5 Best Hitch Bike Racks for Electric Bikes (Updated 2023)

Starting off, if you’re contemplating, on finding an efficient way of transporting your bike from point A to point B, then here within, this article, you shall find a thorough analysis. Containing a  selection of hitch bike racks for accommodating bikes on your vehicle taking into consideration, thick tire, heavy eBikes are quite a challenge to be carried around. If compared to the regular everyday bikes, which weighs at around 30 lbs, mountain bikes weigh something around 35 lbs, eBikes can weigh as much as 70 lbs (ones which are usually fitted with fat tires) and not any less than 50 lbs.

So, narrowing down to choose a specific hitch bike rack that fits well for your bike, can be quite a challenging and time-consuming task. We have analyzed quite a bit about hitch bike racks, to understand which would suit best for your electric bikes. We are confident regarding the fact that this review would help you in settling for a hitch bike rack, which is fitting for you.

Factors to Consider while Buying a Bike Rack for Carrying Your E-Bike

A) Consider E-Bike Weight

When a heavy Mountain Bike can weigh up to 30 lbs., the fat-tire e-bikes can weigh from 50 lbs. (the lighter models) to 80 lbs. (the heavier models). So, you cannot carry your e-bikes on general bike racks that are not made compatible for carrying heavy-weight e-bikes.

The batteries of the e-Bikes weigh around 7-10 lbs. So, remove the batteries and keep it in a cooler place inside your car while you’re carrying your e-Bikes on a bike rack. Removing batteries will help you in 3 ways:

• You will put less pressure on your bike racks. This will increase the durability of the bike racks.
• This way will prevent your batteries from theft
• As you are keeping the batteries at a cooler temperature (not under the direct sunlight), it will prevent your batteries from being overheated.

B) Other Buying Factors

Below, there are some general buying factors of bike racks, which you should take into consideration while deciding to purchase a bike rack for your vehicle:

• Bike types and capacity: First and foremost, it is important that you ensure that the rack you are planning on buying has the capability of accommodating your eBike and is the best fit. If regular men’s bikes are considered, they do usually fit well on the hitch rack types, whereas; for parking women’s and children’s bikes, an additional adapter may be required to be bought.
• Can the bike rack touch the bike’s frame? You should make sure that your e-Bike doesn’t come into contact when it is hoisted into the bike rack, that you’re using, this is quite important, otherwise, constant contact might result in the chassis of your bike being damaged permanently.
• Weight and bike capacity: A vast majority of the well-renowned hitch racks can contain a combined weight of around 120 lbs, which in turn is able to station 2 eBikes, by default. The weight of the bike rack itself is also very crucial so that it is compatible with the type of car you are driving.
• Cutoff weight limitation: It is crucial that you either ask the vendor or goes through the instruction manual, to be sure about the cut-off weight that it can get a hold of, otherwise if exposed to excessive weight the rack might be permanently damaged. eBikes, in general, are a bit on the heavier side, so, we need to make sure that its weight can be sustained.
• Versatility: Some vendors have different modules of a given product for you to choose from, you can get to choose the module that you feel is best to meet your needs, as for example, some racks have variants which can carry either 2 or up to 4 bikes and it also has a cargo supporting version as well. In some cases, an add-on might also be required to be added to accommodate more than 2 bikes.
• Price: There exist some very high-end products, for which you will require to pay a premium, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, such categories of products are also readily available in the market, a thorough breakdown has been provided, above.
• Loading and accessing Bikes: It is very obvious to be wanting to go through the process of loading the rack and access of your bikes with relative ease, you should always be on the lookout to search for user-friendly racks, which you save you time and most importantly your energy.
• Hatch /Trunk access and tilting feature: For a lot of bike racks, they have the feature of being tilted, while it is still mounted with a bike or multiple bikes, this aids in accessing the trunk, whenever required, this would save you the time, for not having to go through the process of removing the bike, every single time, you want access to your hatch. Although; not all the products of every vendor work in a similar fashion, it should be best that you proceed with the one that fulfils your needs.
• Folding feature and parking: If you have to park your car in a cramped garage and also happen to have either an SUV or something of a similarly bigger stature, then having the folding feature on your bike rack is crucial, also it is good to make sure whether it is possible to drive in and out your garage, with your bike still positioned to the rack.
• Security: There should be no compromise, regarding the security of your bike, therefore; it is mandatory that you make sure that the rack you’re planning on purchasing, has an anti-theft mechanism, which would be able to hold your bike in place firmly and in a secure manner, without it being damaged in any way.
• Anti wobbling hitch mount: You should also take into consideration whether the rack that you are purchasing, has interlocked reinforced arms and pins on your rack, in order to prevent your bike from swinging.

