Electric bikes are sweeping with craze through the entire biking community, but they struggle a bit to transport them. Here bike racks come in handy as they are an essential accessory to provide a secure and convenient way to transport your e-bike. You need a special bike rack for electric bikes because they have unique designs and other advanced features. So, you only need to buy a safe and stable transport option. To cut short, the best bike racks for electric bikes are the ones that are easy to use and provide a secure transport option.
From simple to advanced system bike racks, we have tested and reviewed some best models to meet your needs. Since we have first-hand experience with these racks with our SUVs, trucks, and even cars, so you will find all important aspects like brand, weight limit, material, ease of use, etc. covered. In the end, we have also shared some buying tips to help you explore what features to look for before investing in an e bike rack. Let’s start our review guide.
Best Bike Rack for Electric Bikes | Full Review
Let’s explore our top picks that have gained the spot in our best bike rack for electric bikes review. From features, specs, to pros and cons, we have tried to cover all major aspects to make things easy for you.
1. Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
The first spot on our list goes to Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack, one of the most reputed names in the bike rack world. This model makes carrying your electric bike extremely easy with the hitching process.
Its good weight capacity, compact design, foldable bike ramp, tilt function, and alternative wheel straps make it an excellent buy for all e-bikes. Our team tested this hitch bike rack on various cards, and we really admire its unique great, a designed mechanism for easy attachment and removal.
We were impressed by its small wheels that help you roll this rack like a suitcase. So when you are not using it, you can simply roll it and carry it. Plus, its lightweight material makes lifting and removing very easy. Don’t get fooled by its lightweight nature because it can still carry 130lbs conveniently.
You will get separate clamps with this bike rack for each bike attached to the upper hoop. You can dismount it quickly and then lock-in. All in all, we loved using Thule EasyFold X2 as it safely carries your e bike and prevents it from any kind of damage. This electric bike rack impressed us greatly with its fitting mechanism and other advanced features. Without blinking twice, you can buy this bike rack.
2. Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack
This time our experts tried a hands-on tray-style hitch mountain rack from Yakima. We found this hitch mount rack different from others we have tested as it comes with low loading height, high weight capacity, comfortable bike seats and good ergonomics to withstand heavier bikes. Let’s go through some of its exciting features.
This ebike rack tilts down immediately with your bikes to help you access the back of your car. Also, it accommodates many types of vehicles, ranging from accommodating disc brakes to full suspension mountain bikes to thru-axles.
This bike rack is always adventure-ready. You can anytime load your bike, and it takes just a few seconds, be it a 20-inch or 29-inch wheel. Its strongArm design secures your bike at wheels and protects carbon frames and paint.
Another aspect we love about Yakima is its ease of installation. Plus, you also get SKS Locks for additional added security to prevent thieves from stealing your bike. Besides giving added security. Not only this, but you also have a limited lifetime warranty with this bike rack which proves that Yakima trusts its product a lot. And once you buy it, you are secured for your lifetime. Just use it with proper care and use it for many years.
3. KAC K2 2 Bike Rack for Electric Bikes
KAC K2 truly deserves to be in the 3rd spot on our review guide. We tried this bike rack to carry some of the best electric cruiser bikes and heavyweight models, but to our surprise, we were impressed by its abilities. Let’s reveal some of its major features that prove why it’s worth your investment.
Let’s begin with the most crucial aspect – Security. KAC K2 bike racks keep your bike safe and sturdy with its patented Anti-Wobble System. Not only this, but you also get a locking knob, padded clamps, and a hitch pin for additional safety.
With KAC K2, you also get a rear reflector to increase visibility during evening time and night. We tested this bike rack at night to check the rear reflector visibility, and surprisingly, it did make your car visible from a far range.
This bike rack for electric bikes is extremely easy to carry due to its Quick-release tilt design. You can quickly access the rear hatch to fold up the rack when you are not using it. Also, it supports 2 bikes and overall 120 weight with its slid powder-coated steel tubing. Does not matter which type of bike you have, like the fastest electric bike or fat tire electric bike, KAC K2 offers easy adjustability with almost all types of bikes.
Now coming to the most important factor – Warranty. KAC really stands for the design and quality of their bike rack products. This is why you get a limited lifetime warranty with this model. But just remember to not use a 5th wheel or an RV with it.
4. Swagman XTC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
The Swagman XC2 is an affordable hitch mount tray rack that is compact and folds up instantly for easy storage. If you plan to go on a family or friends trip and you need to carry your bikes, then Swagman is something you should buy. We easily carried our two bikes with this bike rack despite going through bumpy and uneven roads.
We find the Swagman XC2 extremely versatile because it can easily carry different bike frame styles and designs. Not only this but children and adult can attach their bikes to it by its upright ratchet arms. You will face no problem in attaching bikes with up to 59cm (23.2 inches) frames.
Another reason our experts suggest buying this electric bike rack is that it can accommodate – Full suspension bikes, beach cruiser bikes, fat-tire bikes, and more. And to gain your trust, the brand also offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects from the manufacturer. Just note that the warranty is for the original buyer of the model.
We recommend Swagman XC2 to bikers who prefer light-duty use, are on a tight budget, or don’t care much about the frame paint. You might not find this ebike rack really attractive like Thule and Yakima, but its price-performance ratio is a factor that makes it unbeatable and stands apart from its competitors.
