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Having an electric bike is undeniably fun.
But it gets even more fun when you can take it along with you on all your ventures, right? So, you need something that can help you carry your bike along.
A hitch bike rack can help you with this as it does not put any extra strain on your vehicle. So, read on to find out all you need to get the right racks for your e-bike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Hitch Bike Racks For Electric Bikes
- OUR TOP PICK: Thule T2 Pro XT
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Saris Freedom Bike and Spare Tire Compatible Rack
- HONORABLE MENTION: Saris Superclamp Bike Hitch
Comparison of the Best Hitch Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
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What is a Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes?
A hitch bike rack is a metal platform that you attach to the rear of your vehicle. It is fixed on the hitch spot, so there is no need for any alteration to the car to fix it in place.
This metallic structure has slots for two bikes generally, but you can install an add-on to make room for more.
These hitch racks require you to use a chain or cable to secure the bikes in place as well. This helps in carrying your favorite ride along even when you are off to the mountains.
How Does a Hitch Bike Rack For Electric Bikes Work?
Hitch bike racks for electric bikes have an amazing working as they do not need much maintenance. All you have to do is fix the rack in place with some nuts and bolts, and you will be good to go. These racks have enough room for electric bikes and other heavy bikes, so there are no concerns regarding space.
Another great way that these racks work is that you can tilt them to get to your car’s trunk. This way, you can access your luggage easily without having to remove the hitch rack. So, just fix the rack in the hitch slot firmly and be ready for your adventures ahead.
Review of the Best Hitch Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
There are a plethora of hitch bike racks on the market, but it is hard to settle for one. Considering this, we have reviewed some of the best hitch bike racks for electric bikes here.
Best Overall:
Thule T2 Pro XT
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The Thule T2 Pro XT got very positive feedback from the people who bought it lately. They have taken fondly to the rack because of the distance of 12.5 inches between the bikes. This helps in keeping the bikes at a safe distance from each other so that there is no damage due to constant vibrations and collisions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This one has become one of our favorite electric bike racks with its dimensions of 54 x 15 x 43 inches. It has a sleek design that fits well on all kinds of vehicles that you want to carry your electric bike on.
In addition to this, it has a design that is easy to install and remove. So, there will be no hassle even if you want to change your vehicle for some reason. The installation does not require any tools or mechanical assistance.
Furthermore, the racks have a design fit for tires up to six inches in width.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this is a great electric bike rack for you if you do not have any budget constraints. The security of bikes and ease of maintenance of the rack makes it worth the money, though.
Best for the Money:
Saris Freedom Bike and Spare Tire Compatible Rack
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The Saris Freedom bike rack has impressed buyers with both its high-quality construction and high affordability. It comes fully assembled, so the customers do not have to spend any time figuring it out. The installation is quite simple and easy as well, so the product is a hit among users.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We have added this one to our list because of its amazing price and compactness of design. It is quite well-made at 8.66 x 48.03 x 13.39 inches, so carrying it is not a problem.
Along with this, there is a ratcheting strap that keeps the bikes secure even when you are driving through bumpy roads. The universal hitch makes it easy to carry your bikes on the rack without any alterations.
To add to this, you can adjust the rack to suit the size of your bike. This way, you do not have to look for a separate unit for each of your bikes.
Bottom Line
Keeping all this in view, going for this rack will be a wise decision as it is quite cost-effective. It comes with a lifetime warranty that makes it more trustworthy to the customers and us. So, invest in it if you want to have long-term use without any worries.
Honorable Mention:
Saris Superclamp Bike Hitch
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A remarkable weight-bearing capacity makes it a favorite of most users. It can accommodate two bikes weighing up to 60 pounds each. This helps users carry both their heavy bikes and electric bikes on these racks. So, if someone invites a friend who has a different bike for an adventure, they can carry their bike securely, too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Its lightweight frame has caught our eye as it does not put any additional load on the vehicle. At only 38 pounds, it is quite easy to travel with as the engine of your vehicle does not have to overwork.
Moreover, the racks can carry two 60 lbs bikes at the same time. So, the users do not have to worry about the weight range either. To add to this, the racks have reflectors on them to maximize safety at night.
Also, the shepherd’s hooks on the racks make sure that tires do not have to come in direct contact with the metallic base.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this one is that it is an incredible rack for electric bikes with its dual-wheel clamping hooks. They ensure maximum security and ease of use, so what else can you ask for?
4. Thule EasyFold XT
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Thule has won over people with yet another amazing product in the form of this EasyFold XT rack. It weighs only 35 lbs, and it is much easier to carry for the users than other available options. The rack was made entirely in the USA, so buyers found it more reliable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Thule EasyFold XT has distinguished itself with its foldable design, which makes it much more convenient to use.
When you have a bike to carry, then it can be set up easily, but when you do not need to use it, simply fold it.
Moreover, it has a foot pedal tilt that provides easy access to the trunk. The racks have torque-limiting knobs that increase the level of security. So, going for this can be a great decision on your part.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is worth your investment as it offers so much to you. The construction quality and pricing are both impressive, so you will have a great time using it.
5. Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider SE
pros
cons
What Recent Buyers Report
People who bought this Hollywood Racks product recommend it to others wholeheartedly. They had a great time using it because of its simple and practical layout. They found its hitch adaptor to be quite useful because it is two inches wide only. The wheelbase is also a favorite feature of many customers as it is wide enough to support most wheel sizes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Hollywood Racks hitch rack stands out to us with its eight feet long security cable that keeps the bikes secure. It prevents swaying of bikes from the rack, which usually results from vibrations produced by your vehicle.
