PCDoctorUSA

I have a Yakima LiteRider 3-bike hanging rack that is attached to a 2-inch receiver on my 2013 Nissan Rogue. The rack is rated to carry 3 bikes @ 35 pounds each, and for the past 2 years it's been hauling my Trek FX 7.2 fitness bike. I'm looking at purchasing an ebike to add to my collection and the models I've been looking at range between 50-60 pounds. I'm the only one that rides in my family so I only transport one bike at a time. Assuming my Yakima rack's max capability is 105 pounds (3 bikes x 35 pounds each), can I transport my ebike on this same rack? Even with a 60-pound ebike, I'm 45 pounds under the Yakima's max.

I would only be transporting the ebike a short distance (< 8 miles) in the event of a mechanical failure during my weekday commute, and I really hate to invest $500 in another bike rack.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

awm72

The 2 inch hitch will carry that load easily. the geometry of an ebike might not work so good with a hanging rack. I bought a Thule with trays that lash down the bikes. unfortunately the hitch on a 2017 CRV is 1.25, so I bought a conversion to 2 inch. It is wobbly with 2 bikes, but all the bolts that hold the hitch would have to go before there is an accident. My TREK Lift+ weighs 43 pounds with battery. I remove battery and screen and they sit inside on back seat. a little lighter about 6 pounds. So removing battery would help you. good luck

PCDoctorUSA

Yeah, if that top tube isn't there like a step-thru model then I'll have to change racks. So far, the ebikes I'm considering have a horizontal or slightly sloping top tube that would work with my Yakima.

Deves

I use a Saris rack that holds 2 bikes. The wheels sit in adjustable cradles with straps to hold the wheels. There is an adjustable holder mounted on a vertical post. My bike weighs 49 lbs so I take the battery off before putting it on the rack. The rack mounts to the car via a 1-1/4" hitch. It has an adapter if you have a 2" hitch. Although the rack bolts securely to the hitch it does shake around a bit making you think it's going to fall off but after I put my bike on and secure it, I do the shake test and realize it isn't going anywhere.

PatrickGSR94

I recently carried my heavy e-bike and my wife's much lighter hybrid on a Thule platform rack with 1.25" receiver. No trouble at all. Before that I carried the same e-bike (alone) on the same rack same vehicle, for a 400+ mile road trip again with no issues. I would really be more comfortable with a platform style of rack. 1-UP racks are awesome but expensive. My Thule one is a POS but it's what I have.

One thing I do when carrying my e-bike is to remove as much weight as possible, including the battery and any rack bags, trunk bags, etc. Doing that gets the bike down into the 40-lb range and makes it more manageable to get on and off the rack.