Paid partnership with Sport and Cargo
eBikes are fun to ride. But their greater weight and longer wheelbase can make them a challenge to transport. Don’t let this affect your enthusiasm though, there’s a solution – here’s the best way to transport eBikes.
While riding an eBike, it feels almost effortless to get up climbs that would normally leave you toiling strenuously. You don’t notice the extra few kilogrammes of bike weight because the pedal assist pretty much removes any weight penalty. If you own an eBike, you already know this. You also know that once stationary, an eBike is a challenge to transport.
Most mountain eBikes are at least 20-25kg in weight, which is as much as double the weight of most marathon or trail bikes. If it’s a 29er eMTB, it’s going to have a longer wheelbase than a standard mountain bike (on average 100mm longer). It’s also likely to have chunky tyres (2.4-3.0 inches wide) as they deliver great traction without having the additional weight concern on the trail.
Many bike racks are unable to carry eBikes effectively. Well, they may be able to manage one eBike, but certainly not more than one. But Thule, the world’s leading bicycle-carrier brand, has designed two carrier racks specifically suited to eBikes.
The Thule VeloSpace XT 3 is designed to carry a high load capacity. It has extra-long wheel trays that can accommodate bikes with up to 1300mm wheelbase (most eMTBs have a wheelbase of under 1300mm). It also comes with extra-long wheel straps to secure wheels with up to 4.7-inch width tyres.
Thule EasyFold XT 3 offers the same reinforcements and larger measurement capabilities of the VeloSpace XT3 but comes with the additional benefit of being foldable and with an additional wheel, which makes it easier roll to your vehicle, store and transport in its compact format.
Both the VeloSpace XT 3 and the EasyFold XT 3 also feature the following:
- Detachable arms with Thule AcuTight torque limiter knobs
- Easy mounting and adjustment of the rack prior to closing the towbar clamp
- Smart foot pedal tilt to give easy access to boot or hatch area (while bikes are mounted).
- The ability to lock the rack to towbar and bikes to rack for peace of mind.
- A two bike and a three-bike version
For some, especially women and older mountain bikers, lifting their eBike onto the bike rack and off it again can be a challenge. Thule designed the Loading Ramp that can be purchased as an add-on. This makes it possible to wheel the bike onto – and off from – the rack.
Other useful Thule-related advice:
How to transport multiple full-sus bikes with Thule
Which is the best Thule solution for you?
Paid partnership with Sport and Cargo
