You’ve just spent £2,000 on an e-bike and now you need to get it to the trail centre. It weighs 25kg, won’t fit in the boot, and the idea of heaving it onto a flimsy bike rack designed for 12kg road bikes makes your back hurt just thinking about it. E-bikes need a rack that’s built for the weight — and if you pick wrong, you’re looking at a scratched car, a damaged bike, or worse, watching your pride and joy bounce off at 60mph on the M4.
In This Article
- Best Overall Pick
- Towbar vs Boot Racks: Which Type Do You Need?
- What to Look For in an E-Bike Rack
- Best E-Bike Racks for UK Cars
- Thule EasyFold XT 2 — Best Towbar Rack Overall
- Saris SuperClamp EX 2 — Best Value Towbar
- Thule VeloCompact 3 — Best for Three Bikes
- Saris Bones EX 3 — Best Boot Rack
- Thule OutWay Hanging 2 — Budget Boot Option
- Loading an E-Bike Safely
- Towbar Fitting and Electrics
- Security and Theft Prevention
- Insurance and Legal Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall Pick
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 (about £550-650) is the best e-bike rack for most UK car owners. It holds two bikes up to 30kg each, folds completely flat for storage, and the integrated ramp makes loading a heavy e-bike manageable solo. We’ve used one for over a year across motorway drives, Welsh mountain roads, and a few too many muddy trail centre car parks — the bikes have never moved a millimetre.
If you don’t have a towbar and can’t fit one, the Saris Bones EX 3 (about £180-220) is the best boot-mounted option, though it maxes out at 16kg per bike — so you’ll need to remove the battery before loading most e-bikes.
For three e-bikes, the Thule VeloCompact 3 (about £450-550) is the only realistic option that handles the total weight without feeling overloaded.
Towbar vs Boot Racks: Which Type Do You Need?
Towbar Racks
Mount onto a standard 50mm towball. This is the gold standard for e-bike transport — they handle more weight, hold bikes more securely, and keep everything lower to the ground for easier loading.
- Weight capacity: typically 60kg total (two bikes at 30kg each)
- Stability: excellent — the towbar is the strongest mounting point on any car
- Loading height: knee-to-waist height, making 25kg e-bikes manageable
- Boot access: most tilt away from the car to give full tailgate access
- Requirement: you need a towbar fitted. If you don’t have one, that’s £200-400 extra
Boot Racks
Strap to the boot lid or tailgate using padded clamps and webbing straps. No towbar needed.
- Weight capacity: typically 45kg total (15kg per bike × 3 bikes)
- Stability: good but not as rigid as towbar — slight movement on rough roads
- Loading height: higher than towbar racks, which makes heavy e-bikes harder to load
- Boot access: none while the rack is loaded — you need to unload bikes to open the boot
- Compatibility: doesn’t fit all cars. Spoilers, rear wipers, and certain boot shapes can be problematic
The Verdict
If you’re carrying e-bikes regularly, get a towbar fitted and use a towbar rack. The initial investment (towbar + rack) is higher, but the experience is transformally better — easier loading, more secure, and you keep boot access. Boot racks work as a budget solution for occasional use, but you’ll likely need to remove the e-bike battery each trip to stay within the weight limit.
What to Look For in an E-Bike Rack
Weight Capacity Per Bike
This is the critical spec. Standard bike racks are rated for 15-17kg per bike. Most e-bikes weigh 20-28kg. Loading a 25kg e-bike onto a 15kg-rated rack is dangerous and voids any warranty.
- Minimum for e-bikes: 25kg per bike position
- Ideal: 30kg per bike position (covers even the heaviest e-MTBs)
- Check the total AND per-bike rating — a rack rated for 60kg total with 3 positions means only 20kg per slot
Towbar Tongue Weight
Your car’s towbar has a maximum tongue weight (also called nose weight) — the maximum downward force it can handle. Most UK towbars are rated for 75-100kg tongue weight. A loaded e-bike rack with two bikes can weigh 55-65kg total (rack + bikes), which sits comfortably within most ratings. Check your car’s handbook — the rating is usually on a sticker near the towball.
