Choosing the best bicycle racks for ebikes involves considering several variables, such as the shape and weight of your bikes, the type of vehicle you own, and your budget and preferences.
An electric bike rack must be able to support more weight than a standard one to remain sturdy and secure during transit and protect your expensive machines.
The best models for the job are ebike hitch racks, which have higher capacities, are easier to load, and are more versatile. Unfortunately, though, they’re usually the most expensive.
This article will review 10 of the best bike racks for electric bikes available in 2024 and finish with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right one.
Do ebikes need special bike racks?
Yes, ebikes need special bike racks because not all bike racks support the higher weights of electric bicycles. Hitch-mounted racks are the only ones that support heavy e-bikes.
In addition, if you have fat tires, you must find a rack that supports them or buy an adapter.
That said, if you own a lightweight electric bike, you can use other types of bike racks with a lower weight limit.
What is the best bike rack for ebikes?
The best bike rack for ebikes is the hitch-mounted platform rack. These support the most weight, are the easiest to load, and are often compatible with wider tires.
Likewise, some hitch racks have loading platforms that make it even easier to load a heavy e-bike. In our opinion, this feature is a must as lifting a 50+ pound electric bike to mount it on and dismount it from the rack is not easy at all.
What is the best way to transport an ebike?
The best way to transport an ebike is using a bike rack. Racks are a safe means of transportation, and you can purchase one that fits your bike perfectly and keeps it secure during transit.
Car bike racks are one of the best ebike accessories you can buy if you travel regularly. Alternatively, you could buy a folding e-bike that fits in your trunk.
How We Selected the Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
Safely transporting our beloved electric bikes requires a high-quality rack that fits our bike and budget and will stand the test of time.
Navigating the massive selection of products and understanding the different designs and features requires lots of research, which we’ve done so you can make a fast, informed decision.
All the models we’ve chosen are hitch-mounted platform racks, the best type for heavy e-bikes. Lifting 50+ lbs overhead onto a roof rack isn’t possible for most people, and trunk-mounted racks can’t support the weight of e-bikes.
We selected and evaluated the following ten racks using the following criteria:
- Total and per-bike weight capacity: It supports the weight of a typical e-bike (50-100 lbs) and the total weight of all your bicycles combined.
- Bike attachment: We included a mix of frame and wheel attaching systems that you can choose depending on your bike’s frame shape and if you have a rack and fenders installed.
- Receiver attachment: Among the ten below, you can find 1.25″, 2″, and dual hitch receiver compatibility.
- Bike compatibility: Electric bikes come in all shapes and sizes, so we picked models with broad compatibility with wheel diameters, tire widths, and wheelbase lengths.
- Ease of use: E-bike racks for cars should be easy to assemble, use, install to the vehicle, attach the bikes to, and fold or tilt. These traits vary hugely between the products we chose, but they all score highly in useability.
- Extra features: Most owners look for at least one or two extra features such as tilting, folding, locks, anti-wobble, and loading ramps. You’ll find some or all of these in the bike racks for ebikes below.
- Brand reputation and reviews: Choosing a reputable brand with good customer service, warranty, and many positive reviews will reduce the risk when investing in an expensive item like an ebike rack.
Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
1. Thule Epos 2-Bike
2. Thule EasyFold XT 2-Bike Rack
3. Yakima OnRamp 2-Bike Car Rack
4. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider E-Bike Rack
5. Yakima StageTwo Hitch E-Bike Rack
6. Kuat Pivot Pro X Hitch 2-Bike Vehicle Rack
7. Young 2-Bike Hitch Mount Platform Rack
8. Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Electric Bike Rack
9. Vibrelli V70 Electric Bike Hitch Rack
10. Kuat NV Base 2.0 Hitch Rack
1. Thule Epos 2-Bike
- MSRP: $999.95
- Weight Limit per Bike:75 lbs
- Mounting Type: 1.25″ or 2″ Hitch
- Max Tire Width: 3.2″ (up to 5″ with an accessory)
- Best Features: Fully foldable, tilt function, bike and carrier locks included
This electric bike rack is made to carry two heavy electric bikes of any size and kind, including fat tire ebikes.
The Thule Epos rack has a total capacity of 150 lb, meaning you can carry two bikes of up to 75 lb each. That’s more than enough to strap almost any standard ebike on the market.
The Epos rack is solid and sturdy when loaded, featuring a built-in anti-wobble mechanism, so it doesn’t move during transit.
