If you own an electric bike, you might have some trouble carrying it in your car. Especially with small and medium cars, their trunk isn’t large enough to accommodate an e-bike.
So how can you handle this problem? The answer is definitely a bike rack which is suitable for your own electric bike.
There are several types of the bike rack on the market, but the best one is the hitch bike rack since it can support the largest capacity and be installed without hurting your car.
The following review is all about the best hitch bike rack for electric bikes so keep going on, and you will see what you should go to.
Table of Contents
How Many Types Of Electric Bike Rack Are Available?
In general, there are three common types of bike rack for the e-bike. Here are some details about these bike racks:
- Roof racks: these racks are just suitable for light bikes and traditional bikes. As such, I don’t recommend this one for electric bikes.
- Trunk mounted racks: This rack needs to be mounted to your car trunk to work. Thus, even though it can hold a higher weight capacity than roof racks, it’s still not suitable for heavy electric bikes.
- Hitch mounted racks: This type of racks is ideal for an e-bike in the highest maximum load weight.
Which Hitch Rack Type Is Best for Your Electric Bike?
Before purchasing a hitch-mounted bike rack, you should know which type is most suitable for your own electric bike. The information below might be helpful:
- Platform style hitch bike rack: I personally consider this type the best option for an e-bike in a large platform to fix the wheels of your e-bike and make your vehicles more stable.
- Hanging style hitch bike rack: You can go to Mast Style or Vertical Style depending on your needs. This type is more convenient to install in general. Also, it usually comes with a more affordable price and compact size.
What Are The Best Hitch Bike Racks for Electric Bikes?
In the list below, I will offer you some short descriptions of these 12 best hitch bike racks for electric bikes. Keep going on!
- Best Overall: Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
“Support a weight capacity up to 130 pounds; features a strong and solid platform to completely hold the large-size wheels of your ebikes and enhance stability”
- Best Budget: Allen Sport 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
“Comes at a more affordable price than other competitors on the market; designed in a wide variety of styles for you to choose from”
- Best Capacity: KAC Hitch Bike Rack
“Designed to support a load capacity up to 240 pounds, large enough to hold four heavy bikes; equipped with strong, durable, extra-wide wheel holders to fit the large-size wheels of your electric bike”
- Best Lightweight: Swagman XC2 Hitch Bike Rack
“Comes with a compact size and weight (28 pounds per rack); straightforward to handle and assemble”
- Best for Ease-of-Install: Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Hitch Bike Rack
“100% assembled so the installation will be much quicker; designed with rust-free E-Coating”
- Best for Beginners: IKURAM 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
“One of the best entry-level hitch bike racks for electric bikes; comes with simple, lightweight, and convenient design”
- Best for Heavy E-Bike: Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
“Has 16-inch holding arms; comes with a large load capacity to hold up to two medium e-bikes or a heavy one; wide range of security features to keep your e-bike safe and in a place”
- Best Stable: Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Bike Rack
“The looking ratchet hooks equipped; comes with trays to carry fat bike tires enhancing stability and adding more security when you drive fast”
- Best Foldable: Pro-Series 63134 Hitch Bike Rack
“You can fold down its holding arms into a compact size and store it more easily; high-quality frame material and rust-free coating finish”
- Best Safety Features: BV 2 Bike/ 4 Bike Hitch Bike Rack
“Equipped with a rear reflectors to enhance your security in night time; designed with foldable holding arms so you can fold down it when not in use; comes in two sizes including 2-bike size and 4-bike size”
- Best Convenient: Saris Superclamp Hitch Bike Rack
“The dual wheel-clamping hooks are very beneficial in making the installation problem-free and quick, comes with a tilt-back design for convenient use”
- Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
“With a large weight capacity, up to 140 pounds in total, you can absolutely use this product for your heavy electric bikes; comes in six different styles for you to choose from”
Best Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes Comparison Chart 2021
To give you an overview of these 12 best hitch bike racks for electric bikes, I have made this table. Let’s see and compare!
