#10 Best Car Racks for E-Bikes 2023
Now that you've found an electric bike you like and are ready to go exploring with it, it's time to find the best car racks for e-bikes for your needs!
👤 Written by: | A. R. Wardhana |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 56 views |
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An electric bike is a great way to ride around town and the city. They’re also great to take on the road, whether cross-country, on a road trip, or to your local trailhead. Whether you have a regular electric bike, a fat tire e-bike, a cargo e-bike, or even an electric trike, you’ll need a sturdy bike rack. Which kind, exactly? Which should you be looking at? What else do you need to keep in mind?
So, we look at the pros and cons of some of the best car racks for your e-bikes to help you narrow your search and figure out what you’ll need to get your electric bike on your car, SUV, or even RV and out on the open road. Scroll down to see a quick overview of the ten best car racks for e-bikes, then keep reading for buying tips and in-depth reviews of these and other great options!
Table of contents
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1.Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Car Bike Rack: Powerful e-bike rack that will last for years
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2.Kuat Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack: A lightweight hitch rack with some excellent features
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3.Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack: High-quality and a long-lasting hitch-mounted rack
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4.INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack: Bike carrier for pickup-truck beds
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5.Yakima HoldUp Hitch Mount Tray Bike Rack: Hitch rack with easy to use and quick to load & unload your bikes
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6.Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack: Functional rack outfitted with a ramp to assist in loading heavyweight e-bikes
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7.Saris Freedom EX 2-Bike Hitch Rack: Bike rack with easy assemble and low loading weight
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8.KAC K4 2” Hitch Mounted Rack: Hitch-mounted rack 4-bike platform style carrier
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9.Yakima HighRoad Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount: A roof-mounted bike rack that's simple to install and remove
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10.Saris Superclamp EX Bike Hitch Car Rack: Lightweight bike hitch car with cargo option
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
What to consider when purchasing a car rack for e-bikes?
Here are some essential things to consider when you’re looking for the right rack for your needs:
- Budget.
- Width of E-bike tires.
- E-bike weight.
- How many bikes you’re planning on transporting.
- Wheelbase length.
How to know what size of car racks for e-bikes I will need?
There are five classes of hitches for the best car racks for e-bikes, based on how strong they are and how much they can pull. Most likely, the class of hitch you’ll need for your bike rack will be between class II and class III. You will probably need a class III hitch with a two-receiver tube. It gives you the most options for hitch-mounted racks and makes the side-to-side movement of a minor hitch less noticeable.
What's the easiest way to load a heavy electric bike on a bike rack?
Use a loading ramp, which many manufacturers provide for platform hitch-mounted e-bike racks. It will make it easier to roll a heavy electric bike up the ramp and onto the rack, saving you time and probably you’re back in the process.
Which car rack is best for electric bikes?
The T2 Pro XT/XTR car bike rack is the best value. It is the cheapest rack that is made to carry heavy e-bikes. However, all of the Thule racks are great. Thule is the leader in towbar-mounted bike racks, and we can confidently say their usefulness.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Thule
T2 Pro XT/XTR Car Bike Rack | #1 | Amazon Thule.com eBay |
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Kuat
Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack | #2 | Amazon Kuat.com eBay |
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Kuat
NV 2.0 Bike Rack | #3 | Amazon Kuat.com eBay |
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INNO
RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack | #4 | Amazon Usa.innoracks.com eBay |
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Yakima
HoldUp Hitch Mount Tray Bike Rack | #5 | Amazon Yakima.com eBay |
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Thule
EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack | #6 | Amazon Thule.com eBay |
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Saris
Freedom EX 2-Bike Hitch Rack | #7 | Amazon Saris.com eBay |
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KAC
K4 2” Hitch Mounted Rack | #8 | Amazon Ridekac.com eBay |
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Yakima
HighRoad Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount | #9 | Amazon Yakima.com eBay |
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Saris
Superclamp EX Bike Hitch Car Rack | #10 | Amazon Saris.com eBay |
10 List of Best Car Racks for E-Bikes
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Car Bike Rack
Powerful e-bike rack that will last for years
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Thule is one of the best car racks for e-bikes because it’s very sturdy and should last you for a long time. And if it breaks, it’s covered by a lifetime limited warranty. This rack can hold up to 120 pounds or two electric bikes weighing 60 pounds. Also, it can handle 5-inch tires and 29-inch wheels. That means you can safely carry your road bikes and fat-tire e-bikes. Besides that, long arms on the e-bike rack secure the bikes to prevent them from moving as you carry them.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy to move and store
Integrated with a cable lock
Fit both fat-tire and road e-bikesCons (reasons to avoid)
Loading ramp not included
Short cable lock
Assembly takes timeWhat other experts liked
The T2 Pro XTR's design isn't perfect, but the way it works is great, and every feature works as it should. This makes it a hassle-free rack that can carry almost any bike on the market.What other experts didn't like
This rack is a bit hefty and also pricey. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Kuat Sherpa 2.0-2 Bike Rack
A lightweight hitch rack with some excellent features
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 hits a sweet spot in terms of performance and price, which makes it stand out. This inexpensive, lightweight two-bike rack is easier to set up and store than many others. This rack is straightforward to install in the hitch, and its low lift height makes loading bikes simple.
