Spring is calling: find the right bike carrier for e-bikes
Winter is slowly coming to an end, the days are getting longer and temperatures are rising – spring is just around the corner! Cycling enthusiasts in particular are looking forward to getting their bikes out of hibernation and exploring the great outdoors on two wheels. It’s often tempting to explore new routes or go on a bike tour in a different region. A bike carrier for the towbar offers the perfect solution for such adventures.
E-bikes are extremely popular – but transporting them by car presents a particular challenge. Conventional bike carriers are often not designed for the higher weight of e-bikes. So what should you look for when choosing the right carrier? Here are the most important criteria.
1. Observe the maximum load capacity
E-bikes are significantly heavier than normal bikes and usually weigh between 20 and 30 kilograms per bike. A suitable bike carrier should therefore have a load capacity of 60 kg for 2 bikes. It should also be specifically approved for e-bikes, as the fastenings on the frame and tyres are tested for higher loads. This is often not the case with older models.
2. Does the e-bike fit on the carrier?
It is often assumed that the frame size is decisive, but in fact the wheelbase plays a much more important role. Especially with modern e-bikes or mountain bikes, the distance between the front and rear wheels can be longer than with conventional bikes. To be on the safe side, you should compare the rail length or width of the carrier with the wheelbase of the bike to avoid unpleasant surprises.
3. Sufficient space between bikes
E-bikes are often bulkier than conventional bikes, so the bike carrier should provide sufficient space between the rails. Otherwise, the frames could rub against each other and become damaged. A rail spacing of at least 23 cm is recommended.
4. Flexible mounting options
Freely rotatable frame holders for attachment to the bike frame offer more flexibility than frame holders that follow a rigid bracket. Attachment with ratchet straps is also much easier than with clamps. Ratchet straps offer the advantage that the frame can be securely enclosed regardless of its shape and size. Make sure that the straps are long enough for the frame and tyres or that longer straps are available as accessories.
5. Security and theft protection
A high-quality bike carrier should have lockable frame holders or additional locks to protect valuable e-bikes from theft. Ideally, the tyre holders should also be lockable. Make sure that the ratchet straps used are steel-reinforced. The carrier itself should also be lockable.
Tip: Do not lift e-bikes
Load ramps can make loading bike carriers easier, especially with heavy e-bikes, by allowing them to be rolled up instead of lifted.
A load ramp makes loading bikes onto the carrier much more comfortable and less physically demanding. Lifting bikes is often very tedious and stressful for the back, especially with heavy e-bikes or robust mountain bikes. With the ramp, the bike is simply pushed from the ground onto the rack – without any heavy lifting. This not only saves energy, but is also much easier on the back. This means that loading can be done without assistance and without much effort!