Top 12 Best Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes Reviews In 2021
For more information and details about these 12 best hitch bike racks for electric bikes, You should go to my thorough review below.
Best Overall: Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Designed for heavy vehicles like e bikes and mountain bikes
- Support high load capacity
- Easy-to-fold-down holding arms for more convenience
- Can be installed without tools
- Keep your ebike safe with wheel straps
Cons
- Heavier than other products
This Thule EasyFold XT 2 model is a bike rack for heavy e-bike since it can support a weight capacity of up to 130 pounds. You could also use this bike rack for your heavy mountain bike.
It features a strong and solid platform that can completely hold the large-size wheels of your e-bikes and enhance stability even when you drive at fast speed. Moreover, this platform is equipped with two reflective tails that can warn vehicles behind you to keep a safe distance from your car.
Another impressive feature of this Thule electric bike rack is the lock system included. Thanks to that, you can easily attach and fit your bike to the rack and the hitch bike rack to your car.
Furthermore, you will get many benefits from the smart design of this best hitch bike rack. While the foldable arms will help you carry and store this product effortlessly, the foot pedal tilt will allow you to open the car trunk conveniently even when this bike rack is mounted.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 48.4 x 25 x 26.75 inches |
| Weight | 45 pounds |
| Capacity | 130 pounds |
| Material | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Vehicle Service Type | 1.25″ and 2″ receivers |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
See also:
- Top 14 Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 Reviews In 2021
- Top 20 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 Reviews In 2021
- Top 19 Best Cruiser Bikes Review In 2021
- Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021
Best Budget: Allen Sport 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Come at a good price
- Designed with a wide range of styles for different purposes
- Tilt-back and foldable design for convenient carry
- Can fit large wheel sizes
- Rugged powder coating for extra durability
Cons
- Quite heavy in weight
If the budget is one of the most important considerations for you, this Allen Sport 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack is a great way to go. It comes at a more affordable price than other competitors on the market.
This item is designed in a wide variety of styles for you to choose from. Each style will have some specific features matching your carrying purposes. There are six different styles including EZ Load, Deluxe, Deluxe Locking, Deluxe + Locking, Premier, and Premier Locking.
For example, if you are looking for an easy-to-install hitch bike rack, the Deluxe Locking and Premier Locking styles are your ideal options. In case you prefer a bike rack for a small-size bike, the EZ Load style allows you to hold this type of bike without an adaptor bar.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 27 x 14 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 30 Pounds |
| Capacity | 70 pounds |
| Material | Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | 1 1/4 in. & 2 in. Receiver Hitch |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best Capacity: KAC Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Come with a great Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Anti-wobble system offers extra safety
- Ultra large weight capacity
- Almost pre-assembled
- Equipped with wide wheel holder for more stability
- Quick-release tilt design for flexible using
Cons
- Might need bike frame adapter to work
- Much heavier than rivals
If you are looking for some of the largest capacity hitch bike racks, there is no reason to refuse this KAC Hitch Bike Rack. It is designed to support a load capacity up to 240 pounds, large enough to hold four heavy bikes. As such, you can use this item to carry your bikes effortlessly.
Furthermore, this item is equipped with strong, durable, extra-wide wheel holders to fit the large-size wheels of your electric bike. Along with that is the Anti-wobble system which makes this bike rack more stable and sturdy.
This model is almost pre-assembled and designed simply so you can install it to your vehicles in minutes without any problem.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 36 x 34 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 86.8 pounds |
| Capacity | 240 pounds |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | 2” hitches only |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best Lightweight: Swagman XC2 Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Can accommodate large bike frames
- Anti-wobble design for extra stability
- Light in weight
- Easy to assemble and handle
- More convenient with foldable arms
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Not very safe for fast driving
- Many features are sold separately
This Swagman XC2 Hitch Bike Rack is suitable for an electric bike since it comes with a compact size and weight (28 pounds per rack). As such, it can only hold a sufficient weight capacity, at just 70 pounds in total.
Furthermore, this model is straightforward to handle and assemble. You can get your e-bike on and off effortlessly even when your e-bike comes with a large frame. With adjustable upright ratchet holding arms, your bike will be tightened and secured perfectly.