Our Top Pick(s)

Therefore, we have condensed down a list of  5 electric hitch bike racks, which we shall be reviewing throughout our article:

1. Hollywood Sportrider
2. Overdrive Sport
3. Saris Superclamp EX-2 
4. Thule T2 Pro XT
5. Swagman E-SPEC

Out of the hitch bike racks, stated above, we are selecting  Hollywood Sportrider as our preferred choice. With that being said, the other eBike racks that have been talked about here are also definitely, worth buying, although the Hollywood Sportrider seems to offer a better value for money.

Hollywood Sport Rider Bike Rack for eBikes

• Type of mounting: Hitch
• Style: Tray/ Platform
• Shipping Weight (lbs): 63.2
• Wheelbase: 60″
• Maximum tire width support: 5″
• Dimensions (inch): 24 x 35 x 9
• Bike Holding Capacity: 2
• Weight Bearing Capacity(lbs): 80 x 1 = 80/ 80 x 2 = 160 lbs

The Hollywood Sportrider has all the necessary features that you possibly might be looking for in a hitch bike rack for your e-Bike, it can compete pound-for-pound if taken into consideration with any other bike racks out there. As it’s effortless towing of bikes means anyone can use it with comparative ease. Added to that, its ability to carry heavy loads of your fat tire bikes, The Hollywood Sportrider is available for 3 different modules, these are:

1. 3″ wide tires(for accommodating cargo bikes)
2. 3″ wide tires
3. 5″ wide tires

As stated above, it happens to be very versatile, since it has the competence of being able to ship cargo bikes as well! There exists, a significant amount of spacing between two adjacent bikes, between the trays. The Sportrider has an anti-swinging mechanism, which makes sure that your bike doesn’t sway from side to side while traveling, last, but not the least if security is a top priority for you, then you should not be looking any further, taking all the aforementioned features into consideration, makes it a very good choice when considering to buy this as your preferred eBike accommodating rack for your automobile.

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5 best hitch bike racks you can buy today for electric bikes

To make a comparison between the products and most importantly, for your better understanding,  we have prepared a table, below containing the necessary specifications. Once you go through this table, it’ll be easier for you to comprehend the detailed information, which has been presented later. We want you to help in deciding which rack would offer you a better value for your money. Although it is advisable that you go through the post thoroughly, in order to have an in-depth idea regarding the products.

Bike Rack	Preview	Receiver (inch)	Bike capacity	Style	Dimension	Weight (lbs)	Wheel size range (inch)	Load/ bike	Foldable	Tilting feature	Locking feature
Hollywood Sportrider		2	2	Tray	33 x 24 x 8	48	20-29	80	Yes	Yes	Yes
Overdrive Sport		2	2/3/4	Tray	36 x 34 x 12	87	20-29	60	Yes	Yes	Yes
Saris Superclamp EX-2		1.25/ 2	2/4	Tray	48 x 30 x 15	35	20-29	60	Yes	Yes	Yes
Thule T2 Pro XT		2	2/4	Tray	54 x 43 x 15	52	20-29	60	Yes	Yes	Yes
Swagman E-SPEC		2	2	Tray	39 X 12 X 11	58	20-29	70	Yes	Yes	Yes

1. Hollywood Sportrider rack

Heavy load-bearing capability

Hollywood Sportrider

• Type of mounting: Hitch
• Style: Tray/ Platform
• Wheelbase: 60″
• Maximum tire width support: Up to 5″
• Dimensions (inch): 24 x 35 x 9
• Bike Holding Capacity: 2
• Shipping Weight(lbs): 63.2
• Weight Capacity: 80 x 1 = 80 / 80 x 2 = 160 lbs
• Anti-theft Mechanism: Locking bike frame, hitch pins