Most types of bikes can fit on the Sherpa 2.0. (up to 40 pounds each). Even when completely loaded, it tilts out of the way so you can get into your car and folds up when not in use. And riders who care about style will love how the Sherpa 2.0 looks, with its powder-coated metallic finish and anodized accents.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable
Simple design
Lightweight
Foot pedal tilt mechanism
Easy loadingCons (reasons to avoid)
Lacks flexibility
A bit expensive
Carry only 40 lbs per bike weight limitWhat other experts liked
Installation is easy and takes less than 20 minutes. When not in use, the rack flips up, and when you need to get into your trunk, it flips down.What other experts didn't like
The locking cable that comes with the rack seems like it would be easy to cut, and the back wheels of bigger bikes hang a bit off the rack. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack
High-quality and a long-lasting hitch-mounted rack
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Kuat Racks NV 2.0 is easy to put together and doesn’t need any tools. If you like electric bikes, you’ll love how this rack can turn and how it has a place to do maintenance. With the built-in ramp, loading and unloading bikes will be as easy as pie.
So instead of lifting a heavy e-bike, you can roll it on and be done. Tire scoops are used to keep the bike in place once it is in place. On top of that, co-molded rear tire straps offer even more protection. This e-bike car rack is also even safer because it has locking cables and a locking hitch pin.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy loading and unloading
Integrated with a work stand
It comes with a locking hitch pin and a locking cable
Can carry up to 60 lbs weight limitCons (reasons to avoid)
Can only carry fat-tire bikes out of the box
Extra add-ons needed for more versatilityWhat other experts liked
It looks great, is well made, has a lot of features, and is easy to use.What other experts didn't like
Costs a lot, and not everyone needs all the extras. - Have a problem
with this product?#4INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack
Bike carrier for pickup-truck beds
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The INNO Velo Gripper makes it easy to lock a bike to the side of the bed of a pickup truck. When you’re not carrying a bike, the Velo Gripper’s clamps are compact enough to carry in a toolbox. Also, you don’t have to take off the front wheel, but you may have to lower the tailgate if the bike doesn’t fit with the wheels on in the bed of your pickup. You can’t lock the clamps or the bike to the Velo Gripper, but you might be able to lock your bike to the truck.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy to install and use
Simple design and easy portability
AffordableCons (reasons to avoid)
Limited to several bikes you can carry
Detaching the bike needs a little more time
The clamp doesn't tight enough to holdWhat other experts liked
This rack lets you store bikes on the bed railing and is a great choice for anyone who wants to save space in their truck bed.What other experts didn't like
To mount the bike, you have to take off the front wheels. Short arms hold things in place. The hinged bottom was badly made. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Yakima HoldUp Hitch Mount Tray Bike Rack
Hitch rack with easy to use and quick to load & unload your bikes
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The HoldUp is the most popular hitch rack from Yakima. It’s not surprising, given how easy it is to use and how quickly you can load and unload bikes. The HoldUp is also more secure because it has built-in cable locks with lock cores. When not in use, this e-bike car rack folds into a reasonably compact size. The arms fold over the wheel trays, and the whole rack can be tilted up into a vertical position with a low profile. It makes your car shorter, which makes it easier to park. Overall, it’s built well and will last for years.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Durable and versatile
Ease for everyday use
Ease to assembleCons (reasons to avoid)
Some wheel and tire fitment issuesWhat other experts liked
This car rack is both durable and also versatile.What other experts didn't like
There isn't a big bag of parts; there's just one big bolt for attaching the base to the hitch and eight small bolts for attaching the trays to the base. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Functional rack outfitted with a ramp to assist in loading heavyweight e-bikes
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack is a foldable and space-saving bike rack that can transport two electric bikes with a maximum combined weight of 130 pounds. This e-bike car rack has a folding ramp as an additional attachment that can be used to load and unload your electric bikes. Moreover, this rack can also accommodate fat tire e-bikes with tire diameters of up to 4.7 inches.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Ramp design
Easy loading and unloading
Compact storage size
Easy to move and storeCons (reasons to avoid)
A bit expensive
Not recommended for bikes with long wheelbasesWhat other experts liked
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 is a well-thought-out, portable, electric bike-rated car rack with a lot of features.What other experts didn't like
It's expensive, the durability is up for debate, the loading process is tedious, and bikes with lengthy wheelbases aren't really good. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Saris Freedom EX 2-Bike Hitch Rack
Bike rack with easy assemble and low loading weight
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Saris Freedom EX 2-Bike Hitch Rack can hold up to two electric bikes that weigh up to 60 lbs each. The rack is only 27 pounds, so when two e-bikes that weigh 60 pounds each are attached, the total tongue weight is less than what a class 2 hitch can handle (up to 350 lbs).