On the other hand, if you go to this product for your e-bike, you will have to purchase several accessories separately, such as wheel trays for large-size e-bike tires and security cables.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 5 x 34 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 28 pounds |
| Capacity | 70 pounds |
| Material | Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | 1-1/4″and 2″ Hitch Receiver |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best for Ease-of-Install: Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Compatible with a wide variety of cars
- Already assembled for quick installation
- Come in three sizes
- Padded lower frame keeps your vehicles safe from scratching
- Rust-resistant construction for better longevity
- No-hassle limited lifetime warranty included
Cons
- Only largest size is suitable with e-bike
- Doesn’t work with rear-spoilers cars
Since this Tyger Auto TG-RK2B202B Hitch Bike Rack is 100% assembled so the installation will be much quicker. However, one thing you should keep in mind before purchasing this model is that it cannot fit vehicles with rear spoilers.
This product comes in three sizes, including 1-bike, 2-bike, and 3-bike sizes. If you use it for your normal bikes, there is no problem. But in terms, you want it to serve your e-bike, you should go to the largest size to carry your heavy and big e-bike.
I also consider this model to be one of the best durable hitch bike racks for e-bikes when it is designed with rust-free E-Coating. Thanks to that, even when you drive in the rain many times, this bike rack can still work with the best performance.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | Not available |
| Weight | 9.63 pounds |
| Capacity | 99 pounds |
| Material | Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | Sedans, Hatchbacks, Minivans, SUV’s |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best for Beginners: IKURAM 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Made of high-quality and thick stainless steel
- Long-lasting and heavy-duty
- More stable with dual-arm construction
- Fold-down arms for space-saving
- Tilt-down design for flexible and convenient use
- Comes with a good lifetime warranty
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might leave scratches on your vehicles
- It needs bigger straps
This IKURAM 2-Bike Hitch Bike Rack is one of the best entry-level hitch bike racks for electric bikes that you could get. Thanks to its simple, lightweight, and convenient design, everyone can handle it effortlessly.
It comes with a dual-arm mounting design that can hold your ebikes in a tight and safe way. Also, these carry arms are foldable so you can carry and store this model quickly and easily.
In addition, this model is made of high-quality steel and thick coating. It is not only heavy-duty and strong enough to handle your ebike but also very solid and durable for long-term uses. You will never have to worry about scratches, wearing, or fading on this one.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 27 x 14 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 22.2 pounds |
| Capacity | 84 pounds |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | Minivan, SUV, Truck |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best for Heavy E-Bike: Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Long holding arms for better security
- Foldable arms for saving space
- Quick and effortless setup and installation
- Come with a lifetime warranty
- Designed in five different styles to choose from
- Appealing price tag
Cons
- Fold carry arms are not equipped with all styles
- It’s not made specifically for electric bikes
If your electric bike is a large-frame design, this Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Bike Rack is an ideal way to go since it has 16-inch holding arms. Thanks to this feature, it could fit your large e-bike flawlessly.
While this one is not designed specifically for electric bikes, it comes with a large load capacity, so you can definitely use it for your e-bike. With a capacity of up to 105 pounds, it can hold up to two medium e-bikes or a heavy one.
Along with that is a wide range of security features to keep your e-bike safe and in a place like individually patented ties, solid steel construction.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 13.25 x 26.75 x 25.25 inches |
| Weight | 9.87 Kilograms |
| Capacity | 105 pounds |
| Material | Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | 1 1/4 in. & 2 in. Receiver Hitch |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best Stable: Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Easy load and unload
- More stable and safe with adjustable locking ratchet hooks
- Compatible with many types of cars
- Fit large-wheel size up to 29-inch
- Locking hitch pin is included
- Support fat tires with trays available
Cons
- Not the sturdiest option
- The ratchets are made of cheap plastic
What sets this Swagman CHINOOK Hitch Bike Rack apart from other products on this competitive market is the looking ratchet hooks equipped. Thanks to these excellent features, your bike wheels will be carried in the tightest way and kept in place.