Features & Considerations:

• Locking feature/anti-theft: There are hooks for locking bike frames, making sure that your bike is safely in position, locking hitch pins are also available to prevent bike theft.
• Heavy load carrying capacity: This robust hitch rack has the capacity of carrying two of your electric bikes, having the ability to support a weight of a maximum 80 lbs/ bike. Also, note that it includes secure wheel holders for accommodating the heavy load of your fat tires.
• Strong foundation: It has an internally strengthened foundation system, resulting in being able to withstand very heavy loads. This is necessary if you own, eBikes which are generally heavier in stature in comparison to conventional bikes.
• Effortless loading and unpacking: Secure accommodation of bikes, easy to load and seamless removal of your bikes from the rack, this makes it easier, even for elderly people to carry out the task with relative ease.
• Adaptable and folding design: When not being used, you can fold up the rack, if required. Also, for entry of cargo bikes, it can be it angled down, seamlessly.
• Anti-wobbling rack:  This rack according to the manufacture has built-in anti-sway patented features, making sure that when you’re driving by with your bike attached to the rack in a safe and secure process.
• Reflecting surface: Reflectors have been added to the tail end of the rack, which ensures that it can easily be noticed by other vehicles and people nearby.

Some drawbacks:

• Usage of adapters: Cannot be used with 1-1/4″ to 2″ adapter, this is not compatible with the mentioned dimension.
• Types of vehicles: Not usable on any trailer, towed vehicle, or fifth wheel, as it sways slightly from side-to-side.
• While mounting the bike: In order to transport bikes, batteries of eBike needs to be removed.

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The Hollywood Sportrider is very well designed and admirably forged in order to withstand your heavy set of loads. To be more precise, it can hold up to a capacity of two electric bikes, with each weighing a maximum of 80 lbs. Considering,  you overburden it with such a hefty load, it still doesn’t show any signs of significant wear and tear.

It is super easy to assemble, rather, you can carry out the process instinctively, all the individual sections, latches, screws and bolts fall into place without the aid of any hammers or drills.

You can fold it down effortlessly and angle it down to the rear of your vehicle when and if required. The texture of the rack when touched, feels as though it is a combination of rubber-like and black painted covering.

You will find the lacquer of the rack to be comparatively thick and the paint job was done with matte paint. Note that, this is fitting for the grim environment that a bike rack is put through.

Hollywood Sportrider

The Sportrider can be packed with most hitch types belonging Type III and Type IV, for hitch opening sizes of 2″ for both categories. This rack can easily be installed in your minivans, SUVs and pickup trucks as well!

It can easily withstand a package, having a weight of up to 80 lbs each. For two fat-tire eBikes. It has the different modules to fit either regular/cargo bike’s 3″ tires or  5″ wide fat tires, especially for electric bikes. But, there are up to a maximum of 4 bikes accommodating platform/ trays available for this vendor.

If you want further insight and want to watch a visual illustration, related to this product, please refer to the link shared below:

2. Overdrive Sport rack

Good value for money

Sale

Overdrive Sport

• Type of mounting: Hitch
• Style: Tray/ Platform
• Wheelbase: 60″
• Maximum tire width support: 5″
• Dimensions (inch): 36 x 44 x 12
• Bike Holding Capacity: 2 / 3 / 4
• Shipping Weight(lbs): 49.9
• Weight Capacity: 60 x 2 = 120 / 60 x 3 = 180/ 60 x 4 = 240 lbs

Features & Considerations:

• Modules: The overdrive Sport  can be acquired at two different variants, these are: 1) Knob version 2) Ratchet version
• Heavy load carrying capacity: This robust hitch rack has the capacity of carrying two of your electric or standard bikes, having the ability to support a weight of a maximum 80 lbs/ bike. Also, note that it includes secure wheel holders for accommodating the heavy load of your fat tires.
• Strong foundation: It has an internally strengthened foundation system, resulting in being able to withstand very heavy loads.
• Texture: The rack has a matte painted texture, which happens to be relatively thick and well finished, giving it the ability to survive tough weather conditions, no matter what sort of terrain you are passing through, with your bike attached to the rack.
• Fold-able and versatile design: When not being used, you can fold up the rack, if required. Also, for entry of cargo bikes, it can be it angled down, seamlessly.
• Anti-sway bike rack:  This rack is built in such a way, that makes sure that when you’re driving by with your bike attached to the rack, it does not sway, away from your automobile.  It is very tough which makes sure that there is no unwanted movement.
• Reflectors: Holographic light reflectors have been attached to the bottom ledge of the rack, which ensures that it is easily noticeable even during nighttime.