Frame Clamping vs Wheel Holders
- Frame clamp — grips the bike’s top tube or down tube. Problem: many e-bikes have oversized or oddly-shaped tubes that don’t fit standard clamps. Some e-bikes have integrated batteries in the down tube that make clamping impossible without adaptors
- Wheel holders with ratchet straps — the bike sits in channels that hold both wheels, with straps securing the frame. Much better for e-bikes because tube shape doesn’t matter. The Thule EasyFold uses this system
Tilt Function
Essential for towbar racks. A tilt mechanism lets you swing the loaded rack away from the car to open the boot without unloading bikes. With e-bikes weighing 25kg+ each, unloading just to access the boot gets old fast.
Folding and Storage
Towbar racks are bulky. A rack that folds flat stores much more easily in a garage or shed. The Thule EasyFold folds to about 25cm thick. Non-folding racks need dedicated wall brackets or take up significant floor space.
Best E-Bike Racks for UK Cars
Five options covering towbar and boot mounting, from budget to premium.
Thule EasyFold XT 2 — Best Towbar Rack Overall
Price: About £550-650 from Halfords, Amazon UK, or Thule dealers
Best for: Regular e-bike transport with maximum convenience
- Why it’s the one to buy: 30kg per bike (60kg total), fully folding design, integrated loading ramp, and build quality that justifies the price. The wheel channels hold e-bikes with wide tyres (up to 3 inches) without adaptors. The tilt function opens the boot with bikes loaded. A foot pedal releases the tilt mechanism — you don’t need to set bikes down first
- What it does well: The loading ramp slides out from the base and genuinely makes solo loading possible. Roll the e-bike up rather than lifting it. Lock the rack to the towbar, lock the bikes to the rack — two separate key-operated locks included. Fits in the boot when folded. We’ve driven 300+ miles with two full-suspension e-MTBs loaded and had zero rattle or movement
- The downsides: Expensive. At over £500, this is a serious investment. The rack itself weighs 19kg, so storing it on a high shelf isn’t happening. Two-bike only — if you need three, look at the VeloCompact
- Where to buy: Halfords, Amazon UK, Thule.com, bike shops
Saris SuperClamp EX 2 — Best Value Towbar
Price: About £350-450 from bike shops and Amazon UK
Best for: Budget-conscious e-bike owners who want towbar security
- Why it’s good at this price: 27kg per bike capacity covers most e-bikes. The ratcheting wheel cradles adjust to fit any wheel size without tools. Tilts for boot access. Built-in cable lock for basic security
- What it does well: Quick to load — the adjustable cradles accommodate everything from 20-inch folding e-bike wheels to 29-inch MTB wheels without fiddling. The ratchet system clicks tight and holds firm. Lighter than the Thule at 15kg. Folds flat enough to fit in most boots
- The downsides: No integrated loading ramp — you’re lifting 25kg+ up to cradle height. The cable lock is a deterrent, not serious security. Doesn’t fold quite as flat as the EasyFold. The finish shows wear faster — paint chips appear after a season of regular use
- Where to buy: Amazon UK, Halfords, independent bike shops
Thule VeloCompact 3 — Best for Three Bikes
Price: About £450-550 from Halfords, Amazon UK, Thule dealers
Best for: Families or groups carrying three bikes (including e-bikes)
- Why it handles three bikes well: 22kg per bike position with a 66kg total capacity. That’s tight for three e-bikes (you’d need to remove batteries on the heavier ones), but handles two e-bikes plus a regular bike easily. The third bike position adapts from two, so you only extend it when needed
- What it does well: Compact when folded to two-bike mode — barely larger than a two-bike rack. The tilt function works even with three bikes loaded. Thule’s build quality is consistent — same ratcheting wheel straps, same integrated locks, same durability as their two-bike models