Loading heavy e-bikes is easy, thanks to the low position of this platform rack. However, you can also purchase a loading ramp. Other helpful features include its ability to fold and tilt while loaded.
The Thule Epos rack secures the bike at the wheels and the frame and includes bike and carrier locks that keep both the bikes and the rack safe from theft.
Don’t miss out on this rack if you have a fat-tire e-bike with tires up to 5″ wide and want a heavy-duty option.
2. Thule EasyFold XT 2-Bike Rack
- MSRP: $1,000
- Weight Limit per Bike: 65 lbs
- Mounting Type: 1.25″ or 2″ Hitch
- Max Tire Width: 4.7″ (fat tire adapter purchased separately)
- Best Features: Torque limiter knobs, Foot-pedal tilting, Foldable bike loading ramp
Thule designs and manufactures some of the most advanced cycling products on the market, and its EasyFold XT electric bicycle rack is an example of this top-quality engineering.
At $1,000 for a two-bike rack, the EasyFold XT is a significant investment. It has various features that make it user-friendly, but other drawbacks make us question the high price.
The advantages of this rack include the torque limiter knobs, which stop you from over-tightening the arms, easy access to the trunk with foot pedal tilting, a receiver lock that eliminates movement in transit, the simple collapsible design, and easy installation.
Unfortunately, the folding ramp is laborious to use and access, and the frame clamps aren’t confidence-inspiring, despite the high price of the EasyFold XT. Likewise, there are many moving parts and lots of plastic in the construction, giving us doubts about durability, although it does have a limited lifetime warranty.
Consider the Thule EasyFold XT if you have a large budget and need a compact rack with a loading ramp and an excellent warranty.
Buy from REI Buy from Jenson USA
3. Yakima OnRamp 2-Bike Car Rack
- MSRP: $749
- Weight Limit per Bike: 66 lbs
- Mounting Type: 1.25″ or 2″ hitch options
- Max Tire Width: 3.25″ (4.5″ with adapter kit purchased separately)
- Best Features: Tilts down, Adjustable trays, Integrated ramp
Yakima’s OnRamp ebike hitch rack is an excellent choice for those that struggle to lift their heavy electric bicycles.
This rack has adjustable trays for broad compatibility, forward tilting, and integrated security. However, the ramp is the main appeal, making the loading of heavy e-bikes effortless.
The OnRamp is lightweight at 42 lbs but isn’t the most compact. Unfortunately, it requires some installation when it arrives, so be prepared to do this before you use it. Likewise, the number of straps and clamps makes securing the bikes to the rack unnecessarily laborious.
Overall, the Yakima OnRamp is a solid rack with excellent compatibility. Choose it if you have a range of e-bikes and need something that can fit them all.
4. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider E-Bike Rack
- MSRP: $500
- Weight Limit per Bike: 80 lbs
- Mounting Type: 2″ Hitch
- Max Tire Width: 5″
- Best Features: 8-foot locking cable included, No-wobble hitch system, Tilts down
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider is a mid-range electric bike rack with the capacity for two bikes weighing up to 80 lbs each.
At $500, this rack is expensive, but it has various features that justify the cost. Firstly, you get a no-wobble hitch system that ensures sturdy, vibration-free transportation of your bikes.
The 80-lb per bike capacity of this Sport Rider is also one of the highest on the market, supporting most electric bikes. In addition, the rack has integrated security, including an eight-foot cable and locking hooks.
You can fold the Sport Rider e-bike rack for neater storage and tilt it while loaded for easier access to the trunk. Unfortunately, loading the bikes is more complicated as you must adjust the frame hooks each time and purchase a false top tube for step-through ebikes.
Choose the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider if you have extra heavy e-bikes and want a premium product to transport them safely.
Buy from Rad Power Bikes Buy on Amazon
5. Yakima StageTwo Hitch E-Bike Rack
- MSRP: $748.95
- Weight Limit per Bike: 70 lbs
- Mounting Type:2” or 1.25” receiver
- Max Tire Width: 3.25″ (5″ with fat tire kit purchased separately)
- Best Features: Frame-free securing, Tiered platforms minimize bike interference, Integrated locking loop
The Yakima StageTwo is another two-bike option with an eye-watering price tag from a reputable brand.
This ebike car rack is ideal for those with two distinct bikes, as it has exceptional compatibility when paired with the fat-tire kit ($30). In addition, it fits wheels from 16″ to 29″, 52″ wheelbases, five-inch wide tires, and 70 lbs per bike.
