E bike recommendations?

[bdhsfz6]

I need to get a rack that can hold the weight of two bikes. Wife and I both enjoy the Ebikes. My knees are not what they once were so I really enjoy being able to go out and ride without it becoming a grind. With all the work we get on the farm, I'm not looking for another workout, just the relaxation that comes from moving by bike.

If you do a search, there are many racks on the market designed to hold heavier e-bikes. Almost all use receiver hitches. Stay away from those "clip on" racks that are designed for lightweight bikes. Also consider the weight you have to lift to get the bikes onto the rack. Some have ramps to make it easier.

I've never been comfortable having my expensive bikes hanging off the rear bumper though. Too easy to back into something or get rear ended. It's also easy for vandals to damage or steal parts as well. The bikes on rear racks can also block backup cameras and license plates, which can be an issue in some states. Just things to be aware of when rack shopping.

I'm a DIY'er and usually carry my bikes in my pickup. I made this rack that slides into the truck bed where the bikes are much more secure. It's a frame made of PVC pipe that slides in and out, making it easy to load the bikes.

If you drive a pickup, something much simpler can be made using the same idea.

 

[ponytug]

Wow! Nice job.

Is that a powered loading rack?

All the best,

Peter

 

[Code54]

https://1up-usa.com/product/super-duty

If you are wanting a NICE hitch mount that will easily carry E-bikes, this may interest you. We bought one a while back, and it is a high-quality locking rack. Also, always check with your insurance and make sure your e-bike is covered under your homeowner’s policy. Some do not cover e-bikes as they consider them "vehicles". For a while, this was the case with our insurance (Erie), but recently, they started allowing them under the homeowner’s policy.

 

[civilian]

If you do a search, there are many racks on the market designed to hold heavier e-bikes. Almost all use receiver hitches. Stay away from those "clip on" racks that are designed for lightweight bikes. Also consider the weight you have to lift to get the bikes onto the rack. Some have ramps to make it easier.

I've never been comfortable having my expensive bikes hanging off the rear bumper though. Too easy to back into something or get rear ended. It's also easy for vandals to damage or steal parts as well. The bikes on rear racks can also block backup cameras and license plates, which can be an issue in some states. Just things to be aware of when rack shopping.

I'm a DIY'er and usually carry my bikes in my pickup. I made this rack that slides into the truck bed where the bikes are much more secure. It's a frame made of PVC pipe that slides in and out, making it easy to load the bikes.

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If you drive a pickup, something much simpler can be made using the same idea.

Did you apply for a patent? Jon

 

[bdhsfz6]

Wow! Nice job.

Is that a powered loading rack?

All the best,

Peter

Yes, I have a winch rigged to pull the rack into the bed. It wasn't needed to carry my lighter conventional bikes but e-bikes are much heavier and I'm not getting any younger.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Did you apply for a patent? Jon

It's in the works.

 

[dodge man]

I have a Thule Easy Fold rack. It’s designed for two e bikes. They sell a ramp you can wheel them upon it but I usually lift them up. Not cheap it seems like $800 but it folds up into a small package when not in use.

 

[Jim Shooz]

I have found the best way to load my bike onto Thule rack was to put the bike parallel to the rack, lock up the rear brake and move backwards lifting the front wheel. When high enough swing the wheel over into the grove. lock up the front wheel and reach down and lift the rear wheel.

 

[mason leah]

I’ve figured out the best way to load my ebike onto my Thule rack is to line it up parallel to the rack, lock the rear brake, and back up while lifting the front wheel. Once it’s high enough, I swing the front wheel into the groove, lock the front wheel, and then lift the rear wheel into place.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Great thread. There is a bus stop 3 miles from my house and the bus has a bike rack, so if transportation gets to be a big problem a bike would be a solution. E-bike for my geriatric years.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I’ve figured out the best way to load my ebike onto my Thule rack is to line it up parallel to the rack, lock the rear brake, and back up while lifting the front wheel. Once it’s high enough, I swing the front wheel into the groove, lock the front wheel, and then lift the rear wheel into place.

If your Thule rack mounts in a receiver and you want a "no lift" option to load your bike, check out the MowTow hitch lift:

MoTow Hitch Lift for Wherever You Go

Shop our MOTOW motorcycle tow hitches, accessories and replacement parts.Made in America of 100% Stainless Steel.

motowus.com

It's operated with a hand crank but I use my cordless drill with a socket adapter. There is also a motorized version but it's pricey.

