How to Transport Your E-Bike Safely on a Car Rack

Electric bikes are cumbersome and bulky compared to conventional bikes, which is a special hassle to most riders. You may be going on a road trip, on to a new trail, or just into town, it is important to make sure your e-bike is strapped down into a car rack to ensure its safety and convenience. The process of picking the correct rack and knowing how to use your e-bike would assist in avoiding damaging your bike and your car.

Choosing The Right Rack

The initial move towards carrying an electric bike is choosing a rack, which is able to carry the weight and size of your bike. The weight of many e-bikes ranges between 40 and 70 pounds, which is significantly heavier than the regular road bike or mountain bike. The best one can be a platform style hitch rack since it is stable and holds a lot of weight better than the trunk or roof rack.

The compatibility of the rack to the frame and wheel size of your e-bike is another issue to be considered. Frames of such brands like Cube Ebikes do not always have standard dimensions, that is why the rack should be able to fix the bike on it without breaking the frame. By spending on a rack that is e-bikes friendly, one will have a sense of security and avoid inconveniences when traveling.

Preparing The Electric Bike

It is always good to take off any removable parts of your e-bike to make it light and secure before loading it. This will typically consist of the battery, display, and any other accessories like bags or lights. Removing these parts will also minimize the weight besides ensuring that they are not damaged or stolen.

Tire checkups are also beneficial as well as checking that your tires are well inflated. Having a tire with enough air will fit better into the rack trays and the bike will not move around during transportation. Before loading the bike, spending a couple of minutes to prepare it will save you hundreds of unnecessary scratches or accidents you can have on the road.

Loading The Electric Bike

In case you are going to lift your e-bike on the rack, remember that the bike is heavier than your regular bicycle. There are racks with a ramp or support to roll in the bike which can be quite useful when you are carrying a model heavier than 50 pounds. In case you have to raise it with your hands, then use the best lifting skills to prevent injuries.

After the bike is in the rack, make sure to clamp it with arms, straps, or clamps that come along with it. Make sure that the frame is well secured without straining sensitive parts like the motor or the cables. Some have a built in electronic system on them like the Gazelle E bikes which require additional attention when attaching them to the frame. An e-bike with good security should not shake or move even during the movement of the car.

The Locking Of The Bike On Transit

Although the rack is very robust, it is prudent to provide an additional security as an insurance measure. Most riders will put straps or bungee cords to have the bike further stable, particularly in long journeys. Theft can also be prevented when you stop in the rest areas or car parks on your way with a locking system.

Maintenance of your bike against weather conditions is another factor. Protective sleeves or rain cover can be used to protect your e-bike against dirt, water and road debris. By covering the bike and locking it, you will prolong the lifetime of the parts and reach your destination with your e-bike in fine condition.

Final Checks Before Driving

Before riding off, make sure and ensure that the bike is properly fitted and the rack is locked in the vehicle hitch. Pull on the bike to ensure that there is no movement or shifting. It is also good to check the visibility of the lights and license plate on your car as some racks may block them.

It is a good idea to check each time you park. Though you might have installed the e-bike really perfectly at the beginning of the trip, the vibrations and the road bumps might loosen the straps or clamps with time. A general examination is to see whether or not your e-bike is safe and secure throughout the trip.