I'm considering getting a couple of e-bikes in the future and would appreciate some suggestions on the most secure rack/storage for them for my LD. I'm also looking at an e-bike model that folds up and wondering if using a cargo carrier for transport is better and more secure than a rack? Thanks in advance for any recs!
Unless you buy folding bikes that can be carried on a cargo rack folded, most e-bikes are heavy beasts and need a bike rack designed for the weight. I would buy the bikes first and then find a suitable rack. Heavy bikes will bounce a lot, the rack needs to be tight and stable to prevent possible damage to the bikes or your LD, if one comes loose.
Wide tires e-bikes are fun to ride but can be a hassle to load by yourself, if you have a bad back. A rack with tire trays can use a DIY ramp for loading or unloading. This isn't possible with wheel buckets.
If you tow, pay attention to see what kind of issues will arise when connecting and disconnecting, a rack can block access.
Larry
I’ve been using an RV rated Küat Transfer v2 2-Bike Hitch Rack (https://www.rei.com/product/187294/kuat-transfer-v2-2-bike-hitch-rack) since 2022 (40,000 miles) for my 55 pound e-bike. Never carried a second e-bike.
The longer your RV, the more stress is placed on the rack. I did add a Anti Rattle Hitch Stabilizer to minimize the jostling.
I’ve been using an RV rated Küat Transfer v2 2-Bike Hitch Rack (https://www.rei.com/product/187294/kuat-transfer-v2-2-bike-hitch-rack) since 2022 (40,000 miles) for my 55 pound e-bike. Never carried a second e-bike.
The longer your RV, the more stress is placed on the rack. I did add a Anti Rattle Hitch Stabilizer to minimize the jostling.
Dave, I'm shocked that one supports a 55 lb e-bike, it looks so low-profile. But good to know they don't necessarily have to be bulky to support the weight of one. Thanks for the link!
Look on etrailer. They classify their racks by carrying weight and whether they will work on the back of RVs/Motorhomes
I use this one https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S45SR.html
It says up to 70lbs per bike and will fold up, however on the back of a motorhome you need to install a bolt in the pivot joint, so not foldable on your RV, only on a car. (Motorhome tails bounce more than shorter vehicles, so that's the reason for the difference)
I also added these lights https://www.homedepot.com/p/CURT-Auxiliary-LED-Indicator-Lights-53201/311890015 for added visibility.
Look on etrailer. They classify their racks by carrying weight and whether they will work on the back of RVs/Motorhomes
I use this one https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S45SR.html
It says up to 70lbs per bike and will fold up, however on the back of a motorhome you need to install a bolt in the pivot joint, so not foldable on your RV, only on a car. (Motorhome tails bounce more than shorter vehicles, so that's the reason for the difference)
I also added these lights https://www.homedepot.com/p/CURT-Auxiliary-LED-Indicator-Lights-53201/311890015 for added visibility.
This is great! Thanks for sharing, Linda B!
I recently purchased a new electric power assist Townie Go 7 D for my wife. It weighs about 45 pounds and is light enough that I can lift it up to secure it on our Tule bike rack on our LD.
I did not want a 60 lb beast for our rig. My Trek Dual Sport 4 weighs around 25 lbs. That’s perfect for me, so when we discover her new power assist Townie (a Trek company build) was a featherweight compared to other electric bikes I was happy to add it to our collection.
The battery is inside the down tube and is hidden from sight which is a pleasant surprise. While a replacement battery cost around $600, I don’t expect to replace it for quite some time.
My wife loves her new Townie and has used it in Yosemite to tow our dog carrier up to Mirror Lake with ease. It has made her riding experience a pleasure which gets me out of the Dog House.
Kent
Last January I was visiting with an old Navy buddy and his wife at their winter RV home in Yuma. They have a couple of foldable Lectric brand bikes which they transport in the back of an SUV in large bins. Not sure if the OP tows a car but that might be an option. Here’s photos of the bikes, and one of me and my buddy’s wife.
I recently purchased a new electric power assist Townie Go 7 D for my wife. It weighs about 45 pounds and is light enough that I can lift it up to secure it on our Tule bike rack on our LD.
I did not want a 60 lb beast for our rig. My Trek Dual Sport 4 weighs around 25 lbs. That’s perfect for me, so when we discover her new power assist Townie (a Trek company build) was a featherweight compared to other electric bikes I was happy to add it to our collection.
The battery is inside the down tube and is hidden from sight which is a pleasant surprise. While a replacement battery cost around $600, I don’t expect to replace it for quite some time.
My wife loves her new Townie and has used it in Yosemite to tow our dog carrier up to Mirror Lake with ease. It has made her riding experience a pleasure which gets me out of the Dog House.
Kent
I want to use it to tow my dog too! Thanks for sharing - looks like a lot of fun.
Cheryl
Last January I was visiting with an old Navy buddy and his wife at their winter RV home in Yuma. They have a couple of foldable Lectric brand bikes which they transport in the back of an SUV in large bins. Not sure if the OP tows a car but that might be an option. Here’s photos of the bikes, and one of me and my buddy’s wife.
Thank you for the pics - I was actually considering a Lectric because of the ability to fold, but I don't plan on towing a car, which I think makes for ideal storage for this.
Thank you for the pics - I was actually considering a Lectric because of the ability to fold, but I don't plan on towing a car, which I think makes for ideal storage for this.
If you do not plan on a toad for carrying a bike, there is no advantage to a folding bike, IMO.
I own two e-bikes, a large Raleigh hard-tail mountain e-bike with 27.5' wheels. It is a nice riding bike with plenty of power. Its down side is that it is heavy at 64 pounds and it is getting hard to lift it up and onto the bike rack.
I also own an Lectric XP Lite folding e-bike, it is lighter than my other bike and easier to load, something my old back appreciates . The small tires do not ride as nice as larger diameter tires do. It folds for carrying in the Jeep.
I built a single rack that carries the Lectric bike tight to the rear of the MH for better access to the towbar..
A double bike rack severely restricts access to the towbar.
Larry