Electric bicycles (eBikes) are significantly heavier than road and mountain bikes.

• An average eBike weighs 48-lbs (23kg)

However, many models weigh upwards of 70-lbs or 32kg. Electric bikes are heavier due to the battery, motor, and especially from the more robust frame geometry and longer wheelbase. 

A “classic” bicycle rack generally supports up to 35 lbs (15.8kg) and is not compatible with electric bicycles, since eBikes weigh between 38 to 70 lbs (17 - 32kg). The majority of standard bike racks are NOT sturdy enough to support the extra weight of eBikes, the lone exception is the hitch-mounted platform rack, which is the only viable option for electric bikes.

Also, keep in mind that statistically more bicycles are damaged during vehicle transport than while riding them. Busted derailleurs, broken spokes, crimped cables, dents, and scratches commonly occur while packing them for travel or during transit, as opposed to being ridden on trails and roads.

For eBikes, this is even more important, as you have additional components that are very costly, such as the battery, motor, and supplementary electrical cables.

Do you need a special bike rack for eBikes?

Hitch-mounted platform racks are the ONLY practicable option for transporting eBikes, due to 4 main factors:

• High Weight Capacity: eBikes are double to triple the weight of traditional bicycles and exceed the weight limits of roof and trunk-mounted racks.

  • eBike batteries average 7lbs (3kg), which means even after removing the battery, these bicycles are still significantly heavier than standard bicycles.

• Low to the Ground: Loading/unloading heavy eBikes becomes a safety hazard when attempting to mount/unmount to a roof rack system.

  • Many models of hitch-mounted racks offer a ramp.

• Support the Wheels: These systems support the wheels which are important as the center of gravity varies among electric bike models and it’s the most secure system.

• Larger: This is important as eBikes have longer wheelbases

Roof Racks & E-Bikes???

E-bikes weigh between 38 - 70 pounds with an average weight of 48-lbs. Trying to hoist one of these up to your roof, even with two people, is a good way to injure yourself or damage the bike. Even after removing the battery, these eBikes still weigh over triple that of road bicycles and twice as much as mountain bikes.

• The user may struggle to safely and securely load/unload the bike into the rack.

Also, most passenger vehicles have a 150 - 165-pound roof weight limit, regardless of rack system.

• Two heavy e-bikes, plus the weight of the roof rack, will exceed your roof’s loading capacity.

CAUTION: Roof racks are NOT advised nor recommended for transporting e-bikes, due to over-loading limits and safety concerns for hoisting the e-bike into/out of the roof rack.

Trunk Mounted Racks & E-bikes???

The maximum weight limit of most trunk mounted bicycle racks is 35-pounds. Even the lightest of e-bikes weigh about 40-lbs, exceeding the weight limit. Also, these types of racks tend to sway while driving.

The simplicity and low cost of this design make this a great bike rack but it does have issues. The bike rack is mounted to the trunk of the car, making it impossible to gain access to this storage space while the bike rack is being used. The other issue with this design is a lack of security which is problematic with an expensive eBike.

CAUTION: Trunk racks are NOT advised nor recommended for transporting e-bikes as electric bicycles exceed the maximum weight limit of trunk racks.

Hitch-Mounted Racks & E-bikes

A hitch-mount rack system is the best way to haul eBikes. However, you will need a vehicle that has a tow hitch that can support the weight of the rack system plus the weight of the bikes.

These platform racks are the most expensive, and that is even before any additional costs are incurred if you don’t have a tow hitch already installed. Platform racks haul bikes by securing the tires in wheel cradles and the top of the tire or frame via an adjustable arm. This eliminates potential abrasion to the finish of the bicycle and eliminates wobble, as other rack systems use straps and less secure methods.

For heavy bicycles, such as eBikes, cruisers, and full-suspension mountain bikes, the only real option for hauling bikes around from place to place is with the hitch-mounted platform rack system.

Platform Racks: Easy to load/unload

This type of bicycle rack system is the easiest to load and unload as it’s closest to the ground. Many models come standard with ramps, which makes loading/unloading your heavy electric bikes even easier.

Want to go faster with the same amount of effort?

Jesse is Director of Pedal Chile and lives in Valdivia, Chile. Jesse has a Master of Science in Health & Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Hobbies: singletrack, snowboarding, reading, taster of craft beers, researcher, bicycle commuting, & eBike rider.

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