bike since each e-bike has an accompanying e-bike rack, depending on its weight capacity.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
✅ What is the best type of rack used for e-bikes?
The best type of rack used for e-bikes is the hitch-mounted racks. Hitch mounted racks can support up to 60 lbs per bike for 2- bike capacity and can easily be adjusted depending on the size of the e-bike. Since hitch mounted racks are mounted on the rear end of the vehicle, there is no need to lift the e-bikes with much force.
✅ Can traditional bike racks support e-bikes?
Traditional bike racks can only support up to 20 lbs per bike. Since e-bikes usually weigh from 35-60 lbs, traditional bike racks might not support such weight. This problem might even be worsened by the fact that conventional bike racks do not have enough security and safety to lock the e-bikes properly since these types of bikes have so many parts.
✅ How do I know the right e-bike rack for me?
Before you buy any e-bike rack, you have to know what car you are going to install. Since specific e-bike racks do not have long ramps, you might find yourself lifting the bike to the rack if you are using an SUV or a tall vehicle. Then, you must also know the weight capacity of your e-bike since there are e-bike racks that can only support a certain weight.
Also Read: Best RV Bike Racks
