First-Class Hitch Bike Racks for Electric Bikes (eBikes)

Are you looking for a great option to transport your electric bike (eBike) safely on your car? We are aware that this can be challenging since traditional bike carriers are designed to carry non-electric bicycles which have a lower weight. Plus, electric bikes are quite expensive and you want a safe ride.

Now, over 50% of all new bike sales are electric ones, a trend that is increasing year on year. And it opens a world full of opportunities and places to discover. This opens up the following question: which hitch bike carrier is the best for eBikes? These kind of bikes are heavy and you would need a carrier which is sturdy enough and stable. At a minimum, buy a rack that is built to carry the weight of an e-bike with room to spare. There are several mount options like trunk, roof or hitch mount. Most of trunk racks or roof racks are rated for light bikes, not to mention about the need of carrying more bicycles at once. These are simply not designed for e-bikes. The very vast majority of electric bike racks are hitch-mounted because these are versatile and sturdy enough to carry any bike. The downside is their cost.

We will have a look at the best hitch bike racks for your eBikes. Here is what you have to know:

• Platform hitch bike carriers distribute weight best, minimize any damage due to car movement, and are easiest to load/unload.
• You will need a 2-inch trailer hitch which allows you to carry multiple eBikes without wobbles. A smaller hitch will result in more movement of the rack.

Top electric hitch bike racks (ebike hitch carriers)

1. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE
2. KAC Overdrive Sports K4
3. Thule EasyFold XT 
4. RockyMounts Backstage 
5. Saris Superclamp EX

1. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE

Rating: Great performance
Style: Hitch (platform)
Hitch receiver size: 2-inches only
Nr. of bikes: 2 (160 lbs total)
What we like: Heavy-duty hitch rack, folds flat and tilts down.
What we don’t: A loading ramp might be something that should be considered in future.

This platform hitch bike rack carries 2 or 4 electric bikes (up to 3-inch and 5-inch wide tires) with ratcheting frame hooks and sliding wheel hoops. Can carry 2 x 80 lbs per bike with the max wheelbase of 60″.  The rack folds flat against the vehicle when not in use, and tilts down for easy cargo access. It includes a keyed-alike locking hitch pin and security cable. For 2″ hitches only. Features patented no wobble-no tools hitch tightening system. A versatile carrier that is easy to use and it features locking frame hooks and adjustable wheel hoops so you can quickly load and unload your bicycles. Installs without the need of tools. Includes keyed-alike locking hitch pin, 8’ security cable and locking frame hooks. Space between bikes: 10″. For step through bicycles you will need to also purchase a Bike Adapter. Not to be used on any trailer, fifth wheel or towed vehicle.

2. KAC Overdrive Sports K4

Rating: Exceptional
Style: Hitch (platform)
Hitch receiver size: 2-inches only
Nr. of bikes: 4 (240 lbs total)
What we like: Perfect for ebikes, supports 4 full size electric bicycles.
What we don’t: It is heavy.

Overdrive Sports K4 from KAC is one of the best-sellers when it comes to hitch racks. And there is no wonder why – accepts electric bikes, fat and standard bikes, being extremely versatile at an affordable price. It can support bicycles up to 60 pounds in weight so it’s a great contender if your bikes are heavy, electric, and have fat tires. The wheel clamps are adjustable, though, making perfect for standard bicycles, as well. It has a quick-release system and a tilting pivot and is very easy to install. The carrier utilizes a system to eliminate slack between the receiver and the rack, keeping your bikes sturdy and safe.  Smart features, solid construction, and durability make it one of the best bike carriers in the market. Its adjustability makes it a good choice for regular bikes. It provides a very good value for the money. 

3. Thule EasyFold XT

Rating: Great performance
Style: Hitch (platform)
Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″
Nr. of bikes: 2 (130 lbs total)
What we like: Premium quality, high-load capacity carrier, ideal for ebikes.
What we don’t: It is expensive.

One of the best bike racks for eBikes from Thule, EasyFold XT, can hold a max weight of 130 pounds, or up to 65 pounds per bicycle. It has a carbon fiber protector available if you’re clamping on a carbon frame. The folding down feature to get rear hatch access is very easy. However, you might find a bit difficult to load and unload the bikes. With an One-Key Lock System and a tilting function for rear cargo access, EasyFold comes equipped with all the features you will need for a safe ride. There is an optional Thule Fat Bike Wheel Strap Kit to fit longer wheelbases and tires up to 4.7″ (sold separately). It fits 1.25″ and 2″ receivers. With EasyFold platform carrier, you will be going to have arms that are fully adjustable. High load capacity and large distance between wheel holders enable transport of electric bikes, heavy electric mountain bikes and sturdy bikes with large wheelbases.

4. RockyMounts Backstage

Rating: Exceptional
Style: Hitch (platform)
Hitch receiver size: 2-inches only
Nr. of bikes: 2 (120 lbs total). Not compatible with add-on
What we like: Durable, swing-away feature, folds flat and tilts down 30 degrees.
What we don’t: Heavy, limited tray clearance.

The RockyMounts Backstage is the contender of Monorail and we must say that the 1st  one just gone a step further being capable to carry road tires up to 5-inches fat bike tires and diameters from 20” to 29”. It is a fat-bike ready hitch carrier that impresses by how easy is to use and the robust mix of materials. Also similar in design and function to the Thule T2 Pro XT, this platform hitch carrier is easy to use due to a low loading height. The locks are included. The rack weighs 59 lbs. It is one of the best swing-away bike carriers in the market, its unique design enhancing the access to the vehicle’s rear cargo area. The carrier is shipped in several pieces thus a good amount of assembly is required. The BackStage platform carrier is doing great at security coming with a nice noose-style cable lock.

5. Saris Super Clamp EX

Rating: Good performance
Style: Hitch (platform)
Hitch receiver size: 1.25-inches for 2-bike version, 2-inches only for 4-bike version
Nr. of bikes: 2-4 (190 lbs total)
What we like: Lightweight, can carry a variety of bikes including electric ones, tilting feature, compact.
What we don’t: Distance between bikes is not enough.

A very solid eBike rack for SUV that provides stability and is capable to carry two or four bikes at once (60 lb per bike). With its robust construction and compact design, it does not lack rear visibility when it’s not in use and it’s folded up. The downside of compactness is that care needs to be taken when loading to avoid damage. Putting the rack together should take approximately 5 minutes. With its robust construction, eye-catching style and compact design that carries both bikes on a single bar, the SuperClamp platform bike carrier is your bike’s new best friend. Fastest loading bike rack around thanks to the dual wheel-clamping hook with no frame contact. Tilting feature allows hatch access, even when fully loaded. Features integrated locks and reflectors for extra security and visibility, day and night. Fits up to 4″ tires and 20″-29″ wheels. 

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