One of the fastest-growing areas of the bicycle industry is the market for electric bicycles, which is rapidly taking over the world. Concurrently, the demand for e-bike accessories such as e-bike racks is rising to meet this demand. Purchasing an e-bike rack will likely be one of the most important investments you make in terms of accessories for your electric bicycle. It’s a necessity when transporting your e-bike from one adventure to another.
The good news is that there’s no lack in options. However, it’s important to find one that can handle the extra weight and bulk of an average 50-pound e-bike safely and securely. Depending on the type of electric bicycle that you have, there are a variety of other important factors to think about in addition to the bike's total weight. Which leads to the question: what is the best tow bar bike rack for electric bikes?
While there are many great tow bar bike racks on the market for e-bikes, the best and what we would highly recommend is the Thule T2 Pro Xt/XTR Car Bike Rack. Thule, a Swedish manufacturer, is the company that is responsible for manufacturing this bike rack. Thule makes bike racks that are known for being of high quality and lasting for a long time. It’s hard not to love the Swedish combination of functionality and design.
The T2 Pro XTR is every bit as professional as its name suggests. The XTR is compatible with fat bikes right out of the box. There is a reliable space of 12.5 inches between the bikes, as well as an anti-wobble pin system, and much more to rely on. When it comes to transporting electric bicycles, the maximum load limit of 120 pounds is rather impressive.
The Thule T2 Pro XTR can be made bigger so that it can carry up to two more bikes, for a total of four bike trays. It has a built-in cable lock and knob locks to keep the rack attached to the receiver, and it can hold wheels with a diameter of up to five inches.
Key Features:
- Max Electric Bike Weight: 60 lbs
- Total Weight Capacity: 120 lbs (60 lbs per bike)
- Rack Weight: 52 lbs
- Max Tire Width: 5“
- Tilts: Yes
- Fits: 20″-29″ wheels, 1.25″, 2″ hitch mounts
Selling Point: The included ramp makes lifting the bike much simpler.
Pros:
- Rolling wheels make it simple to store and maneuver in various locations
- Includes a cable lock that is integrated into the design to help secure the rack to the hitch receiver
- Can fit both road and fat-tire e-bikes
Cons:
- The cable locks are just a tad on the short side
- The assembly process can be challenging
- Even though the number of bikes it can hold can go from two to four, the maximum load limit will not change
- Can’t be used on a bike with a front fender
Even though the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Car Bike Rack has been hailed as the best by a number of industry experts, the choice is ultimately determined by your individual requirements, personal preferences, and financial constraints. The following is a list of additional excellent choices available to you, as well as information about each bike rack.
RockyMounts' BackStage Car Bike Rack
The RockyMounts BackStage electric bike rack is designed to be able to withstand almost anything you throw at it, and it comes with a couple of innovative features that make it very simple to operate. RockyMounts BackStage really goes the extra mile by allowing you to get your bikes out of the way completely thanks to their swing away platform hitch rack. It also carries bikes with tires up to 5” thick and 29” diameter and makes use of an anti-wobble system axis on 2” hitches.
Loading and unloading electric bicycles from this is incredibly simple. There's an industrial-strength ratchet arm that holds the rear wheel, and a large foldable cup supports the front wheel while the large vertical ratchet arm holds it in place.
Key Features:
- Max Electric Bike Weight: 60 lbs
- Total Weight Capacity: 100 lbs
- Rack Weight: 59 lbs
- Max Tire Width: 5“
- Tilts: Yes
- Fits: 20″-29″ wheels, 1.25″, 2″ hitch mounts
Selling Point: A swing angle of 180 degrees provides convenient access to the rear of your vehicle.
Pros:
- Easy to load and unload electric bikes
- Easy cargo access
- When not in use, it can be folded up and stored against your vehicle
- Anti-wobble tech
- Only Platform Bike Rack that can swing out 180 degrees
Cons:
- Not compatible with fender bikes
- Trays can't support more than 60 pounds each
Saris Superclamp EX 2 Car Bike Rack
The Saris Superclamp EX 2 is the rack that weighs the least of all the options available. Compared to most of its competitors, this rack is much more sleek and unobtrusive. Anyone who drives a vehicle that has a hitch that is on the smaller side will find that this item is ideal for them. This electric bike rack is not only extremely lightweight, but it also tilts to the side by thirty degrees, allowing you to reach your trunk even when it is loaded with bicycles. In addition to this, the Saris SuperClamp includes dual wheel-clamping hooks, which simplify the process of putting up the clamp.
Despite the fact that it is lightweight, the Saris Superclamp EX 2 is one of the most heavy-duty racks that can be found on the market. It can handle nearly any sort of road without swaying. Saris has the capacity to transport up to two electric bicycles at the same time and offers a high level of safety in the process.
When it comes to compatibility, this bike rack can be used with the vast majority of bicycles that are now available. Whether you need to move kids' bikes, road bikes, or fat-tire electric bikes, the Superclamp can easily handle all of these types of bicycles.
Key Features:
- Max Electric Bike Weight: 60 lbs
- Total Weight Capacity: 120 lbs
- Rack Weight: 35 lbs
- Max Tire Width: 4“
- Tilts: Yes
- Fits: 2″ hitch mounts
Selling Point: Lightweight rack, heavy-duty performance.
