Greetings, bike enthusiasts! Are you looking for a place to store your recently purchased electric bike?
At first, storing and transporting your new ride might seem like quite a hassle. However, it’s not as difficult as it might seem.
In this article we’re going to explain how to load an E Bike onto a rack and provide you with a few additional tips that you could use to start your biking journey off the right way.
Understanding Why Electric Bikes Are Heavier Than Regular Ones
Before you start looking for a rack to transport your bike, you must understand that regular bike racks won’t cut it. This is because they aren’t really designed to bear the additional weight that E-Bikes introduce into the fray.
Conventional bikes weight anywhere between 15 to 20 lbs (5-10 kgs). E-Bikes, on the contrary, weigh upwards of 35 to 70 lbs (15-30 kgs) and can be twice as heavy as the latter.
This is because their frames tend to be a little more robust and sturdier as compared to a regular bike’s frame. Moreover, they have a motor that’s usually around 7-10 lbs along with a battery that can weigh up to 20 lbs, both of which are absent in a traditional bike.
Best Types of Racks for Your Bike
Before transit, it’s important to pick the right type of rack. The one you choose should be heavy-duty, resilient, and reliable. Here is a list of a couple of racks you could pick to transport your new bike safely from one place to another.
Roof Racks
Also known as platform racks, these are flat surfaces specifically designed to ensure that your bike rests securely on its wheels.
What’s special about them is their ability to accommodate any and every bike design including the ones that have an unusual shape.
So, if you have a step-through bike frame, make sure to use this rack. You might need an adapter for this type of bike. This allows it to fit safely and securely.
Hitch Racks
Alternatively, you could select a hitch rack instead. These are preferred over roof racks since they’re closer to the ground and don’t require you to heave your bike from the floor and onto a raised surface. Moreover, they are way sturdier than roof racks and can hold very heavy items, including E-Bikes.
They lock directly into a hitch tube and allow you to either strap your bike to a tube top or rest the wheels down on a tray rack.
One of the best things about these racks is the fact that they space your bike a few inches from your car, which prevents the former’s frame from being nicked, scratched, or dented. So consider adding this to your wishlist if you feel your bike is prone to getting damaged.
Best Hitch Rack Models on the Market
It goes without saying that these racks are pound for pound, the most reasonable and reliable attachable bike carriers to ever exist. Below are some of our all-time favorite E-Bike rack models that you could certainly try out as well.
- Thule T2 Pro XTR
- Swagman XC2
- Thule EasyFold XT 2
- Kuat Sherpa 2.0
Other Features to Look for in a Bike Rack
A quick thing to consider is whether your rack comes with an integrated ramp if it doesn’t, consider getting it separately as an accessory.
Others even have a powered lift system that allows you to load your bike with the push of a button. These features make loading and unloading a breeze for everyone.
Setting Up Your Bike Rack: A Proper Bike Rack Installation Guide
It’s time to read this step-by-step guide and gain a better understanding of how you can properly attach a rack to your car and load your electric bike on it.
- To attach your rack to your car, slide the rack’s connector into the hitch receiver or tow bar, which can be found at the back of your car. Make sure it clicks into place and is firmly secured.
- If your rack has a locking pin, insert it. This step is crucial to ensure that your bike doesn’t get unstrapped and left behind on the road.
- Now, start loading your E-Bike onto your rack by tilting it slightly and lifting the front wheel onto the rack.
- Then, hoist the back wheel up and onto the rack.
- As an additional safety measure, perform a quick but thorough check to make sure every part of the rack is fastened tightly.
- Many bike racks have a rack-integrated cable lock to keep everything in place. Snap or screw it in to make sure that it remains secure.
- Extra security won’t hurt either. Consider getting your hands on a good-quality chain lock mechanism to seal the deal and keep your bike safe from theft.
Things to Remember When Transporting E-Bikes
Before you transport your E-Bike, you must remember a few things. Moving such a cumbersome item from one place to another cannot be done without substantial preparation, so make sure to do some before you head off.
Here are some factors you should keep in mind when choosing a rack for your bike.
Weight Capacity
The overall weight limit of your rack should be the first thing you consider. As we’ve already discussed, E-Bikes are quite heavy. This is why you should want to make sure to choose a rack that has a weight capacity that matches the weight of your bike.
You could research the respective weights of your bike and rack by checking their specifications on the owner’s manual if you have one. Make sure to work within your rack’s maximum weight per bike and refrain from exceeding the limit by placing too many things on it.
Another handy tip is to remove the battery from the bike to shave some of its weight off. This can make it so much more maneuverable, making loading easier and more enjoyable.
Your Bike Rack Shouldn’t Hide Your Car’s Features
Sometimes, bike racks might be too large which could obstruct people’s view of your car’s lights and license plates. Keeping everything visible is a key consideration because, in certain places, hiding them might be illegal.
Hidden car lights can be a safety hazard as well. The primary purpose of your cars rear lights is to keep your ride visible to everybody behind you. Without them, other car and bike riders might struggle to see where you’re going, especially in the dark. This may confuse them, risking the occurrence of a collision.
Things to Remember After Bringing Your Bike Home
Using an E-Bike requires a ton of responsibility, patience, understanding, and dedication. You’ll want to keep a few things in mind when having one around.
Remember to take your bike out for a spin to acquaint yourself with its braking system and pedal assist features. This helps prevent future accidents and is essential for a safe ride for you and everybody else on the road.
Be courteous and respectful towards other vehicle users, and ensure that you follow the traffic laws and rules set in your area.
Make sure to regularly clean, maintain, and secure your bike in place whenever you need to leave it unattended.
Finally, stow away your bike in a warmer and drier area during the winter. This is instrumental in prolonging their longevity and usable lives.
Trust me, taking care of your bike will carve a wide smile onto their non-existent faces!
You’re All Set!
We’ve finally cycled over to the culmination of this guide to bike carriers and racks to transport your ride to your home. I hope you’ve understood that an e-biking journey isn’t a straightforward endeavor since it requires many adjustments and considerations to be made.
Invest in a good quality rack that’s compatible with your bike in terms of its weight.
So get ready to gear up for your next outdoor adventure with your E-Bike today. Good luck!
