Bike Racks for Electric Bikes: How to Transport Your E-Bikes Safely

🚴 Electric Bikes: A Fun, Easy Way to Ride

Electric bikes (E-bikes) are fast becoming a fun and trouble-free way to enjoy cycling in the great outdoors. With less pedalling to do, you can cover more miles, enjoy a leisurely ride with little ones, or simply explore cities, coastlines, and the countryside with fewer aches and pains.

Once you've made the switch to charged-up cycling, you may also need a bike rack for electric bikes to transport your new ride safely. E-bikes can be far costlier than their push-driven counterparts, not to mention heavier. That means you need to think carefully about how to stow them when you travel to protect both your bike and your vehicle.

So which is the best bike rack for electric bikes? And what is the best way to keep them safe and secure in transit? In this guide, we cover everything you need to know.

🔧 Types of Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

- Towball Mounted
- Towbar Mounted
- Roof Mounted
- Rear Mounted

🔐 How to Transport Your E-Bikes Safely

• Security

• Battery Storage

• Preventative Safety

🏆 What is the Best Bike Rack for Electric Bikes?

Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

There are several types of car bike racks that are suitable for electric bikes and we'll cover the benefits of each one below.

🚗 Towball Mounted Bike Racks for E-Bikes

Towball mounted is by far the most popular choice of bike rack for electric bikes. If you don't already have one, you'll need to purchase an additional number plate and a tow bar. Click here to find one compatible with your vehicle's make and model.

Once you have your towbar securely fixed to your vehicle, the bike rack is attached to a bolt-in system or a clamp-down lever. Bikes can be loaded onto a platform or hung by their top tubes, with an extendable arm to fix each one in place.

💡 Ideal for: Electric mountain bikes or e-bikes with fat tires.

These racks usually feature a locking mechanism to fix the rack to your vehicle, and at least one more to fix each bike to the rack. This level of security makes them popular with e-bike owners who may be worried about theft or damage in transit. Another benefit to towball mounted racks is that you won't have to lift heavier e-bikes above your head and onto the roof. Most models also tilt, allowing access to the boot.

Towball mounted racks tend to have a relatively high weight capacity, but it's always worth checking the details before making a purchase. You'll need a weight limit of at least 20 kg per bike to be on the safe side.

For transporting your e-bikes safely and securely, we love the Westfalia Bikelander, which can be tilted to allow access to the boot. It also features adjustable wheel holders and individual bike locks for additional peace of mind.

🚙 Towbar Mounted Bike Racks for E-Bikes

A towbar mounted rack is very similar to a towball mounted rack, except it is only compatible with a flange-type towbar. It is fixed to the towbar faceplate as opposed to being bolted onto your towball. This makes it possible to transport bikes and tow a caravan or trailer at the same time. If you never hit the open road without your trusty camper in tow, a towbar mounted rack is the way to go.

✅ Quick installation after baseplate setup
⚖️ Good weight capacity, but always double-check specifications

Loading and unloading are as easy as towball racks, with bikes mounted at boot height.

🚘 Roof Mounted Bike Racks for E-Bikes

Roof racks are less ideal for e-bikes due to their heavy weight (often 30kg+), which makes lifting onto the roof difficult. Additionally, your vehicle’s roof may not support the extra weight.

🚫 Not recommended unless your e-bike is lightweight or you have a hoist.

🚨 Rear Mounted Bike Racks for E-Bikes

Rear mounted racks are strapped to the back of your vehicle and generally not sturdy enough for heavy e-bikes. However, they can work if:

• You find one with a high weight capacity

• You're only transporting 1–2 bikes

• You’re travelling short distances

⚠️ Remember to add a number plate and lighting board to stay legal on UK roads.

🛡️ Tips to Transport Your E-Bikes Safely

Once you've selected a suitable bike rack for electric bikes, and you've fitted your bike rack, it's time to gear up for your next adventure! Here are a few additional things to bear in mind to make travelling with e-bikes an easy and stress-free affair.

🔒 Security

E-bikes are expensive, so you'll want to make sure yours is stowed safely and securely. Loose bikes have potential to damage each other and your vehicle during transit, so a car bike rack is essential to protect your precious paintwork.

Consider adding an extra ratcheting strap or two to your car rack for additional peace of mind, and opt for a model with a locking mechanism if you plan to leave your vehicle unattended. You may also want to invest in a bag or covering to keep each bike safe from the elements on the road and protect them from dents and scratches.

🔋 Battery Storage

The best thing to do is to remove the battery before you mount your e-bikes to your vehicle and store it somewhere safe and dry inside. While these batteries are designed to withstand relatively heavy weathering, it can't hurt to be cautious. Sudden movements made by a car could dislodge your battery in transit or lead to an unexpected fault. On warmer days, extended sun exposure can also cause battery damage.

Don't forget to also remove clip-on accessories such as water bottles to prevent loss or theft on your travels.

⚠️ Preventative Safety

Heavy e-bikes can be a lot harder to lift than traditional push-bikes. You may want to remove the front wheel and store it inside the vehicle to make loading easier – especially if you have opted for a roof rack. If you're loading onto a towbar or towball mounted rack, just remember to bend with the knees and hold the push upwards through the legs to avoid strains and injuries when lifting electric bikes.

Whenever you travel with e-bikes, remember to take a comprehensive first-aid kit and travel toolset, in case of accidents and break-downs.

🏁 Final Verdict: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

The best racks for e-bikes are fixed securely to a towbar or towball, with a high weight capacity and locking mechanisms to fix each bike in place. Browse a selection of racks for e-bikes that meet the criteria here.