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Durable
- Compatible with both road and fat-tire e-bikes
- Compatible with bicycles having a wheelbase of up to 50 inches
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Only has room for a maximum of two electric bicycles
- Pivot feature can cause bikes to wobble when driving
- Can't fit 5" tires
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider
If you have electric bikes that weigh more than 60 pounds combined, the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is an absolute must-have bike rack. The Sport Rider has a maximum carrying capacity of an impressive 160 pounds, making it an ideal choice for most electric bikes on the market, which typically weigh between 40 and 90 pounds on average. The ability to haul two hefty e-bikes makes this one of the most sturdy bike racks available.
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is developed solely for use with hitch receivers measuring two inches. It includes generous 10-inch spacing between bikes, which lowers the risk of potential contact between bikes. Additionally, it has a universal heavy-duty wheel holder, ratchet straps, and rim guards included in the package.
The hitch rack weighs a pretty hefty 56 pounds, but the good news is that it can be folded down and stored flat against the car when it’s not in use. Because it can be tilted back when necessary, you also do not have to remove it in order to have access to your trunk.
Included with the rack is a locking hitch pin that uses the same key, making it easy to attach it to your car. The anti-wobble hitch tightening mechanism enhances stability and speeds up the installation process. It also reduces the amount of surplus slack, which means you won't need to bother about transporting any additional tools. In the event that you have to come to a halt unexpectedly, the eight-foot security cable provides more support.
Key Features:
- Max Electric Bike Weight: 80 lbs
- Total Weight Capacity: 160 lbs (80 lbs per bike)
- Rack Weight: 58 lbs
- Max Tire Width: 5“
- Tilts: down to 30-degrees
- Fits: 2″ only
Selling Point: The high weight capacity of the trays makes them an ideal choice for heavier electric bicycles.
Pros:
- Excellent for transporting bicycles weighing more than 60 pounds each
- Quick and easy in terms of installation
- Can sway so you can access your trunk
- Compatible with both thin and fat-tire electric bikes
Cons:
- Installation can be a pain because of high weight
Yakima OnRamp Car Bike Rack
The Yakima OnRamp model is one of the most recent iterations of a platform rack, and it comes complete with everything you need to transport your electric bicycles wherever you go.
This hitch-mounted rack has a variety of frame attachments to fit a wide range of bikes. This makes it perfect for moving and securing. You can use a variety of different attachments to secure the electric bike you're traveling with, and these attachments vary according to the sort of electric bike you're moving. When compared to other bike racks that offer wheel trays of a single size, this method stands out as being rather innovative.
A ramp is included as part of the package with this hitch-mount rack, which is another handy feature. Because of this, loading and unloading your hefty e-bikes is much simpler than it was before because you can simply ride the bike up to the bike tray and secure it there. This car rack can support tires with a maximum width of 4.5 inches right out of the box, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicle tires.
Key Features:
- Max Electric Bike Weight: 66 lbs
- Total Weight Capacity: 132 lbs
- Rack Weight: 57 lbs
- Max Tire Width: 4.5“
- Tilts: Yes
Selling Point: Bikes can be stored safely and comfortably next to each other without touching.
Pros:
- Compatible with all types of electric bikes
- Can carry heavy e-bikes
- Unlike other racks, it comes with a loading ramp
- Tilts forward for easy trunk access
Cons:
- Because of the weight, installation can be difficult
- You'll need a fat tire adapter for fat tires
Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack
The Kuat Racks NV 2.0 is adaptable to a diverse variety of automobiles and trucks thanks to its availability with either a 1.25- or 2-inch hitch receiver. Installation takes very little time, is uncomplicated, and does not require any tools at all. This rack has a pivot system that lets you lower it gently with a tap of your foot. It also has a stand that lets you make repairs right there on the spot.
Because of the integrated ramp, loading and unloading bicycles will be as simple as putting together a puzzle. You don't need to strain your back to raise a hefty electric bicycle because you can just wheel it on and be done with it. After the first step of putting the bike in place, the tire scoops are used to make sure it fits even better. Co-molded rear tire straps add another layer of protection.
Key Features:
- Max Electric Bike Weight: 60 lbs
- Total Weight Capacity: 120 lbs
- Rack Weight: 52 lbs
- Max Tire Width: 3“
- Tilts: Yes
- Fits: 20″-29″ wheels, 1-1/4″ & 2″ tow
Pros:
- Because of the ramp, loading and unloading are simplified
- Cables for security that are integrated right into the rack
- Every single tray has the capacity to hold up to 30 kilograms (or 60 pounds)
Cons:
- Only supports tires with a width of five inches with a separate kit
- If you want to expand the product's versatility, you will need to pay additional fees for the add-on features
Why are E-Bike Trunk Racks or Roof Racks Not Recommended for E-Bike?
When shopping for a vehicle rack to transport your electric bike, the weight capacity of the rack should be one of the primary considerations you make. E-bikes, particularly those that are found on the more affordable side of the scale, are often quite a bit heavier than the conventional bicycles that roof and trunk racks are typically built to carry. The extra safety provided by a tow bar e-bike rack can accommodate the extra weight of an electric bike. This is also the reason why most major bicycle rack manufacturers only make this sort of e-bike rack.
