Hitch-mounted racks will be the best choice if you are looking for the most efficient way to transport your bikes. They attach securely to your vehicle's receiver hitch, allowing you unrivaled versatility and ease of operation. There are many options, but there are two main categories of e-bike hitch racks: platform and hanging models. These are more expensive but provide excellent stability and convenience. We have listed our top picks for 2022. These range from the high-end, beautifully-made 1Up Heavy Duty Double to Kuat’s budget-oriented, weight-conscious Beta. You can find more information in our hitch rack compart table or buying advice beneath the picks.
Best Hitch Bike Racks
Thule T2 Pro XTR
Thule has recently updated the popular T2 Pro. However, this latest model is still our favorite hitch-mounted rack due to its full feature set and premium construction. The XTR replaces the top-selling XT and adds a set of wheels at the base to make it easier to move between garages. However, the design is the same as before. T2 Pro's tilt feature, which is user-friendly, is the best in class. It allows for quick and easy access at the rear of the vehicle and the versatile carrying system can hold everything, from fat bikes to children's models. The T2 Pro is expensive at $800 (the recent $100 price increase doesn't help), and it is not particularly light at 50 pounds. However, its durable, long-lasting design makes it ideal for dedicated riders.
Although the market for hitch bike racks is competitive, the T2 Pro XTR is unique in its material quality and an extensive list of features. This rack can do it all. The rack's flexible wedge attachment system ensures a secure connection. It can carry 60 pounds of bikes, including many electric models. There is ample clearance between your vehicle and the bikes. The optional 2-Bike Add On (for an additional $500) doubles the capacity. As mentioned, the Thule's components are all extremely well-made. This makes it a worthwhile investment over time.
Kuat Transfer v2 2
While it's obvious that high-quality platform-style racks can be expensive, those who are looking for a way to save money should consider Kuat's Kuat Transfer v2. The Thule T2 has many of the same basic features as the Transfer v2, including an attachment system that prevents frame contact and tilting functionality that allows access to your vehicle's back. This latest Transfer can be adjusted to fit many types of bikes and wheel sizes. It can also accommodate fat bikes with an adapter (sold separately). A 1-Bike Add On is also available for $159, which gives you even more carrying capabilities. The Transfer v2 is attractively priced at $449 and weighs in at a manageable 37 pounds.
Swagman XC2
Although Swagman, a British Columbia-based company, isn't as well-known as Yakima or Thule, their XC2 model makes a great choice for budget-minded recreational riders. The Swagman XC2 is a bargain-basement $120 on Amazon. It features a highly adjustable tray system and sturdy, secure ratcheting arms. A threaded hitchpin keeps rack movement down to a minimum. The best part is that the rack weighs only 32 pounds and takes up very little space off your vehicle. Although this rack doesn't offer all the features of more expensive options, it can transport your bikes safely from one place to the next.
The Swagman XC2 is not without its flaws, given its low price. It is more difficult to load the bike closest to the vehicle than on other racks. The release mechanism on the swingarm is also difficult to engage and there are no locks. After 500 miles of riding, including many miles on gravel roads, the frame cradles were able to remove the paint from one of our bikes. We recommend the $449 Kuat transfer v2 2, which will address most of these issues.
Yakima RidgeBack 4
We prefer the platform design for its simplicity of loading and superior stability. However, high-capacity hanging models offer the best value. Yakima's RidgeBack is one of the most popular options. It has a sturdy build, a reasonable price, and an anti-sway design that restricts bike movement on the road. Yakima's cradle system is our favorite, with ratchet-style straps that secure the bike's top tube to its rack. The RidgeBack is a four-bike version at a very reasonable $399. It offers twice the capacity of the Thule T2 Pro at half the price.
The RidgeBack 4's hanging design is a great option. To carry full-suspension mountain bikes, step-throughs, or small kids' bikes, an adapter is required. Top tube adapters cost about $50 each. There is not enough space between bikes when loaded. This can cause paint damage and rub. It's difficult to overlook the RidgeBack's reliability and performance which makes it our favorite hanging hitch rack.
RockyMounts BackStage
The RockyMounts BackStage rack caused quite a stir when it was first released. The first platform rack to include a side-swinging mechanism was the RockyMounts BackStage. This allows for complete access to your rear end. This functionality is not available from major hitters such as Yakima and Thule. The BackStage also has many features that you would expect from a premium e bike hitch rack, including a cable lock (although it is not integrated), the ability to carry various sizes of bikes, sturdy ratcheting arms, and overall quality materials.
There are compromises when adding swing-away functionality to your hitch-mounted rack. The RockyMounts BackStage weighs 10-20 pounds more than other platform-style racks. Therefore, you won't want to take it off your vehicle as often (or with help). We also have a problem with the lock, which we love on the Thule T2 Pro and Yakima Dr.Tray. The BackStage is the best option for rear cargo access.
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