Your eBike was probably not an impulse buy, and your eBike carrier shouldn't be either! When you need a way to get your bike from point A to point B safely and reliably without remortgaging your home, doing proper research and careful shopping can take you far.
Before you start, make a few notes about your electric bike and vehicle:
- What size is your vehicle's hitch? Most carriers fit a 2" Class III/IV hitch.
- What is your Ebike make, model, tire/wheel size, wheelbase? This will help rule out non-compatible carriers.
What to Look for in a Top Ebike Carrier
Weight Capacity and Durability
Ebikes are notorious for being heavy, so you want a carrier that can easily handle the weight, either with or without the battery. Because dirt bikes are similar in size and weight, looking into a dirt bike carrier that can double as an Ebike carrier is something to consider - especially if you also own a dirt bike!
Security Features to Protect Your Ebike
The last thing you want while parked halfway to your destination is to discover that someone relieved you of your ride! To keep sticky fingers at bay, look for carriers that incorporate security features, or ones that can easily be retrofitted with a locking mechanism such as padded steel cable and padlock, wheel locks and similar.
Ease of Loading and Unloading Bikes
Once again, weight comes into play. No one relishes the thought of hiking an Ebike up onto a carrier and off again,so thinking about how you'll load and unload your bike before you invest in a transportation device is important. A lot of carriers have ramps built in, or add-on ramps that store easily on the carrier. Some tip or tilt to assist with the loading process. It's all up to what you're comfortable with.
Compatibility With Various Ebike Models and Sizes
One size doesn't always fit all, which is why research is so important. Know your Ebike's model number, weight, tire/wheel size and overall dimensions such as wheelbase before you shop. This will allow you to make more informed shipping decisions without having to pause each time to go and measure.
Many carriers are designed with universal application in mind, so look for that as you shop. If specific models or sizes are called out, just know what you might need to do a bit more measuring before you make a purchase decision.
Hitch-Mounted Bike Carriers & Racks - The Preferred Choice for Ebike Owners
Because of the weight of most Ebikes, most owners prefer to transport them using a hitch-mounted carrier. The bikes are too heavy for a rack that isn't directly mounted to a hitch (think suction-cup carriers, or ones held in place with straps), and they're definitely too heavy for a roof-mounted rack. The advantage of using a hitch-mounted rack is that is just about most cases, your vehicle should be able to easily handle the downward force applied to the carrier and Ebike.
Reviewing Top Ebike Carriers
Black Widow AMC-Series carriers recently made the list of Top Bike Racks for Ebikes (Mountain Weekly News) due to their adaptability as both dirt bike carriers and Ebike carriers.
Black Widow has three models of carriers designed for dirt bike or Ebike use:
If affordability is top of mind, the recreation brand Elevate Outdoor offers two price-conscious options that trim some of the fat for more savings.
The Elevate Outdoor Steel Basket Cargo Carrier with 2-Bike Rack
Final Thoughts on Investing in the Right Model for Your Lifestyle
At the end of the day, there is no definitive "top" Ebike carrier model. It all comes down to what you want, need and can afford. What might make the most sense for your situation could be entirely different for your neighbor. The most important thing? Choosing the right model for you.
