E bike recommendations?

[bdhsfz6]

I need to get a rack that can hold the weight of two bikes. Wife and I both enjoy the Ebikes. My knees are not what they once were so I really enjoy being able to go out and ride without it becoming a grind. With all the work we get on the farm, I'm not looking for another workout, just the relaxation that comes from moving by bike.

If you do a search, there are many racks on the market designed to hold heavier e-bikes. Almost all use receiver hitches. Stay away from those "clip on" racks that are designed for lightweight bikes. Also consider the weight you have to lift to get the bikes onto the rack. Some have ramps to make it easier.

I've never been comfortable having my expensive bikes hanging off the rear bumper though. Too easy to back into something or get rear ended. It's also easy for vandals to damage or steal parts as well. The bikes on rear racks can also block backup cameras and license plates, which can be an issue in some states. Just things to be aware of when rack shopping.

I'm a DIY'er and usually carry my bikes in my pickup. I made this rack that slides into the truck bed where the bikes are much more secure. It's a frame made of PVC pipe that slides in and out, making it easy to load the bikes.

If you drive a pickup, something much simpler can be made using the same idea.

 

[ponytug]

Wow! Nice job.

Is that a powered loading rack?

All the best,

Peter

 

[Code54]

https://1up-usa.com/product/super-duty

If you are wanting a NICE hitch mount that will easily carry E-bikes, this may interest you. We bought one a while back, and it is a high-quality locking rack. Also, always check with your insurance and make sure your e-bike is covered under your homeowner’s policy. Some do not cover e-bikes as they consider them "vehicles". For a while, this was the case with our insurance (Erie), but recently, they started allowing them under the homeowner’s policy.

 

[civilian]

If you do a search, there are many racks on the market designed to hold heavier e-bikes. Almost all use receiver hitches. Stay away from those "clip on" racks that are designed for lightweight bikes. Also consider the weight you have to lift to get the bikes onto the rack. Some have ramps to make it easier.

I've never been comfortable having my expensive bikes hanging off the rear bumper though. Too easy to back into something or get rear ended. It's also easy for vandals to damage or steal parts as well. The bikes on rear racks can also block backup cameras and license plates, which can be an issue in some states. Just things to be aware of when rack shopping.

I'm a DIY'er and usually carry my bikes in my pickup. I made this rack that slides into the truck bed where the bikes are much more secure. It's a frame made of PVC pipe that slides in and out, making it easy to load the bikes.

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If you drive a pickup, something much simpler can be made using the same idea.

Did you apply for a patent? Jon

 

[bdhsfz6]

Wow! Nice job.

Is that a powered loading rack?

All the best,

Peter

Yes, I have a winch rigged to pull the rack into the bed. It wasn't needed to carry my lighter conventional bikes but e-bikes are much heavier and I'm not getting any younger.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Did you apply for a patent? Jon

It's in the works.

 

[dodge man]

I have a Thule Easy Fold rack. It’s designed for two e bikes. They sell a ramp you can wheel them upon it but I usually lift them up. Not cheap it seems like $800 but it folds up into a small package when not in use.

 

[Jim Shooz]

I have found the best way to load my bike onto Thule rack was to put the bike parallel to the rack, lock up the rear brake and move backwards lifting the front wheel. When high enough swing the wheel over into the grove. lock up the front wheel and reach down and lift the rear wheel.