Some drawbacks:

• Usage of adapters: Cannot be used with 1-1/4″ to 2″ adapter, this is not compatible with the mentioned dimension.

−20%

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Overdrive Sport

In comparison with other super expensive brands of racks for accommodating your eBikes, the Overdrive Sport comes off as a product that would offer you the same amenity at a more affordable price. Also, note that you can either go for the knob version or the ratchet version. The ratchet version consists of gliding fasteners which would make sure that your bike is perfectly secured in place.  Moreover; this product, in fact, is very durable, all the supporting parts are made of steel. Your bike’s wheels would adjust very well into the sturdy wheel holders. Also, the frame of your bike would be secured very firmly, added to that, the height can be made to re-adjust, if necessary, there also includes a cushioned lockable hook. Tilting feature is available so that you can freight your bike with ease. This rack is specially assembled in a way that is very sturdy and well built.
Although; hooks are available for holding down your bike, the Velcro wheel straps that have been provided for added security and to avert any additional recoil, fall a bit short for the 4” tires.

The link as given below contains a review of Overdrive sport 2-bike rack for fat tire eBikes.

3. Saris Superclamp EX-2 rack

Sturdy yet lightweight

Saris Superclamp EX-2

• Type of mounting: Hitch
• Style: Tray/ Platform
• Wheelbase: 60″
• Maximum tire width support: 5″
• Bike Holding Capacity: 2 /  4
• Weight of Rack(lbs): 35
• Weight Capacity: 60 x 2 = 120 / 60 x 3 = 180/ 60 x 4 = 240 lbs
• Anti-theft Mechanism: Locking bike frame, hitch pins
• User-friendly design: Tilting feature, fold-able

Features & Considerations:

• Frame contact: As this rack comes with twin wheel-fastening hooks. Therefore; this ensures that there is no frame contact with your bike. Hence, you do not have to worry about your bike being damaged. 
• Build quality: Even though this is very lightweight yet it is very sturdy, it is very well constructed,    keeping in mind the capability to carry your heavy load of bikes. The design also happens to be very firm and sophisticated. This rack is American made.
• Versatility: This rack is available in 3 modules: It can board either 2 bikes, 4 bikes and also has a  version supporting Cargo, as well. Thus, if you choose option three, it can assist you in carrying a lot of things while you go camping outside.
• Tilting feature & hatch access: This rack comes with a very handy tilting feature as well. So, you will be having full access to your hatch even when your rack is fully loaded with bikes. 
• Folding capability: It is fold-able! Therefore; when it is not being used, you can fold it and this will help you in saving a lot of space.
• Anti-theft/locking option: You will get integrated lock options with this rack and it also has locking cables to fasten your bikes in place. So, it will provide you with top-grade secure storage of your bikes when you park your cars in a public place. 
• Types of bikes you can carry: Electric bikes, mountain bikes, bikes with fenders and a wide variety of bikes.
• Special feature: Reflectors are added to this rack. This will provide you with extra visibility during day and night. It also includes a bottle-opener that can help you. There are decals as well for additional visibility. 
• Loading and accessing: You can pack your bikes very quickly and in a secure fashion, the same goes while unloading the bike.

Some drawbacks:

• For hitches: You may require a wrench in order to lock the pin in place so that the rack does not sway.
• Size: Please note that this rack might result in taking up some space in your garage. As a result, you might require a bigger garage.

