Tow Bar Racks for eBikes
A tow bar rack is usually the ideal way to carry an e-bike; they can take a greater weight and loading the bikes is a lot easier because everything is done at a much lower height.
Many tow bar racks that are designed specifically for e-bikes will have wheel trays that are spaced further apart, this makes loading larger e-bikes easier. It makes sense to go for a bike carrier that is specifically designed for e-bikes, rather than a bike carrier that is designed for normal bikes but will also take heavier bikes.
We have a large range of tow bar racks that are suitable for eBikes.
Important things to consider
Wheelbase: It's important that you consider the wheelbase of your largest bike and check it's not too long for the bike carrier you are interested in. You can find this information on the 'specifications' tab for most bike carriers.
Maximum load capacity: All racks will have a maximum load capacity. You must not exceed the maximum load for the rack.
Tow bar nose weight: It's very important that the weight of the bike carrier and bikes doesn't exceed the tow bar nose weight. Typically you will be able to carry up to two e-bikes, or occasionally three on some vehicles. It's very important that you check this for your vehicle and your tow bar.
It's also important that you remove the battery before you transport your e-bike.
Loading your bikes on to the rack
Loading ramps are available for most e-bike tow bar racks, these can make loading your bikes much easier if you are concerned about lifting the bike onto the rack. These will be listed under the 'accessories' section for each individual bike carrier.
Roof Mounting Racks for eBikes
Roof mounting bike carriers are really not designed for e-bikes and it is very difficult to lift a heavier e-bike to roof height.
- Typically roof mounting bike carriers take a maximum weight of around 17kg, which won't be enough for the vast majority of e-bikes, even with the battery removed.
- 'Frame-holder' roof mounting bike carriers will not usually work securely with the shape of the downtube on an e-bike.
- Many e-bikes have a longer wheelbase than standard bikes meaning they are too large for some roof mounting bike carriers.
- Some 'tyre-hold' racks can be suitable for smaller/lighter e-bikes (but these aren't usually suitable for bikes with close-fitting mudguards).
If you are happy lifting the weight of an eBike onto your roof the INNO Tyre Hold will take a bike weight of up to 23kg. The INNO Tyre Hold works with most bikes but is not suitable for bikes with mudguards fitted very close to the tyres or bikes with rear kickstands. It takes a maximum wheelbase of 120cm.
Rear Door Mounting Racks for eBikes
Rear door/tailgate bike carriers are really not designed for e-bikes as they typically have a maximum bike weight of 15kg. It can also be difficult to lift a heavier bike onto a higher-mounting tailgate rack.