Moreover, there is an anti-theft locking frame that keeps your e-bikes safe from any malevolent thieves. This rack is made for two bikes, but you can fit in two more with an add-on kit.
In addition, this rack has a long-lasting build because of its aluminum and steel construction. Lastly, it has a vertical fold-up feature that you can use when you do not have to carry an e-bike with you.
Bottom Line
Summing it all up, this is an amazing bike rack option for those who like to go off on adventures. It has a strong build that does not undergo damage, even in harsh weather conditions. So, you can rely on it to carry your electric bike along with you wherever you go.
How Do I Choose a Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes?
Well, you have gone through some of the best options that the market has to offer you at present. But, to choose one, you have to know which one meets your requirements the best. So, here is the criteria that you can use to see which one of these will be most suitable for you.
Weight Capacity
The first thing that you have to consider is the weight-bearing capacity of the rack. This is because not all electric bikes weigh the same, so racks are made with different bike models in mind. This is why you have to cross-check the weight of your bike and the weight capacity of the rack before making your purchase.
Construction Material
The next important consideration should be the construction material of the racks. Aluminum, steel, or alloy materials work the best as they have a higher resistance to damage. You will not have to look for frequent replacements or repairs if you have high-quality material.
Contact with Bike
Another thing to keep in mind is the contact of the rack with your bike. Minimum contact is preferable as it helps prevent scratching of the bike or chipping off of the vehicle’s paint.
Ease of Installation
You have to be careful about the ease of installation, too. Most of these racks come ready to be fixed into the hitch slot without any tools. But, if any one of them has a tricky installation requirement, you should drop it.
Types of Hitch Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
There are two major types of hitch racks for electric bikes. Let’s see what each of them has to offer to help you make the right decision.
Platform Racks
Platform racks are the most commonly used type of hitch racks for electric bikes. They have a flat metallic surface to support the bike along with proper partitions to keep it safe. Such racks keep the bikes in a horizontal position, so they are easier to use.
These racks sometimes come with removable ramps to make it easier for you to secure your bike. They are great because you do not have to pick up your bike; rather, you can just run it over the ramp and then chain it in place.
Also, these racks are easy on your bike as they do not come in contact with the painted frame of your bike. This way, there are no scratches or dents even when the bikes are placed right next to each other.
Hanging Racks
The other type of hitch racks that most people prefer is hanging racks. They are perfect for lightweight bikes as they do not have a base to support heavy bikes. These racks are quite cost-effective and have more space than other hitch racks.
The only problem with them is that they are not good for uneven roads or mountains because they cannot overcome regular jolts like platform racks.
Bike Roof Rack vs Hitch- Comparison Overview
Roof and hitch bike racks are both used extensively because of their easy usability. But how do you know which one to go for? Here is a quick comparison of these two to help you see which one would work better for you.
Secure Carrying
Both roof and hitch bike racks are great for carrying a bike as they offer maximum security. They have features in place like space partitions and stands to keep the bikes securely in their place.
Cargo Capacity
One of the basic differences is that the hitch racks are for bikes only. But, you can carry other stuff along with your bike when you are using a roof bike rack.
Positioning
Hitch bike racks are fixed at the rear of the vehicle as most of the hitch slots are present there. On the other hand, as suggested by the name, roof bike racks are attached to the roof of your vehicle.
Accessibility
Generally, hitch racks are easier to access than their roof counterparts. You just have to walk around to the back of your car to get your bike from the hitch racks. But, you will have to dismount the bike from the roof in the case of a roof rack.
Conclusion
Wrapping it all up, hitch bike racks are one of the safest and easiest ways of carrying your electric bikes with you. They are quite useful because they damage neither your bike nor your vehicle. So, compare the options on our list and get the rack that suits your needs the most.
People Also Ask
Hitch bike racks come in multiple sizes and forms, which makes it hard to choose one. People who are getting these racks for the first time are particularly cautious about the purchase. So, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to help them out.
Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?
No, bike racks do not damage your car if they are fixed on the hitch securely. It is also important to tie the bikes in place to make sure the rack does not get unbalanced. And an unbalanced rack can scratch the surface of your car or, worse, dent it.
So, be careful about the installation of the rack and the secure placement of your bike on it.
How Much Weight Can a Bike Rack Hold?
Usually, bike racks can take on bikes within the range of 50 to 70 pounds each. And most units have space for two bikes. So, on average, a bike can support 100 to 140 pounds worth of weight without any additional support.
How Do You Mount a Bike on a Hitch Rack?
Mounting a bike on a hitch rack is fairly simple if you have installed the rack in the right way. Here is the easiest way of doing so.
- Begin by testing the strength and installation of the rack.
- Put your bike on the rack and secure the arms in their place.
- Make sure to distribute the weight of the bike evenly to maintain its balance.
- Fasten the bike in place with a security cable and shake the bike to check the strength of the bike.
Can Any Bike Rack Fit Any Car?
Yes, you can use pretty much any bike rack on your car. The key is to choose the right rack according to your bike and fixing it at the right spot. The car model does not matter that much, so you do not have to worry about it.
Are Hitch Bike Racks Safe?
Yes, hitch bike racks are generally safe. But, like all other things, you have to invest in a high-quality rack to enjoy maximum safety. You have to consider both the kind of areas you will be traveling to and the type of bike you have to use your rack safely.
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