Disappointingly, the assembly is laborious, and online reviewers question the quality of the threads. However, the general use of the rack is easy and intuitive once it’s set up. It also has excellent integrated security features, a tilting mechanism, and tiered platforms to avoid bike-on-bike contact.
Another downside is the bulky and heavy design, so those with limited storage space may want to choose a different rack.
Consider the Yakima StageTwo if you want a durable, feature-rich rack with excellent compatibility but you don’t need it to fold into a compact package.
6. Kuat Piston Pro X Hitch 2-Bike Vehicle Rack
- MSRP: $1,389
- Weight Limit per Bike: 67 lbs
- Mounting Type: 1.25″ or 2″ hitch options
- Max Tire Width: 5″
- Best Features: OneTap hydropneumatic tire arms, Magnetic cable docking, PedalPivot foot-operated tilting
Bicycle racks for ebikes don’t get much better than the Kuat Piston Pro X. It’s the most expensive model on this list, with some nice-to-have extra features which may or may not justify the price tag.
It uses an adjustable cradle securing method with pneumatic arms that open with a single tap and close smoothly, making this one of the easiest racks to use and widely compatible with different shapes and wheel sizes. In addition, the heavy-duty integrated cable lock actually works as security.
One valuable feature is the rear tail lights which help to prevent trailing cars from rear-ending your expensive bikes and bike rack.
The installation of the Pivot Pro X is straightforward and quick with magnetic docking. You can also tilt it down with the push of a foot lever. Finally, this product comes with a satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty to help justify the eye-watering price.
Choose the Kuat Pivot Pro X electric bicycle rack if you have a huge budget and want the best for your best electric bikes.
Buy from REI Buy from Jenson USA
7. Young 2-Bike Hitch Mount Platform Rack
- MSRP: Check price on Amazon
- Weight Limit per Bike: 100 lbs
- Mounting Type: 2″ hitch
- Max Tire Width: 5″
- Best Features: Padded hooks, Folds up, Tilts
The Young 2-bike hitch-mount bicycle rack for ebikes is a budget-friendly option with an impressive per-bike load capacity and lots of positive reviews on Amazon.
This model locks the bikes by securing the frame with padded hooks and adjustable tire cradles. This attachment method gives the rack broad compatibility with 20 to 29-inch wheels and five-inch fat tires. Unfortunately, it also means you must buy an additional false top tube for step-through frames.
The company chose a locking hitch pin design that keeps the rack secure and stops it from swaying. Other notable features include its ability to fold up for storage and tilt down for easier trunk access (while unloaded).
Overall, this is a solid, well-built rack for the price and the ideal choice for those with a tight budget or heavy electric bikes.
8. Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Electric Bike Rack
- MSRP: $800
- Weight Limit per Bike: 50-60 lbs
- Mounting Type: 1.25″ or 2″ hitch options
- Max Tire Width: 5″
- Best Features: Integrated wheels, Folds up, Frame-free attachment of bikes
Thule’s T2 Pro XTR is one of the brand’s most popular models. Again, it’s not cheap, but it is intuitive to set up and use, broadly compatible, and durable to match.
Some valuable features of this ebike hitch rack include the integrated wheels that allow you to maneuver it on and off the vehicle and the tool-free auto-attach installation.
This is another option with frame-free attachment. The T2 Pro XTR has two adjustable hooks that hold the wheels and adjustable cradles for the tires. Attaching the bikes is quick and easy to modify for different shapes and sizes.
The downsides of this rack are the high price and the relatively low weight capacity of 50 lbs for the 1.25″ receiver and 60 for the 2″ receiver. In addition, the security cable isn’t long enough to wrap the frame.
If you’re in the market for a durable and hassle-free e-bike rack with a lifetime warranty, consider the T2 Pro XTR.
9. Vibrelli Electric Bike Hitch Rack
- MSRP: Check price on Amazon
- Weight Limit per Bike: 65 lbs
- Mounting Type: 2″ hitch
- Max Tire Width: 5″
- Best Features: Anti-wobble hitch connection, Triple-lock security, Flexible wheel holders
Vibrelli’s V70 Sport electric bike hitch rack is another affordable yet highly-rated option on Amazon.
The all-steel construction of this rack is solid but will make it susceptible to rust when it eventually scratches. Thankfully, each of the parts is replaceable. An anti-wobble hitch tightener also keeps the bikes from swaying during transit.