In addition, these hooks are adjustable, so you can change them to match the size of your bike wheel effortlessly. The only thing I don’t like about these ratchets is that they are made of plastic, which is not UV-resistant and very durable material. Thus, you might have to replace them regularly.
Another feature that makes this product suitable for e-bikes is that it comes with trays to carry fat bike tires. This construction not only enhances stability but also adds more security when you drive fast.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 40 x 16 x 9 inches |
| Weight | 22.16 Kilograms |
| Capacity | 90 pounds |
| Material | Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receiver |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best Foldable: Pro-Series 63134 Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Equipped with padded contact point to against scratches
- High-quality, rust-resistant coating for better longevity
- Adjustable wheel slots for convenient use
- Coma at an affordable price tag
- Foldable design to save space and carry easily
Cons
- The strap system is quite short
Once you head over to this Pro-Series 63134 Hitch Bike Rack, the most impressive feature will capture your interest is its foldable design. Thanks to that, you can fold down its holding arms into a compact size and store it more easily.
Moreover, this item is designed for long-term use. With high-quality frame material and rust-free coating finish, you can sue it in harsh weather with peace in mind. Also, it comes with padded contact points, so you will never have to worry about it leaving scratches in your vehicles.
On the other hand, this one is not the sturdiest hitch bike rack on the market. Many customers report that the straps equipped are too loose and short, which can not hold their bikes completely.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 34.84 x 11.42 x 7.87 inches |
| Weight | Not available |
| Capacity | 90 pounds |
| Material | Metal; Velcro |
| Vehicle Service Type | 1-1/4″ and 2″ receivers |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best Safety Features: BV 2 Bike/ 4 Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Saving your space with fold up design
- Include reflector for extra safety
- Tray-styled construction for stable carry
- Tilt-back design for flexible using
- Ideal for SUV
- Equipped with 2-way Anti-wobble system for extra stability
Cons
- Relevant to heavyweight
- Quite pricey
One of the most special features of this BV 2 Bike/ 4 Bike Hitch Bike Rack is that it is equipped with a rear reflectors. This excellent detail will enhance your safety when you drive at night time.
In addition, this hitch bike rack is designed with foldable holding arms so you can fold down it when not in use easily for convenient carry and store.
This tray-style bike rack comes in two sizes including 2-bike size and 4-bike size and all of them don’t support large tires. Thus, I consider this feature to be one of the biggest flaws of this model.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 31.7 x 14.8 x 7.6 inches |
| Weight | 39.1 pounds |
| Capacity | 35 pounds per bike |
| Material | Not available |
| Vehicle Service Type | Passenger Car, SUV, Truck |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Best Convenient: Saris Superclamp Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Feature rear reflectors adding visibility in night
- Tilt-back design for convenient using
- Dual wheel-clamping hooks for quick installation
Cons
- It needs better wheel tray
This Saris Superclamp Hitch Bike Rack can hold up to two normal bikes thanks to the capacity of up to 120 pounds. That means you can use it to carry your electric bike flawlessly.
In addition, the dual wheel-clamping hooks are very beneficial in making the installation problem-free and quick. You can set up this hitch bike rack in minutes. Also, there is no frame contact so the process of assembling is much easier.
This product comes with a tilt-back design so you can open the trunk effortlessly even when you have installed the bike rack on your vehicle. Thanks to that, you will have the best convenience and flexibility when using this hitch bike rack.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 49.61 x 15.75 x 11.02 inches |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
| Capacity | 120 pounds |
| Material | Not available |
| Vehicle Service Type | Not available |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Pros
- Come with a wide range of prices and styles to choose from
- Two keys included for emergency situations
- Foldable holding arms for ease of carry and store
- Tilt-back design for flexible usage
- Support high weight capacity
- Affordable to purchase
Cons
- Not last long
- Quite difficult to install the straps
This Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Bike Rack is not designed specifically for electric bikes, but with a large weight capacity, up to 140 pounds in total, you can absolutely use this product for your heavy electric bikes. It can hold two e-bikes flawlessly.