 

[jjeff]

Still have a pretty cheap step thru foldable e bike my wife got me quite a few years ago it's been pretty reliable however did upgrade the silverfish battery, replaced the pedal chain, and both foldable pedals. Definitely some of the hardware the bike came with was cheap, low quality. It does have a Shimano 6 speed derailer tough and decent brakes. I do pretend I'm pedaling when I ride with wife and kids or pass pure hardcore bicyclists. I don't think I'm that old but really like step thru bikes especially my e bike. My e-bike stopped us from getting a cheap car to tow behind the RV. Id study up on the different classes of e bikes ie pedal assist, and pure motoring.ones. mine has a 500 watt motor and is plenty for how I ride it easily gets up hills without pedals goes about 20mph motoring only. Front fork suspension, suspension seat post. Once I went with a e bike never want to go back to pedal only. It's foldable so it can fit just about anywhere for transport however I usually leave it unfolded and put it on the back 4 bike rack we use.

 

[dodge man]

I’m still at it, about 6600 miles on mine. Life gets in the way of my riding. We spent a bunch of time helping my daughter find a house and then move. The last couple of weeks I’ve missed out on some perfect weather because of a bad cold. I’m hoping to ride again tomorrow.

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

I haven't read the whole thread but my wife and I bought ebikes a few years ago and it's been a game changer. I have a bum knee from a motorcycle accident and had to quit riding bicycles 10 or 15 years ago. Ebikes allow me to ride again. Our first were Gazelles with Bosch motors. We loved them and the Bosch systems are very smooth. We travel a lot in our motorhome and the bikes were out in the weather on a rack. I never felt good about having such expensive bikes out in the rain, snow, and road grime so I wanted them inside the car we tow. They weighed 55-60 lbs which isn't particularly heavy for ebikes but a bit much to lift into the back of a vehicle. About a year ago we switched to Specialized Vados which are about 12 lbs lighter. That lower weight makes them easier to load and makes a huge difference in the feel - they actually feel more like a regular pedal bike. The motors aren't as smooth as the Bosch but are still very nice. They have less power than the Gazelles but with the lighter weight it's a wash.

Ours have all been pedal assist and I wouldn't want a throttle. I know myself and if I had a throttle I'd get lazy and use it. We just moved to a new house near a rails to trails that's out in the country and very lightly used so on weekdays we have it to ourselves. Trails are constantly expanding in our area so every year we'll have many more miles available right from our door.

 

[jjeff]

I’m still at it, about 6600 miles on mine. Life gets in the way of my riding. We spent a bunch of time helping my daughter find a house and then move. The last couple of weeks I’ve missed out on some perfect weather because of a bad cold. I’m hoping to ride again tomorrow.

Cripes you started this thread in 2021 about the same time I got my e-bike. Really need to wear and or clean my cheaters more.

 

[Jim Shooz]

Great thread. There is a bus stop 3 miles from my house and the bus has a bike rack, so if transportation gets to be a big problem a bike would be a solution. E-bike for my geriatric years.

You might want to check with the bus company. Our local bus company wont take Ebikes because someone has heard that batteries can catch fire. The fact that the bus is driving on a street full of cars with bigger batteries and most of the passengers have phones powered by ...........

 

[subhunter]

Link to EBR

Best Electric Bikes 2025 – Don’t Buy Until You Read This! – Electric Bike Report

If you want to purchase an electric bike this year, you likely have questions: Which is the best e-bike for 2025? Which is the best e-bike brand? How do I know that the brand will support me if I have problems with my bike? We receive these questions daily from our readers, which is why

electricbikereport.com

 

[SPYDERLK]

The one bike trail I rode earlier had a very long up hill grade, the total length is about 10 miles one way. Coming back downhill they have 20 mph speed limit signs all over. I hit 30 mph a couple of times just coasting.

Any bikes with regenerative braking - charge everytime you brake?

 

[bdhsfz6]

Any bikes with regenerative braking - charge everytime you brake?

Yes, there are a few bikes with regen braking, but the return you get is very small. Most manufacturers don't offer it since the minimal energy recovered is not cost-effective.

A better idea is to get a bike with a battery large enough to suit your needs.

 

[tulenutn2o]

I have 3 magicycle brand.2 cruiser pro and the ocelot pro. 52v and they go the distance. They usually do good sales periodically and package deals.