Loading and attaching the bikes is simple and quick. Each one secures at the frame with a padded hook and wheel straps. One thing to note is that lifting the bike to place it on the rear holder can be challenging (heavy e-bikes may require two people).
The V70 is highly versatile, with space for five-inch wheels and 50-inch wheelbases. In addition, it has three locking points for additional security.
All things considered, this electric bike rack offers excellent value for money and has plenty of features seen in more expensive models, along with a ten-year warranty.
10. Kuat NV Base 2.0 Hitch Rack
- MSRP: $749
- Weight Limit per Bike: 60 lbs
- Mounting Type: 2″ hitch
- Max Tire Width: 3″ (4.8″ with adapter kit purchased separately)
- Best Features: Adjustable front-wheel cradle, Foot-assisted loading, Tool-free installation
Kuat’s NV Base 2.0 is the brand’s most affordable model. It comes with the same renowned quality and plenty of helpful features.
The overall construction of the NV Base 2.0 is excellent. It’s durable, completely wobble-free when locked to the hitch, and it secures the bikes perfectly.
With a fat-tire and wheel adapters, this rack can hold 4.8″ tires and 20 to 29-inch wheels, both hitch receiver sizes, and two 60-lb e-bikes. It secures the bikes with one large padded arm and a rear wheel strap.
You can install and tighten the NV Base 2.0 without any tools and fold it against the vehicle to leave it installed all season. In addition, it has foot-assisted loading.
Another excellent feature is the work stand, which you can use to perform roadside maintenance on your bike while traveling. In addition, you get an integrated lock for some extra security.
Choose the Kuat NV Base 2.0 if you want premium quality and functionality with a reasonable price tag.
Buy from REI Buy from Jenson USA
Bike Rack Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Bike Rack for E-Bikes
Again, buying a bicycle rack for ebikes requires careful consideration. Firstly because it’s a big investment, costing anywhere from $250 to almost $1,400. Secondly, because of the variance in compatibility, capacity, ease-of-use, size, weight, and build quality.
Likewise, some households have multiple e-bikes of different shapes and sizes, which will limit your options to the more adjustable electric bike racks. While there’s no perfect option, we hope this guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Weight Capacity
The first and most important thing to reference is the weight capacity of any potential rack. Of course, you’ll need to know how much your e-bike weighs before searching and include any extra components you’ve installed into that weight.
Source: Quietkat.com
Bicycle racks for ebikes usually support between 60 and 100 lbs per bike. The gross weight of an e-bike (without the battery) rarely exceeds 70 lbs, but some moped-style models weigh over 90. Several racks can be extended to fit more bikes, such as the QuietKat 1UP model, but this reduces the per-bike weight capacity.
One tip for transporting your electric bike is to remove the battery and bring it inside the vehicle—if it’s removable. Doing so will significantly reduce the bike’s weight (by three to ten pounds) and keep the battery at a steady temperature, which is better for its lifespan.
Mounting Type
When we refer to mounting an ebike car rack, it includes how the rack mounts to the vehicle and how the bike(s) mount to the rack.
Rack to Vehicle Connection
There are three ways to mount a bicycle rack, only one of which is suitable for electric bikes. Loading bikes onto a roof rack requires lifting them overhead, which is difficult unless you have an ultralight electric road bike. Trunk-mounted designs also don’t work well because they have low-weight capacities and aren’t as sturdy.
The ideal place for mounting a bike rack for electric bikes is at the hitch. This method is incredibly sturdy and secure (when designed correctly). In addition, it can support heavier loads and is relatively convenient to install and remove.
Hitch-mount platform racks are by far the best option for transporting ebikes. However, if you own a truck, a truck-bed rack or a truck pickup pad could work as well.
Hitches connect in various ways, such as with a standard pin, a locking pin, and magnetically. At a minimum, you want a locking connection that makes the rack harder to steal.
There are two common hitch receiver sizes: 1.25″ and 2″. In general, the larger size can support more weight. Most electric bike racks are compatible with just one receiver size but may offer an adapter (like Kuat), so you can switch between two different size hitches.
Before buying a hitch rack, find out your vehicle’s hitch tongue weight capacity—the maximum weight the hitch can support. If you retroactively fitted one, you’ll need to check both the vehicle’s and hitch’s capacities; use the lower of the two.
