Electric bicycles have become a popular way for recreational vehicle enthusiasts to explore the countryside around their campsites. To ensure your e-bike arrives safely at your destination, you’ll need a sturdy e-bike rack for RV use.
Read on for a look at our top-rated RV e-bike racks. You’ll also find a buyer’s guide and answers to frequently asked questions to help you decide on an e-bike rack for RV use.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider
Best Budget Option
Arksen Standard Tilting Rack
Best Premium Option
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR
Best Overall
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider
Our recommendation for the best overall e-bike rack for RV use is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider. Ready to carry two e-bikes, each weighing up to 80 pounds, the Sport Rider is hitch-mounted with numerous safety features.
The Sport Rider features a hitch-tightening system to eliminate the wobbling of the e-bike rack during transport. Plus, it is designed to carry a variety of e-bike models and can accommodate wheels up to 5 inches wide.
Pros
- Top quality at a reasonable price
- Easy installation and removal
- Remains stable even on bumpy roads
Cons
- Quick-release pin may loosen
- May scratch mounted bicycles
- May not have enough clearance for use on some RVs
Best Budget Option
Arksen Standard Tilting Rack
Transporting your e-bike safely doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. Our recommended budget option, the Arksen Tilting Rack, gets the job done without breaking the bank. It is capable of carrying two e-bikes, each weighing up to 75 pounds.
With features like adjustable wheel holders and wheel straps to keep your e-bike’s wheels stationary, the Arksen rack ensures your e-bike will be secure. Plus, the padded hook feature means your e-bike won’t be scratched.
Pros
- Excellent design
- Easy to assemble
- Stays stable while vehicle is in motion
Cons
- Locking mechanism may be confusing for some users
- May not work well with heaviest e-bikes
- Safety pin could be more secure
Best Premium Option
Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR
Thule offers a truly top-quality e-bike rack for RV use. As a brief note of caution, while the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is compatible with most RVs, be sure to check that it will work with your vehicle.
Among the best features of the Thule rack is the integrated wheels. The wheels make the rack easy to maneuver from storage to mounting on your RV. Also integrated into the Thule rack are cable locks to keep your e-bikes secure.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and mount
- Great for longer-range use
- Very stable
Cons
- Cable locking mechanism may be too short for some e-bikes
- May not work with some e-bike fender positions
- Extends nearly 4 feet from rear of vehicle
E-Bike Racks for RVs Buyer’s Guide
There are two mounting choices for an e-bike rack for RV use — a hitch-mounted rack or a bumper-mounted rack. There are bike racks that can be mounted to the ladders on many RVs, but they aren’t strong enough for an e-bike.
Read on to learn about hitch-mounted and bumper-mounted e-bike racks for recreational vehicles.
Hitch Mount
One of the reasons for the popularity of hitch-mounted e-bike racks for RV use is that many RVs come equipped with hitch receivers. Hitch receivers are metal frames mounted to the underside of the RV into which trailer hitches and other accessories (like e-bike racks) can be installed.
If your RV does not come equipped with a hitch receiver, there are many options for after-market installation. Just be sure the hitch receiver you choose is compatible with your vehicle and with your e-bike rack.
Bumper Mount
Our recommendations for the best e-bike racks for RV use are exclusively hitch-mounted racks. Quite frankly, there are a limited number of options for bumper-mounted e-bike racks.
In part, that’s because there are a lot of variables with regard to bumper-mounted e-bike racks for RV use. For example, not all RV bumpers are suited for e-bike racks. If you’d like a bumper-mounted rack, your RV bumper must be at least 4 inches deep and 4 inches wide for adequate support.
But even if your bumper meets that specification, check your RV owner’s manual to be sure it can accommodate an e-bike rack.
E-Bike Racks for RVs Frequently Asked Questions
As you’ve learned about e-bike racks for RV choices, you’ve likely come up with some questions. Read on for answers on issues with e-bike racks for RV use.
What is a safe weight limit for e-bikes mounted on an RV rack?
Most e-bikes will weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds with the battery installed. Add the weight of an average e-bike rack for RV use, and you’re talking about adding 200 pounds to your RV if you’re carrying a couple of e-bikes.
As long as your e-bike rack is properly installed and you’re not overloading it, 200 pounds is likely a workable maximum weight. However, you should be aware that adding that much weight to the rear of your RV could affect its handling characteristics.
Should batteries be removed from an e-bike before placing it on a rack?
If the e-bike— or e-bikes — you’re carrying weigh less than the capacity of your rack with the batteries installed, there’s no reason to remove them. But if you’re worried about rain or dirt getting into your e-bike battery compartment, you can certainly remove the battery for carrying inside your RV.
Should an e-bike rack be removed from an RV after use?
Unless your RV is parked out of the weather, it’s best to remove your e-bike rack after use. While e-bike racks are rugged, exposure to weather could cause some unnecessary damage over time.
Wrapping up E-Bike Racks for RVs
With this post, you’re ready to choose an RV e-bike rack. As a reminder, our recommendation for best overall e-bike rack for RV use is the Hollywood Racks Sports Rider.
For more e-bike information, check the Beyond The Tent review of the Cyrusher XF900 e-bike. Also, help for getting your RV ready for the road is in our detailed checklist.
- About the Author
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Jim Thompson grew up tent camping with his family, and was introduced to backpacking with the Boy Scouts. He attended a military college, where he was introduced to rappelling, an outdoor activity which he has not pursued.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, and spent 35 years as a newspaper writer and editor before become a writer for Apple Pie Media.
Jim can be reached at jimt3rd@yahoo.com