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Saris Superclamp EX-2

Don’t be fooled by the weight of the Saris Superclamp, If set side by side with brands of other racks, a majority of them happens to be very heavy, whereas; this weighs in at a puny 35 lbs. This rack has a brawny construction, also a very impressive style, this is made in America. The length of the wheelbase is 50”, this is ample space for accommodating the wheels. You can get to pack and unpack your bikes with ease that too in a very secure manner. There are twin wheel-fastening hooks available which would ensure that your bike doesn’t come into contact with the frame in any way. So, don’t even bother yourself with the thought of your bike being damaged in any way! This rack is available in three different modules, these are: for 2 bikes, 4 bikes, and cargo support. You can contain electric bikes, mountain bikes and bikes with fenders as well, in this rack. One handy feature is, this rack can be tilted even when it is fully loaded if any needs to be taken out from the hatch on an urgent basis. It can be folded as well when not in use, to save space. This ensures topnotch security, with a consolidated locking feature. It also comes with fastening cables to assure your bike being in place, even if it is in a public place. Reflectors have been positioned to this rack to enhance observability during day and nighttime. And just in case if you find yourself looking for a bottle opener while going on camping, you have to look no further than this bike rack, as this has a built-in bottle opener as well!

The link, as given below contains a preview of the product Saris Superclamp EX-2:

4. Thule T2 Pro XT rack

Easy installation and removal

Thule T2 Pro XT

• Type of mounting: Hitch
• Style: Tray/ Platform
• Wheelbase: 60″
• Maximum tire width support: 5″
• Dimensions (inch): 53 x 14 x 16
• Bike Holding Capacity: 2 /  4
• Shipping Weight(lbs): 62.7
• Weight Capacity: 60 x 2 = 120 / 60 x 3 = 180/ 60 x 4 = 240 lbs
• Anti-theft Mechanism: Locking bike frame, hitch pins

Features & Considerations:

• Retrieving and packing: Your bikes can be placed in a secure manner and retrieved without any hassle, with the bike not coming into contact with the frame in any way. It also has a mechanical arm to hold the bike in place. Bikes can be fetched in an effortless manner. 
• Rack space: In order to make sure that your bikes do not come into contact with each other, significant space has been kept between the two bike holding trays. This ensures the bike doesn’t get damaged even if travelled through uneven roads or speed bumps.   
• Locking option/anti-theft: This product ensures that your bikes are safely locked in place with the assistance of guarded knobs and securing cables. 
• Tilting and Folding ability/hatch access:  You can easily bend or tuck away this rack when not being in use and it also easily be tipped away from your vehicle and inserted into the rear compartment as there is hitch-switch lever or bar that aids in this process. 
• Built quality: This product is assembled and constructed in America, you will get a very solid architecture and is very robust and efficient, it has been built to perform effectively. 
• Accommodation of bikes: If you’re looking to fit bikes having frames made of carbon, mountain bikes, downhill bikes of fat tire electric bikes, then this happens to be able to support bikes from each of the mentioned categories. It can actually fit wheels up to 20” – 29”, and it can also accommodate your 5” tires without the aid of any adapters. In case you want to add additional bikes into the rack, there is another option of installing the add-on, Thule T2 Pro XT Bike Add-on, which can help in containing up-to 4 bikes. 

Some drawbacks:

• Usage with fenders: You cannot use this rack with the aid of your car’s front fenders since this product requires to be installed at the rear frame of your vehicle.

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Thule T2 Pro XT

If you prioritize on easy installation and removal of your bike rack, then Thule T2 Pro XT tick all the boxes, you can install this rack on your vehicle without the assistance of any additional equipment, you can get to retrieve your bikes without too much fuss and place them within the rack in a safe and secure position. This rack is designed in a way and generous space has been kept which ensures that if two of your bikes are positioned side by side, they do not in any way, come into contact with the frame even if your vehicle travels through bumpy roads or speed bumps. There is a mechanical prong or arm, which helps in securing the bike in place, bikes can be accessed with ease. Your bike shall be safely locked in position, with support of safety cables and guarding knobs. This has the feature of being folded when not being used and be positioned into the rear of your vehicle, there is a hitch-switch lever, which assists in this process. This rack is made in America, having a sturdy and rigid architecture. It has been designed in a way to prioritize performance.  It can contain bikes of categories such as bikes made of frames using carbon, mountain bikes, bikes for descending downhill and eBikes with fat tires as well. It can carry bikes with tires having a width of 5” without requiring any usage of adapters. Although, for accommodating further bikes, an add-on Thule T2 Pro XT needs to be fitted. 

