Cycling is an exciting sport that allows you to connect to your surroundings and a sense of freedom. It can help you improve your overall health and wellbeing as it is all about exercise and adventure. Moreover, it is better for the environment than driving and may help combat heavy air pollution in cities around the world.
Electric bikes are some of the most popular options lately and for a good reason. They are energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. An electric bike may look like a regular bicycle, but it has a small electric engine that can be turned on to make cycling simpler. However, it doesn’t come under the category of “motor vehicles”.
As one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation, electric bikes are an enjoyable method for people of all ages to get around, exercise and contribute to the environment at the same time. When it comes to bike lights, lithium batteries are used in electric bikes, which can last 2 to 4 hours before needing to be recharged, so if you own an electric bike, you must have access to charging stations.
But what happens if you need to carry your bike by car, whether to a charging station or a further cycle track? Electric bikes are heavier than road and mountain bikes and the most convenient and easy way to transport your eBike by car safely is to invest in an eBike rack.
Do eBikes Need Special Bike Racks?
Compared to standard bike racks, eBike racks have a higher maximum weight capacity. They are made using more durable material, therefore, are able to handle the higher weight. You can choose an eBike rack and transport your electric bike by car. Ebikes usually cost more than regular bicycles, so you want to take good care of your electric bike and keep it in a good shape for longer.
Almost all eBike racks are designed for the hitch-mount tow bar as it’s easier to load. Some racks, though, can be used for carrying a lighter electric bike on the roof. Hitch-mount e-bike racks are heavier, but they can hold up two to three times more weight. Generally speaking, the norm is 60kg per bike.
You can remove the battery from your eBike before transport to make it lighter, however, eBike batteries average 3kg, which means that even after removing the battery, these bicycles are still heavier than standard ones.
A hitch-mounted platform rack is a great option for transporting your eBike as loading and unloading a heavy eBike can be a safety hazard when attempting to mount and unmount it to a roof rack system. Also, it supports the wheels and is larger than other bike racks, which is important as eBikes have longer wheelbases.
When it comes to locking your electronic bike rack, it’s always a good idea to have a lock that may keep away folks with bad intentions. Prevention is the key, especially if you have eBike insurance as it will often be a condition of your policy.
Consider an e bike rack with a secure system that can endure any driving condition. You don’t want to drive on the highway and drop your eBike in the middle of the road. Security is important, so make sure it’ one of your top priorities when selecting a rack for your eBike.
Believe it or not, but more bicycles are damaged during vehicle transport than while riding them. Dents and scratches more often occur while packing them for travel or during transit than while being ridden on trails and roads. When it comes to eBikes, many components are very costly, such as the battery, motor, supplementary electrical cables and more. However, with an adequate bike rack, you can transport your eBike safely and securely.
How to Choose Your EBike Rack
A good and functional eBike rack will save you a lot of time, whether you need to transport your eBike on your car or your RV. Here are a few tips that may help you choose the rack that is best for you and your lifestyle.
Bike Rack’s Weight
Consider the weight of the bike rack as it is an important factor that can add to the overall weight you are carrying. Add the bike rack weight to the weight of your eBike to make sure you are not exceeding towing limits.
Measurements
Before purchasing your bike rack, make sure to take the right measurement of the wheel size and the base of your eBike. Make sure it will fit onto the bike rack because bike measurements are not universal and there is no one-size-fits-all.
The Number of Ebikes You Have
It’s always a good idea to decide in advance how many eBikes you will transport. Ebikes are getting more popular, so make sure you have enough room on your bike rack, whether you travel alone, with a friend or you have a family of enthusiast bikers. Deciding on the number of bikes will save you from making additional purchases and storing multiple bike racks.
As eco-awareness around the world is increasingly growing, many people are noticing the positive environmental impact of electric bicycles. The market for eBikes is continually growing and the future for this mode of transportation seems to be very bright.