5. Saris Freedom Bike Rack for Electric Bikes
We got our hands on Freedom 2 rack bike rack to take a ride in the busy streets of New York, and we were actually very impressed. The Freedom 2 is not only the most affordable hitch rack but also the most sturdy one we tested. Let’s check out the features that impressed us most.
This model offers a lot from an ergonomics standpoint of view. You don’t have to remove any wheel, and its loading height is low by design. Once you lift the bike to the wheel trays, the entire weight is supported by the rack, and the frame cradle stays stable into position.
We give Freedom 2 a spot on our review mainly because of its ease of use. We easily assembled it within a few minutes and attached it. But we were a bit disappointed because tools have to be bought separately. You need a 17mm wrench and an 8mm hex key to assemble, but we believe these items are easily available in any tool kit. After that, read the manual and go through the concise, clear & easy-follow directions.
Overall, the Saris Freedom bike rack stays to our expectations with its longer wheelbase, protective rubber holders, and many other features. You can grab the best deals on this product as the company gives heavy discounts for a few months.
6. BV 2-Bike Bicycle Hitch Mount Rack
Coming to our last but not the least pick, i.e., BV 2 Bike Hitch Rack, offers an effortless way to carry your bikes on long rides. It has a backward tilt design that helps you to easily open your vehicle’s rear gates without removing the hitch rack. Let’s check out some of its impressive features.
We like how the three-point connection system safely secures your bike. We see one vertical arm at the top and two tray-style arms at the bottom that keep your bike stable while traveling. Even if your way has holes, bumps, or pebbles, your bike won’t move an inch.
BV2 rack gives you a patented 2-way anti-wobble design to help remove the wobble issues between the hitch and the rack. Compared to Saris Freedom Bike, we felt BV2 offers more stability on difficult roads.
The only drawback we could find with the BV2 etrailer bike rack is that it might not be as user-friendly due to its tire width limitations. Other than that, everything about it is positive, like security, ease of use, quick assembly, extra comfort, and stability.
Find The Best Bike Rack for Electric Bikes | Buying Guide
There are several things that you should consider before making your final decision. These include the size and weight of your bike, whether or not you will be using a bike carrier on the back of your vehicle, and how much space you have available for transporting your bike. Moreover, you have to note other crucial things like security and ease of use when choosing the right bike rack for you. Let’s go through each one in detail.
- Size and weight of your bike – The first thing to consider when choosing the best bike rack for electric bikes is the size and weight of your bike. If you have a larger bike, you will likely need to opt for a bike rack that supports heavier weights and has adjustable features to accommodate different bike sizes.
- Bike carrier – Do you plan on using a bike carrier on the back, rear, or roof of your vehicle? By analyzing this, choose bike racks that are compatible with the specific type of attachment. Many bike racks are designed specifically for use with carriers, while others may require additional accessories or attachments to safely transport your bike.
- Space – Another aspect is looking for space available in your truck, SUV, or car. If you don’t have a lot of room, you can buy bike racks that are designed to be compact and easy to store. Additionally, some bike racks can be folded up when not in use, which is another space-saving feature to look for.
- Security – You will not spend your hard-earned money on something that can be easily stolen due to fewer security features. So, when you are looking for bike racks for your bike, make sure to check locks, straps, and other critical security features. These will help keep your bike secure while traveling and prevent thieves from targeting your vehicle.
- Ease of use – Finally, you’ll want to choose bike racks that are easy to install and use. Some models come with all the necessary hardware and instructions included, while others may require some assembly or installation before they’re ready to use. If you’re not confident in your ability to install the bike rack on your own, it’s worth paying a little extra to have it done by a professional.
- Bike Mounting – The main concern of many riders is how to secure the bike properly to the rack. We suggest you use racks that secure bikes with their wheels. This is because wheel clamps prevent any damage to your bike, even during rash driving. Racks that attach bikes with their top tube allow more movement, thus damaging your bike. If you have a step-thru bike frame, then you will need a top tube adapter. We also recommend you use towels or rags to secure the top tube with such a design.
- Number of Bikes – If you want to carry more bikes, you will need a heavier electric bike rack. So, first, check how many bikes you need to carry, and if the weight and rack size justify them, you can buy them accordingly. The more bikes you need to carry, the heavier the rack you need.
By keeping these key considerations in mind, you can be sure to find the best bike racks for electric bikes to suit your needs. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do electric bikes need special bike racks?
Electric bikes are heavier and more powerful than traditional bike models, which means that they need sturdier bike racks to be safely secured. However, many bike racks are not designed to withstand the added weight and power of electric bikes, making them unsafe for use with these types of bikes.
2. Are bike racks safe?
Yes, bike racks are generally considered safe for every bike, be it the fastest electric bike or folding electric bikes – but only if you use them properly. However, it is important to take proper precautions when using bike racks – such as
- Ensuring that the rack is securely fastened to a stable surface,
- Parking your bike in an upright position so that it does not tip over or become damaged.
- Always lock your bike to avoid theft or damage.
Additionally, it is important to carefully inspect bike racks before using them to ensure that they are not damaged or defective in any way.
3. What are the benefits of using an ebike rack?
There are many benefits of using a bike rack for your electric bike, including Increased convenience, flexibility, and security when transporting or storing the bike. By securing your bike to a bike rack, you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the bike itself and reduce the risk of damage from vehicle collisions or theft. Additionally, many bike racks are designed specifically with electric bikes, making them a more secure and reliable option than alternative transportation methods like bike roof racks.