Electric bikes are heavier and bulkier than traditional bicycles — which means not all racks can handle them. Whether you’re heading to a trail in Wales, taking a road trip through the Lake District, or transporting multiple e-bikes for a family outing, choosing the right electric bike rack is essential for safety, convenience, and compliance.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before buying a car rack for your electric bike in the UK.
Why You Need a Special Rack for Electric Bikes
Most e-bikes weigh between 20–30 kg, with some fat-tyre or cargo models reaching 35+ kg. Traditional bike racks are usually rated for much less, making them unsafe or prone to damage when used with e-bikes.
An electric bike rack is specifically designed to:
Support higher weight per bike (usually 25 kg or more)
Include stronger arms, cradles, and wheel trays
Use tow bar or hitch mounts rather than roof or boot straps
Offer loading ramps or tilt functions for ease of use
Types of Electric Bike Racks
1. Tow Bar Mounted Racks (Most Recommended)
Ideal for heavy e-bikes
Support 2–3 bikes with high weight capacity
Easy to load and unload at ground level
Can tilt for boot access
✅ Best choice for most UK e-bike owners
2. Roof Racks (Not Ideal for E-Bikes)
Risky due to lifting weight above shoulder height
Not recommended unless e-bike is very light and battery removed
⚠️ Avoid if your bike weighs more than 18 kg
3. Boot-Mounted Racks
Affordable but limited in weight support
Often incompatible with heavier e-bikes
Can damage car paintwork or boot if overloaded
🛑 Not advised for e-bike transport
What to Look for in an E-Bike Rack
🧱 Weight Capacity
Check both per-bike and total load capacity
E.g., if your bike weighs 28 kg, the rack must support at least 30 kg per bike
🔧 Mounting System
Tow bar or hitch-mounted systems are strongest and safest
Verify compatibility with your car’s tow bar type (UK standard 50mm ball)
♿ Ease of Loading
Look for a rack with loading ramps or tilt-down feature
Especially useful for heavier e-bikes or older riders
🔐 Security Features
Integrated locking arms and tow bar locks to prevent theft
Some models include wheel straps and anti-wobble systems
⚖️ Removable Battery Strategy
Remove your e-bike battery before lifting to reduce weight
This also protects the battery during transit
Top E-Bike Rack Brands in the UK
Thule EasyFold XT 2
Foldable, supports up to 60 kg total
Compatible with fat tyres and e-MTBs
Integrated ramp and boot access
Witter ZX502
Supports 2 bikes up to 30 kg each
Strong UK-based brand
Westfalia BC 60
Compact storage, great build quality
Supports up to 60 kg load
These options are widely available through Halfords, Amazon UK, and local bike shops.
Will My HITWAY E-Bike Fit?
Yes — most HITWAY models, like the BK6S 20-inch or BK11 26-inch city bike, weigh between 22–28 kg with battery. Simply remove the battery during transport and use a rack rated for at least 30 kg per bike for safe loading.
Fat tyre models like the BK10 require racks with wider trays, such as the Thule EasyFold or Westfalia BC 60.
Legal Tips for UK E-Bike Rack Users
If using a tow bar rack, you must fit a visible number plate and lights board
Your number plate must not be obstructed
Check your vehicle’s nose weight limit (max downward force on tow bar)
Avoid exceeding rear axle load as listed in your car’s manual
Final Thoughts: Safe Transport Starts with the Right Rack
If you’ve invested in an electric bike, especially a high-quality model like those from HITWAY, don’t take chances with a weak or ill-suited rack. The right electric bike rack makes loading safer, protects your e-bike, and keeps you compliant with UK road laws.
For heavy, wide-tyre, or high-value e-bikes, tow bar-mounted racks are the safest and most practical option. With smart features like ramps, folding arms, and locks, they turn bike transport into a stress-free process.