- The downsides: Three heavy e-bikes will exceed the per-position limit. Realistically, this is a two-e-bikes-plus-one-standard-bike rack. Heavier than the two-bike models at 20kg. More expensive than comparable two-bike racks when you might only need three positions occasionally
- Where to buy: Halfords, Amazon UK, Thule.com
Saris Bones EX 3 — Best Boot Rack
Price: About £180-220 from Halfords, Amazon UK, bike shops
Best for: Occasional e-bike transport without a towbar
- Why it works for e-bikes (with a catch): The Bones EX is the most universally compatible boot rack on the UK market — fits almost every hatchback, saloon, and SUV. The injection-moulded arms are stiffer than wire-frame designs. 16kg per bike means you’ll need to remove the e-bike battery (saves 2.5-4kg) to get most e-bikes within limit
- What it does well: Fits more cars than any competitor — the adjustable straps work on everything from a VW Polo to a Range Rover Evoque. Three-bike capacity for road bikes or hybrids. No tools needed for installation — strap it on in 5 minutes. At £200, it’s a fraction of towbar rack prices
- The downsides: 16kg per bike is tight for e-bikes. Removing and refitting the battery every trip is annoying. No boot access while loaded. Higher loading height than towbar racks. The frame clamp arms don’t suit all e-bike frame shapes — check compatibility before buying. Less secure than towbar mounting
- Where to buy: Halfords, Amazon UK, Evans Cycles
Thule OutWay Hanging 2 — Budget Boot Option
Price: About £140-180 from Halfords, Amazon UK
Best for: Light e-bikes and folding e-bikes on a budget
- Why it’s worth considering: The OutWay Hanging system clips over the boot edge without straps touching paintwork — foam pads protect your car. Quick to fit and remove. At under £150, it’s the cheapest e-bike-capable rack with a reputable brand name
- What it does well: Fits quickly — under 3 minutes from box to loaded. The hanging design keeps bikes away from the boot lid surface. Folds flat for storage. Light at 4.5kg
- The downsides: 15kg per bike maximum — only works with lightweight e-bikes or with battery removed. Hanging design means the bike swings slightly on corners. Doesn’t fit cars with spoilers or rear wipers that protrude. Two-bike maximum
- Where to buy: Halfords, Amazon UK
Loading an E-Bike Safely
The Weight Problem
A 25kg e-bike is roughly the same as two full suitcases. Lifting that from ground level to rack height (40-80cm depending on rack type) is a genuine injury risk if you do it wrong.
Loading Technique for Towbar Racks
- Lower the rack’s loading ramp if it has one (Thule EasyFold)
- Stand beside the bike, grip the seat tube and the handlebar stem
- Lift with your legs, not your back — bend your knees and keep the bike close to your body
- Roll the bike into the wheel channels, front wheel first
- Secure the wheel straps from front to back
- Strap or clamp the frame last
Loading Technique for Boot Racks
- Remove the e-bike battery first — this drops 2.5-4kg and changes the balance point
- Lift the bike to the rack arms, resting the top tube on the cradles
- Secure with straps before letting go
- Replace the battery into the frame once the bike is secured (if the rack supports the added weight)
Top Tips
- Remove the battery if your rack is weight-limited — it’s the single biggest weight saving
- Use a step stool for boot racks on tall SUVs
- Practise at home before a trip — loading in a car park with people watching and time pressure is not the place to figure out your rack
- Protect the frame with pipe insulation or foam where it contacts rack clamps
We fumbled our first loading attempt in a Halfords car park for a good 15 minutes. By the third trip, it took under 2 minutes. Practice really does make it effortless.
Towbar Fitting and Electrics
Getting a Towbar Fitted
If you don’t have one, budget £200-400 for supply and fitting of a detachable towbar. Detachable is better than fixed — you can remove the ball when not towing/carrying bikes, which looks cleaner and avoids shin injuries in car parks.
