So! You’ve decided to join the E-bike revolution…exciting! E-bikes are a fast-growing solution for transportation and fun, taking the cycling world by storm, and for good reason. They can take hills like champ and make every ride feel like you’ve got a secret superpowered ‘bike-mobile’ (wink). But before you plan that epic trail adventure or lakeside cruise, there’s one important question to ask: how do you safely haul your electric steed from point A to point B?

Well, spoiler alert: not all racks are created equal, especially when it comes to the latest and greatest e-bikes. Let’s dive into how to choose the best bike racks for e-bikes, and highlight some of the top options that’ll keep your ride secure, fun and intact.

The Right Rack for the Job | Finding ‘The One’

When it comes to e-bikes, finding the right rack is an important and detail-oriented decision. E-bikes are quite heavy due to the added weight of their motor and battery (often tipping the scales at 40–80 lbs), they can also be a bit awkward to heave onto your roof rack after leg day (…or any day, for that matter), so having a rack that can allow you to load bikes at waist height – no awkward lifts or overhead Olympian level strength required, and handle the added weight, must be part of the decision making process.

The Right Support | How the Rack Holds Your E-Bike Is Important

The way a rack secures your e-bike matters – a lot. If you want rock-solid stability without scratching that new glossy finish, finding the right support is key.

Look for racks with strong frame clamps, supportive wheel trays, and adjustable arms that accommodate different frame styles (including step-through or cargo e-bikes). Integrated ramps are a major bonus as well, so you can roll your bike on instead of huffing, puffing and heaving. For example, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Bike Rack comes with a built-in foldable loading ramp, which your back will thank you for later.

Key Factors to Check Before Buying an E-Bike Rack

Before you hand over your credit card and purchase the first bike rack you see, make sure your chosen rack checks these boxes:

  • Weight capacity – Your rack should support at least 60 lbs per bike (some go up to 65 lbs or higher).
  • Tire and Frame Compatibility – Can it handle fat tires? Step-through frames? Check those specs carefully.
  • Ease of loading – Features like ramps, tilting mechanisms, and low lift heights make life much easier, allowing you to hit the trails faster.
  • Security Features – Integrated locks protect your precious ride from sneaky fingers.
  • Vehicle Fit – Make sure the rack works with your hitch and doesn’t block any rear cameras or access.
  • Foldability and storage – A foldable design keeps your garage (and parking situation) manageable today and in the future.

The Heavyweight Champs | Best Bike Racks for E-Bikes

Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Rack

A favourite in the e-bike community, the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Rack is a heavy-duty legend. It boasts an AutoAttach system for easy installation (no tools required), integrated wheels for easy maneuvering, and support for bikes up to 60 lbs each. It accommodates wheel sizes from 20’–29″ and tires up to 5″ wide – which is perfect for everything from road e-bikes to fat tire beasts.

Need to haul more? No problem! The Thule T2 Pro XT Add-On can carry up to four bikes total. The tilt feature also makes accessing your trunk effortless, even when fully loaded.

Thule EasyFold XT

The Thule EasyFold XT is a crowd-pleaser for its compact, fully foldable design and high load capacity (up to 65 lbs per bike). The foldable loading ramp that comes with it makes loading heavy e-bikes practically effortless, and it’s fender-friendly for different bike styles.

Equipped with detachable bike arms featuring lockable AcuTight torque limiter knobs, your bikes stay secure and wobble-free. Need trunk access? No problem – the smart tilt mechanism’s got you covered.

Yakima OnRamp

The Yakima OnRamp is designed with e-bike riders in mind. It supports bikes up to 66 lbs each, making it ideal for heavier bikes, and includes an integrated ramp for easy loading. The adjustable trays minimize bike-to-bike interference, and versatile frame clamps work with a variety of frame styles, including those with fenders or the more robust bikes meant for mountain biking. Plus, you can keep your battery installed during transport, saving you time and hassle! Win-win!

Yakima StageTwo

For riders wanting a sleek and sturdy option, the Yakima StageTwo delivers. This rack supports two bikes (up to 60 lbs each) and can expand to four bikes with the StageTwo +2 extension. Its tiered tray design offers excellent ground clearance, and a front-facing tilt lever makes accessing your vehicle’s rear cargo area quick and easy. Also included are the integrated locking cables and the option to add your own lock, offering robust security for peace of mind.

Let’s Get You Rolling

Choosing the best bike racks for e-bikes isn’t just about transportation – it’s about freedom, ease, mobility, and protecting your investment so that you can focus on the fun part: the ride.

Here at Calgary Hitch Shop, we stock a curated selection of premium racks from top brands like Thule, Yakima, and more. Our experts can help you choose the perfect setup, install it properly, and show you how it all works – so you’re road-trip ready in no time!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Rack?

Swing by Calgary Hitch Shop or give us a call anytime. Our team is always excited to help you match your e-bike with the right rack, so you can spend less time wrestling with gear and more time conquering new adventures.

Want to take a deeper dive into finding the right rack for your e-bike? Check out our full lineup of e-bike racks today!