Bike to Rack Mounting
The best method of loading electric bicycles on an ebike hitch rack is onto a platform or tray, but you can also find hanging (mast) racks. However, mast hitch racks require more lifting and aren’t as widely compatible or user-friendly.
Mounting by the frame is a far better option than mounting by the tire, because it allows you to transport bikes that have fenders and racks without any limitations.
Platform racks also come in many styles and configurations, each with pros and cons. In the reviews above, we included five frame-attaching and four tire-attaching models.
Racks that hold the frame use an adjustable hook that you lift or lower to pin the frame in place. This hook usually combines with backup straps for securing the wheels to their trays. The benefit of this design is its compatibility with pannier racks and fenders, although you may need to purchase a false top tube if you have a step-through bike.
How the bikes attach significantly influences the product’s usability. Poorly thought-out models make attachment time-consuming, while clever designs (such as the Kuat Pivot Pro X) make it quick and effortless.
Frame-free mounting utilizes wheel clamps with cradles that move laterally to accommodate different wheelbase lengths and cradles that slide up and down to fit different wheel diameters. This setup is the most versatile but typically more expensive.
Tire Width, Wheelbase, and Wheel Diameter Compatibility
The three compatibility metrics to look out for (after weight and receiver size) are the wheelbase length, tire width, and wheel diameter. If you are transporting e-bikes of different shapes and sizes, you’ll need to ensure each fits on the rack.
Make sure that the ebike rack you choose can fit the tire width of your ebike. (Source: Radpowerbikes.com)
Many of the most popular electric bikes on the market use fat tires, so if you have tires wider than three inches, you must ensure the rack you choose supports them or has the option to add a fat-tire adapter kit.
Wheel diameter is another important consideration, especially given the popularity of 20″ and 26″ electric bikes. Wheel diameter is primarily relevant to racks that secure at the wheels. If the model doesn’t fit 20″ wheels as sold, it may be compatible with an adapter (like the Kuat NV Base 2.0).
Finally, double-check that your wheelbase length doesn’t exceed the rack’s limits. The longest wheelbases belong to eMTBs. Enduro or downhill electric bikes are extra long wheelbases for stability when riding downhill.
Additional Features
There are several extra features that you’ll see on electric bike hitch racks. More expensive models typically pack in as many of these as possible, like the Kuat Pivot Pro X, to make the product more user-friendly and functional. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.
Security
Security components can include keyed straps, locking hitch mounts, and security cables. While these features are useful in some circumstances, they rarely provide proper protection, and you could easily bypass them with bolt cutters.
At best, they offer a minor deterrence when leaving your e-bikes unattended for a few minutes. We recommend purchasing a high-quality ebike lock if you plan to leave your bikes unattended for long durations.
Still, models like Thule Epos have locks that secure the rack to your car and the bike to the rack, which is a valuable level of protection during quick stops. Opportunistic thieves might even try to take your bike off while you’re stopped at a traffic light if your bike is not locked.
Loading Ramps
A ramp for loading is ideal for those who struggle to lift their heavy e-bike. Many bike racks for ebikes offer a ramp add-on purchased separately (QuietKat 1UP, Kuat NV Base 2.0), and some integrate one into the rack (Yakima OnRamp, Thule EasyFold).
The ease of use of the ramp can vary. For example, the Thule EasyFold’s ramp is tedious to set up and take down, whereas the Yakima OnRamp’s is faster.
Anti-Wobble Receiver
The best bike rack for electric bikes is one that doesn’t move independently of the vehicle. You want a solid receiver connection that doesn’t sway or wobble during transit. Anti-wobble receiver mechanisms eliminate this issue and make for safer transportation.
Tilting and Folding
Lastly, the ability to tilt down and fold up for neater storage and a smaller footprint when connected to the vehicle is essential for many owners.
If the rack cannot tilt down, you will block access to the trunk or tailgate while the bikes are mounted. That said, a product with a poorly designed tilting feature might be difficult to use for one person.
The ability to fold the rack up against the vehicle allows you to leave it installed long-term. Likewise, folding it into a compact package makes it easier to store at home or in the trunk when it is detached.
Build Quality
The high cost of racks means it’s important to do your due diligence when researching. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you when researching the ten models in this article, confirming their quality and durability and the reputability of the manufacturers.
If you’re considering a different model, look for long-term reviews of the product you’re researching and others by that company. Likewise, ensure that the reviewer isn’t affiliated with the company or trying to sell the product.
Your Feedback is Important!