Find in the link provided below, a brief demo for the product Thule T2 Pro XT:

5. Swagman E-SPEC rack

Versatility at its best

Swagman E-SPEC

• Type of mounting: Hitch
• Style: Tray/ Platform
• Wheelbase: 60″
• Maximum tire width support: 3″
• Dimensions (inch): 39 x 12 x 11
• Bike Holding Capacity: 2 /  4
• Shipping Weight (lbs): 58
• Weight Capacity: 70 x 2 = 140 / 70 x 3 = 210/ 70 x 4 = 280 lbs
• Anti-theft Mechanism: Locking bike frame, hitch pins

Features & Considerations:

• Accessing and loading bikes: Accessing and loading bikes for you would be super easy, be it for your sedan, SUV, convertible or even if you happen to own an RV trailer.
• Locking option/anti-theft: Securing hooks for bikes and inter-weaved hitch pins should help your bike to be perfectly in place, you should be at peace, knowing the fact that your bike is sealed away using the sophisticated hooks and pins. 
• Easy installation: Installation is super easy, it would require you only a few minutes, upon following the set of instructions provided.
• Folding capability: This has been designed, so that you can either fold it, if used on a sedan, SUV or if it is used in an RV trailer, then you can get to use it by non-folding it. Generally, you can fold it, and place it in the trunk of your car when not in use.
• Build quality: This rack has been designed to board the majority of the shapes of frames, sizes and of any given style. It has a very rugged design so that it can house two bikes, each weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Type of bikes: This should be a perfect fit for you if you have an eBike or an even heavier bike having fat tires. Trays are places, especially to make room for fat tires. Will fit up to 3” wide tires. Note that accessories for containing fat tires maybe required to bought separately.  
• Special feature: Last but not the least, this is the feature that causes this specific bike rack to stand out, from the rest of the racks. This is not your typical bike rack, as this has officially been approved to be used on the back of an RV trailer. Therefore; if you’re searching for a rack compatible with RV trailer, look no further.

Some drawbacks:

• Takes up space: If you happen to have a big enough vehicle or an SUV, then it might end up taking a lot of space if parked in tight spaces.

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Swagman E-SPEC

Imagine having a bike rack that looks and functions like any other regular bike rack, but has the capability of being compatible with an RV trailer. This rack has the capability of carrying two bikes at the same time, with each weighing a maximum of 70 lbs. The E-SPEC can board frames of various shapes, styles or dimensions. If you own an electric bike or even heavier bikes having tires 3” wide, then Swagman E-SPEC fits the bill. Trays are fitted to make sure there’s sufficient room for your fat tires. Installation is very easy, you can install it very quickly and fit your bike, right in place. Moreover; Inter-locked fasteners and strong hooks are in place to provide that extra security for your beloved bike.

Within the link provided below is a review for the product Swagman E-SPEC:

Which hitch rack type is good for E-bikes?

There exists a series of factors while you consider buying a hitch bike rack especially for your electric bike, ultimately deciding to choose the best bike rack, boils down to certain criteria, which includes the type of car and bike that you happen to be using. You should take into consideration, two types of hitch bike racks, when contemplating to buy one, these have been provided  below: 

• Tray/Platform style hitch bike rack
• Hanging style hitch bike rack
  • Mast Style
  • Vertical Style

 As we probably know, electric bikes happen to be heavy and in most cases have thicker tires so for them to be accommodated, tray/platform-style hitch bike rack is used, these basically provide a podium on which the tires of the bike is positioned. The frame and bike’s tires are held firmly in place by a pivoting arm and fasteners respectively.

Conclusion

Purchasing the hitch bike rack, which ensures safe transportation of your bikes, would make your like so much easier while moving around, as is the case for everyone else, when it comes to guaranteeing security for your bike, you should make no compromises, it ultimately comes down to you, when deciding which one to choose, when selecting from the array of hitch bike racks.

Although it is also very important that you inspect and get to know the features of each e-Bike hauling hitch racks as well as its drawbacks. It should be a fairly easy decision for you to choose a hitch bike rack that is the best fit for your valuable bike, once you get some expert assistance after having gone through the entirety of this article accordingly.