- Halfords offer fitting from about £250 (towbar + labour)
- Witter and Brink are the main UK towbar manufacturers — both make vehicle-specific kits
- Mobile fitters come to your home and typically charge £200-350 including the towbar
Electrics
Most modern bike racks with lighting need a 13-pin electrical connection to power the rear lights and number plate light on the rack. If your car only has a 7-pin socket (older cars), you’ll need an adaptor (about £10-15). Check what electrics your rack needs before fitting.
According to the DVSA vehicle safety guidance, all vehicles must display functioning rear lights, indicators, and a visible number plate at all times — including when carrying bikes. A lightboard on the rack satisfies this requirement.
Security and Theft Prevention
The Risk
E-bikes are high-value targets. A £3,000 e-bike sitting on a rack in a trail centre car park is tempting for thieves. Even at motorway services, bikes are stolen from racks during 15-minute coffee stops.
What to Do
- Lock bikes to the rack — use the integrated locks if your rack has them, plus a secondary cable lock through both frames and wheels
- Lock the rack to the car — towbar racks with locking hitch pins prevent someone unbolting the entire rack
- Remove batteries when parked — an e-bike without a battery is worth much less and is harder to ride away
- Park visibly — near CCTV, near the cafe, near other people. Don’t park at the far end of an empty car park
- Consider a GPS tracker — a small tracker like an Apple AirTag hidden in the seat tube or frame costs £30 and gives location tracking. We’ve had AirTags in both our e-bikes since day one
- Check your insurance — see below
For tips on keeping your e-bike secure, see our e-bike maintenance schedule which covers security checks as part of routine care.
Insurance and Legal Requirements
Number Plate
UK law requires a number plate on any bike rack that obscures your car’s rear plate. This applies to almost all loaded racks. You can buy a duplicate number plate for about £15-25 from Halfords or any motor factors. Mount it on the rack’s plate holder.
Lighting
If the rack obscures your car’s rear lights, you must use a lightboard wired to the car’s electrics. Most towbar racks include an integrated lightboard. Boot racks often need a separate plug-in lightboard (about £20-30).
Insurance
Standard car insurance usually covers bike racks and bikes while attached to the vehicle in transit. However, theft from a rack is often excluded or limited. Check your policy. Specialist cycling insurance (Laka, PedalSure, Yellow Jersey) typically covers bikes on racks with a few conditions — usually requiring a lock and the rack to be properly secured.
For a broader look at the legalities and rules around riding and transporting e-bikes in the UK, see our UK e-bike laws guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a normal bike rack for an e-bike? Only if the rack’s per-bike weight rating exceeds your e-bike’s weight. Most standard bike racks are rated for 15-17kg, while e-bikes typically weigh 20-28kg. Overloading a rack is dangerous and voids the warranty. Always check the per-position weight limit, not just the total capacity.
Do I need to remove the e-bike battery for transport? With a towbar rack rated for 30kg per bike, no — leave the battery in. With boot racks rated for 15-16kg per bike, you’ll usually need to remove the battery (2.5-4kg) to get within the weight limit. It’s also good practice for security — an e-bike without a battery is less attractive to thieves.
Will an e-bike rack fit my car? Towbar racks fit any car with a standard 50mm towball — universal fitment. Boot racks vary — check the manufacturer’s compatibility list for your specific car model. Cars with spoilers, rear wipers, or unusual boot shapes may not be compatible with boot-mounted racks.
Can I go through a car wash with a bike rack on? Remove the rack first. Automated car washes will damage the rack and potentially the brush mechanisms. Even empty racks should be removed — the rollers can catch on them. Detachable towbar racks make this easy; boot racks take 5 minutes to remove.
How fast can I drive with an e-bike rack? Most racks are rated for motorway speeds (70mph). Thule and Saris both rate their racks for 130km/h (81mph). However, aerodynamic drag increases fuel consumption by 10-20% with bikes loaded. You’ll also feel more crosswind effect, especially on exposed motorway sections. Drive to the conditions and check your bikes at every stop.