This model comes in six different styles for you to choose from, with the Deluxe style is the cheapest version, and the Premier Locking W/Spare is the most expensive one.
In general, all versions are designed to be nearly the same. However, models that cost more will have more features. For example, while the Deluxe version and Premier version are not equipped with a quick install locking hitch feature, other versions come with this excellent detail.
Along with that is the smart tilt-back design, which can help you open your car trunk without worrying about any collision.
Product Specs
| Item Dimensions | 26 x 3.5 x 14 inches |
| Weight | 9.87 Kilograms |
| Capacity | 140 pounds |
| Material | Steel |
| Vehicle Service Type | 2 inch receiver hitches |
To learn more about this hitch bike rack, please watch this review video:
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Hitch Bike Rack for Electric Bikes In 2021
Price
One of the most important factors that you should consider seriously before going to a hitch bike rack for an electric bike is your budget. There is a wide range of price tags that you can see on the hitch bike racks. However, the most common price of a good hitch mounted bike rack is about $100-200.
In terms you want more details or a better design, you can go to the higher price range, around $300-500 per hitch bike rack. These products will come with better material, more convenient design, and more security features.
To get the most affordable price, you should shop at some famous and reliable online websites like Amazon. They offer many hot deals for their customers. If you prefer to see the product directly and hear the suggestion from experts, the local shop is the way to go.
Weight capacity
Since there are not many hitch bike racks designed specifically for electric bikes so you have to know what is the maximum weight capacity of this bike rack. In general, different products will have a varied load capacity.
The most popular hitch bike racks could hold 2 bikes, 3 bikes, and 4 bikes. That means the capacity of a bike could reach up to 140 pounds. In this range, you can carry your electric bike, which is about 50-80 pounds perfectly.
Moreover, for heavy e-bikes, there is a wide range of hitch bike racks equipped with a large platform or wide wheel holder. Thanks to that, your ebikes will be safe and stable on the road.
Safety features
If security is your priority, you should go to the hitch rack bikes that are equipped with several safety features.
The first feature adding security for your drive is the strap system. With these details, you can hold your ebike tightly and keep it in place. The straps can be made of rubber or velcro. However, I personally consider rubber straps to be more durable and heavy-duty ones.
Secondly, the hitch bike racks that come with rear reflectors are also worth a try. With this feature, your vehicles will be safer when you drive in the dark condition.
Along with that are many other features that you could consider including individual ties, locking systems, and others.
FAQs
Can you put an electric bike on a bike rack?
Yes, you can definitely do that. Most hitch bike racks could support a large weight capacity, and some of them are designed with extra-wide wheel holders to serve electric bikes well.
What’s the best hitch bike rack?
In my opinion, I consider Thule EasyFold XT 2 model to be the best hitch bike rack among hundreds upon hundreds of products on the market. It comes with many excellent features like heavy-duty platform, high-quality material, and safety features.
Why you should not transport your e bike on a standard bicycle trunk rack?
The biggest reason that prevents you from doing this is that standard trunk bike racks are usually more wobble and offer lower weight capacity than other types of bike racks. Also, when you install a trunk bike rack on your car, that means you cannot open your car trunk.
What’s the best electric bike for the money?
There are a heap of good electric bikes on the market but personally I think the Propella 7-Speed (V3.4) is the best option for your money.
How do you transport an electric bike?
You can use several carrying methods to transport your electric bikes. However, using a hitch-mounted bike rack, a trunk-mounted bike rack, and a roof bike rack are the most common ways.
My Top Pick
In my point of view, the best option for my own electric bike is the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Bike Rack. I really love the large-size platform on offer which can hold my e-bike stable when I drive. Also, the locking system of this bike rack is very beneficial for me. I can drive with peace in mind when my vehicles are secured and fit perfectly.
What is the feature that you prefer in a hitch bike rack? What are your favorite brands of the hitch bike rack? How much do you want to pay for a product? Feel free to tell me via a comment on my page. I’m willing to answer any questions. Thanks for reading!