How To Choose A Car Bike Rack For Electric Bikes - Best Car Bike Rack Beginners Guide
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So How To Choose A Car Bike Rack For Electric Bikes
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Electric bikes are now very popular among most cyclists. You can go for a tour or a road trip with your ebike and enjoy your holidays. But you can not always ride the ebike from your doorsteps, especially if you want to ride the mountains. You will have to carry the ebikes in your car & drive to the destination. But for that you will need a car bike rack, connected to your car, to store ebikes.
From typical ebikes, cargo bikes, mountain bikes to mini e bikes, can be transported by a car bike rack. If you want to travel with your kids then you can also place small ebikes like for example the DYU S2 electric bikes for kids. But you have to know how to choose a car bike rack for electric bikes. Because all bike racks can not carry the e bikes as they are much heavier than traditional bikes. So, when you choose a bike rack for your ebikes, you have to check the weight capacity of the bike rack.
In this article, we’ll discuss what type of bike rack is suitable for an electric bike & what factors you should consider before buying a car bike rack.
What Type Of Bike Rack Is Suitable For An Electric Bike?
There are generally three types of bike racks available. They are roof racks, hitch mounted racks and trunk mounted racks.
Roof racks mount the ebike on the top of the car. You can only mount one ebike on the roof as ebikes have much more weight than typical bikes & your car roof can not handle that much weight. You may also feel trouble while lifting the ebike on the top of the car because of its weight. So, roof racks are not suitable for electric bikes.
- Trunk mounted racks are budget friendly but less durable and they are not sturdy enough to carry ebikes. Trunk mounted racks generally have the weight limit of 35ibs per bike. But an electric bike weighs around 60ibs. So, these types of racks are not recommended for electric bikes.
- Hitch mounted racks are most suitable racks for an electric bike. These types of racks require a trailer hitch to mount with a car. They distribute the weight of ebikes evenly and also you don’t need to lift the ebike over your head to load on the rack.
The best part is that hitch mounted platform racks support any sizes of ebike wheels properly, whether it’s a fat tire ebike or a minibike wheels for kids. These types of racks are the most convenient and suitable rack for an electric bike.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Car Bike Rack For An Electric Bike
As electric bikes are different from other traditional bicycles, you will need to choose a strong car bike rack to store them. You must consider some important things, if you are planning to buy a car bike rack for your electric bikes. Some important factors are stated below:
Weight Capacity Of The Rack
Before choosing a car bike rack, make sure it has enough weight capacity to carry ebikes. Most electric bikes average weight around 50-60lbs. Some models weigh up to 80-90Ibs. So, you must buy a bike rack that is more strong to hold the ebike weight.
Number of Ebikes
You must consider the number of bikes that you want to take with you. Because the more you add ebikes, the heavier rack you need.
Tongue Weight
This is another important factor that you must consider. You must know if the hitch is capable enough to carry the electric bikes and the rack weight.
Locks & Safety
You should choose a car bike rack that keeps your bikes more safe and secure while you are driving. Many bike racks provide built in locks that will keep your bike safe from being stolen off.
Easy To Load And Unload
Roof mounted bike racks are not suitable for e bikes as you need to lift the bike overhead to load on the top of the car. Hitch mounted racks are perfect for loading and unloading the bikes.
Budget
Before choosing a car bike rack, you must consider your budget. High quality bike racks are expensive. So, you should know your budget & your bike needs before choosing a bike rack.
Besides these factors, you must consider the frame contact of the rack, fuel economy and laws and regulations of your country.
FAQ
Are Bike Racks Expensive?
It depends on the designs, the material quality of a car bike rack, special features and the production cost of making the bike rack. If you want high quality and durable bike racks then you will have to pay a high price. But you will not regret it as you can use the rack in the long run.
Do Bike Racks Damage Your Car?
If you exceed the limit weight then bike racks can damage your car. Roof mounted racks can damage your car roof if you don’t secure the bikes correctly. Even trunk mounted racks may damage your car If the front wheels of the bike move while you are driving. It can rub and damage your car paint easily. This will result in scratches in your car.
Check out – Will A Bike Rack Scratch Your Car ?
How Much Does a Bike Rack Cost?
Depending on the types and features a car bike rack generally costs around 25$-1000$. Trunk mounted bike racks are less expensive. They usually cost around 40$-100$. But you should not invest in a cheap car bike rack as your expensive electric bikes will not be secure on them.
Summary – How To Choose A Car Bike Rack For Electric Bikes
Car bike racks are essential for your ebikes while you are driving a car. For the safety of your road trip and yourself, you have to choose the best and sturdiest car bike rack for your ebike. Always keep the unique features of your electric bike in mind before choosing a car bike rack.
In this article, we have discussed what type of car bike rack is suitable for an electric bike and how to choose a car bike rack for electric bikes.
We hope you enjoyed our ‘ How To Choose A Car Bike Rack For Electric Bikes ‘ article and are now better informed to make your decision on which is the best car bike rack for your requirements.
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How To Choose A Car Bike Rack For Electric Bikes
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