Also, this rack can be used with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers. Some of the features of tray mount racks are combined with other designs that use the frame as the main point of attachment. Moreover, it can carry many bikes, and you don’t have to take off the front wheel. While It is hard to adjust, we like how low the loading height is, how light it is, and how easy it is to assemble.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Low loading height
Easy to assemble
No front wheel removalCons (reasons to avoid)
A bit difficult to adjust
It doesn't come with security featuresWhat other experts liked
Simple assembly, compatibility with hitch receivers measuring 1 14, and 2 inches, a low loading height, and no need to remove the front wheelWhat other experts didn't like
Straps for support make touch with the frame, there is no access to the back of the car when it is loaded, adjustment is difficult, and there are no safety measures. - Have a problem
with this product?#8KAC K4 2” Hitch Mounted Rack
Hitch-mounted rack 4-bike platform style carrier
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This KAC rack can carry a lot of bikes and can be used in many different ways. It works with regular e-bikes, fat-tire bikes, kids’ bikes, and everything in between. With a wheelbase of up to 54 inches, you can carry almost any e-bike worldwide. Once the bikes are on, you secure them with safety straps, and the anti-wobble mechanism keeps them from moving around while driving.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Compatible with most electric bikes
Easy convert into the two-bike rack
Can accommodate bikes with fenders featureCons (reasons to avoid)
Not for trailer hitch
Extra add-ons for step-through and Y-frame bikes requiredWhat other experts liked
The integrated anti-wobble mechanism contributes to the bike's stability and sense of security.What other experts didn't like
There is a possibility that hooks and wheel trays are difficult to adjust. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Yakima HighRoad Wheel-On Upright Bike Mount
A roof-mounted bike rack that's simple to install and remove
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Yakima HighRoad was the easiest to use when mounting it on the car and loading a bike. It holds your bike securely by the front wheel, which we like better than fork-mounted designs because the rack doesn’t touch your bike’s frame. You don’t have to take the front wheel off the bike and carry it separately. The HighRoad fits a wide range of bikes, and you can lock your bike and the rack to the roof of your car, which is something not all roof racks let you do.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy installation and removal
No bike frame contact
Secure hold
Great for lightweight bikesCons (reasons to avoid)
A bit difficult to load
It doesn't come with an integrated lockWhat other experts liked
Safe grip, simple rack installation and removal, and no touch with the bike frame.What other experts didn't like
Pricey, it won't work with front mudguards, and you might have to buy a shorter wheel strap. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Saris Superclamp EX Bike Hitch Car Rack
Lightweight bike hitch car with cargo option
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The lightest rack Saris Superclamp EX 2, works excellent for bikers with a smaller hitch on their car. This electric bike rack is not only exceptionally light but also tilts 30 degrees so you can get to your trunk even when the rack is full. Even though this rack isn’t too heavy, that doesn’t mean it isn’t strong.
What’s more, this car rack can hold up to two electric bikes at the same time and is also very safe. This e-bike car rack will give you keys and a lock to keep the rack in place. Regarding compatibility, this car rack works with almost every bike out there. So, you can use the Superclamp to move kids’ bikes, road bikes, or e-bikes with fat tires.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Lightweight
Durable
Compatible with both fat-tire and road e-bikes
Easy installationCons (reasons to avoid)
Can't accommodate more than two e-bikes
Some wobbles issues over rough terrainWhat other experts liked
Excellent for families, since it can accommodate 24" and adult bikes without difficulty.What other experts didn't like
A 20-inch bike isn't 100% safe unless there's another bike next to it.
Conclusion: Best Car Racks for E-Bikes
Finding the best car racks for e-bikes can be quite hard. The list above has some of the best car racks for electric bikes that you can buy right now. What you choose to buy depends on your budget and the type of bike you have. Whether you’re just starting with electric bikes, a seasoned pro with thousands of miles under your belt, or somewhere in between, I hope this guide has been helpful and that you get out on the road with your e-bike this season!