Roof-mounted bike carriers are generally not designed for e-bikes. As e-bikes are considerably heavier than standard bikes, lifting one onto the roof of a vehicle can also be difficult.
There are several important factors to consider:
- Maximum weight: Most roof-mounted bike carriers have a maximum bike weight of around 17kg, which is too low for the vast majority of e-bikes, even with the battery removed.
- Frame compatibility: Frame-holder-style carriers may not secure an e-bike properly due to the shape and size of its downtube.
- Wheelbase: Many e-bikes have a longer wheelbase than standard bikes, meaning they may be too large for some roof-mounted carriers.
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Tyre-hold carriers: Some tyre-hold models can accommodate smaller, lighter e-bikes, although compatibility with mudguards and other bike features must be checked carefully.
If you don't think lifting the bikes onto the roof will work for you, we would recommend considering a tow bar rack as this will be a much easier way of carrying an eBike as loading is done at a much lower level. We have a big range of tow bar racks that are suitable for eBikes - click here for details.