The popularity of electric bikes is on the surge. This demand has also led to a rise in the need for more transportation options for these bikes. E-bikes have special transportation considerations given their weight and frame.
A hitch bike rack is the most convenient option in such a case. It is significantly better than transporting your bike using straps that may potentially damage it.
We take you through some of the best hitch bike racks for electric bikes. This is a list that we have curated after trying out several products so that you make an informed decision and only go with the best.
Additionally, we have curated a small buying guide that would help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Hitch Bike Rack?
A hitch bike rack is a specialized bike rack that is adept at handling heavyweight bicycles. This is because they are made up of materials that are long lasting and robust and that can handle heavy bikes.
What to Look for in a Bike Rack?
Several features make a bike rack more durable and make it easy and convenient for you to transport your bike from one place to another. Here is what you should look out for:
Rack Weight Rating
The first step is to find a rack that is adept and rated for carrying more weight than you intend to. Sometimes people carry more than one bike on their rack that isn’t rated for that much weight and it all goes fine, but this is not a good long-term approach.
Tongue Weight Rating
Most hitches have a tongue weight rating of at least 200 lb but you must still check the one you are getting to see if it is sufficient to carry the weight of your bike.
Bike Mounting
You should check the bike mounting system before finalizing the hitch bike rack. You need to go for a mounting system that offers safe and secure transportation for your bike without damaging its frame.
Number of Bikes
If you have to carry a number of bikes simultaneously, you need to go for a hitch bike rack that is heavy enough to accommodate both or more of these.
Locking and Tilting
Most electric bike racks will have a lock that protects your bike during transportation. You must only go for a hitch bike rack with a lock. In addition to the locks, you also need a pivot system with foot assistance to prevent the bikes from tilting away and getting damaged while on the move.
Anti-Wobbling System
An anti-wobbling system is a great component of a high-quality hitch bike rack and most premium models will have one. This is important to give the rack some stability and thereby protecting the bike completely.
Best Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes
There are many hitch bike racks available in the market today, so much so that you will be spoilt for choice. Considering an electric bike is a significant investment, you must also ensure that you pick the right hitch bike rack so that the transportation needs are met properly.
Here are a few hitch bike racks for electric bikes you may consider getting home:
- Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a premium quality rack that is trusted by many seasoned users. This bike rack is capable enough to carry a wide range of vehicles.
It comes in two variations and can be tied to your vehicles using your bare hands. It has a number of features and works for people who are frequent travelers.
Features
- It can carry two bikes weighing 60 lb each simultaneously.
- It can hold tires as large as 4.8’’.
- It is equipped with fully integrated cable locks.
- It comes with an adjustable front tire cradle system.
- It offers no-tool installation and that just makes the job so much easier.
Pros
- It makes loading and unloading easier because of its bike ramp.
- It is a no-fuss ramp and one does not need a lot of tools to mount the bikes.
- It has pre-built security cables within the rack that offers added safety to the bikes during transportation.
Cons
- It is expensive and the add-ons further add to the costs.
- It only accepts five-inch tires with a separate kit.
You can buy it here online on Amazon.
- YAKIMA Hitch Mounted Tray Bike Rack
- Built to handle new bike standards: Fits most bikes, including fat tires, boost hubs, mountain, road, hybrid, womens specific, BMX kids bikes and E-bikes under 50 lbs.
A versatile product that can carry a number of vehicles around, this rack works with mountaineering bikes, flat tire bikes and even hybrid bikes.
It dons a smart design that not only makes transportation easy but also safe and secure ensuring nothing happens to the bikes while on the move.
Features
- It comes with an integrated same key system that provides added security.
- It works with a range of bikes, flat tires, kids’ bikes, women’s bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, weighing up to 50 lb.
- It provides quick rear-of-vehicle access that makes raising and lowering the rack an easy job.
- It has a StrongArm hook that protects the bike at the wheel so that the carbon frame doesn’t get damaged.
- It can securely carry a range of tires, brakes and bike components.
Pros
- The hook arms provide safety and protection to the carbon frames of the bike without damaging them.
- The foot pedal makes lowering and raising the rack a breeze.
- It offers enhanced security through its same key lock system.
- It is value for money.
Cons
- It has a glossy finish that is high maintenance and makes it prone to scratches.
- It can only carry bikes weighing 50 lb. This would be an issue for those who want to carry multiple bikes simultaneously.
You can buy it online here on Amazon.
- Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE & USE: Only takes a few minutes to assemble and the upright ratchet arms easily adjusts to different bike frame sizes, will accommodate bike frames up to 59 cm (23.2)
If you have a light electric bike and are looking for a basic option, this is the one you should go for. It is simple, does the job and offers a secure bike transportation option without making a huge dent in your pocket.
Features
- It has adjustable ratchet arms that make it incredibly easy to use and assemble.
- It has a sturdy design with an anti-wobbling feature to keep the bikes stable during transportation.
- It is easy to pack and fold, is compact and therefore, saves you a lot of storage space.
- It is adept at transporting two bikes together as long as both weigh less than 35 lb each.
- It has a number of accessories that can upgrade the features offered, but you will have to buy them separately.
Pros
- It is lightweight that makes it easy to mount and move around.
- It is user friendly and extremely easy to install.
- It is affordable.
- It can fit easily tires that are 2.5’’ wide.
- It takes less storage space.
Cons
- It won’t work with bikes over 35 lb.
- It doesn’t support fat tires either. You will have to purchase the fat tire tray separately.
You can buy it online here on Amazon.
- KAC Overdrive Hitch Mounted Rack
- Keeps your bikes sturdy and safe with a patented Anti-Wobble System
If you are looking for a heavy-duty option that can transport multiple bikes together without making a huge dent in your pocket, look no further than this hitch bike rack.
The manufacturers have a great reputation and are trusted by people who go mountaineering frequently and if you look carefully, the features tell a story of their own.
Features
- It has a patented anti-wobble system that keeps your bikes safe and secure during transportation.
- It comes in a beautiful black color that is attractive to look at.
- It has a quick-release tilt design that ensures you can easily fold it and keep it away when not in use.
- It has a rear reflector that adds to its visibility.
- It comes with strong powder-coated steel tubing.
Pros
- Most of its parts come pre-assembled that make this bike rack easy to use and install.
- It is value for money.
- It offers a great warranty that provides insurance against a number of performance mishaps and other issues. You won’t have to pay extra should something happen.
- It can be easily converted into a two-part carrier when needed.
- It works well with a range of vehicles and bikes such as fat tires and electric bikes.
- It offers safety and security to bikes with its cushioned top frame hooks.
Cons
- It is not rated to be used with either RV or 5th wheel.
- The KAC Overdrive Bike Frame Bar Adapter that is needed for see-thru bikes and low-frame bikes has to be bought separately.
- It can be slightly heavy to lift.
You can buy it online here on Amazon.
The Final Word
Hitch bike racks are a necessity when it comes to transporting your bikes easily from one place to another. There are a number of racks available in the market, offering different features.
You should first determine the frequency and the number of bikes you would be transporting and based on that, pick a hitch bike rack. We hope you like the above list that we have curated especially for you!