Best Bike Carrier For E Bikes (2024 Update)

I recently purchased the Apex 3 bike rack for my truck. It's solid and well built and fairly easy to put together. I did have to also purchase 2 bar extenders because of the two ladies bikes I have for my girls. The arms and clamps that hold the bikes securely in place won't work with the female bikes center bar going from the seat to the handle bars without the extenders. They were $25 each. The bikes fit tight on the rack and you have to figure out the best way to get them on correctly. There in not much wiggle room, but that's also good to keep them in place. The only real disappointment I have is my truck tailgate doesn't come all the way down when you tilt the bike rack backward. In their advertisement picture the tailgate is open all the way. Everything else about this product I'm very happy with!Tom C.

I ordered this one online, directly from Discount Ramps, after returning a flimsy 2-bike rack to Home Depot. This rack will carry three bikes very securely, and has very sturdy construction with a full 2" frame to fit perfectly into a 2" hitch receiver. The movable clamps will hold any bike at any position on the frame, and wheel straps are also provided if you want to be super-secure. I would buy this rack again with no hesitation, and recommend it highly.Robert

The rack arrived when promised. The box was in another box, so everything was protected. One tube was bent to the point of preventing assembly of the left, distal tire support. I used one of the smaller tubes to straighten it and completed assembly. The velcro straps for securing the tires were missing. I found ones at Home Depot that are orange with reflective stitching and sewn-in clips. They can stay attached to the rack and secure the tires when loaded. I also added reflectors to the third bike position and the underside center support to increase nighttime visibility of the rack whether it is down or folded up. The materials and overall construction are good. It is solidly built, but light enough for one person to handle. It is easy to position the bikes. They feel well secured to the rack. With the optional straightening device, all play between the rack and receiver (which is inherent in all hitch/receiver systems) is eliminated.Dennis D.

We're a family of 8 with a Chevy Suburban. We wanted our kids ages 2 through 13 to be able to enjoy their bikes on our recent camping trip to Zion National Park. We read reviews of other models online, but settled on the Allen 5 bike carrier based on positive reviews. I also wanted an easy return option if it didn't work out for us. Site-to-store delivery was very quick, assembly was just as quick, and I'm very impressed with the quality. We bolted it on our hitch and kept it there the entire 4 day trip. It was easy to access our trunk when the bikes were unloaded and we could even get in the back window hatch with the bikes on. Have a rubber mallet handy – the lower D-ring bolt is very tight for some reason. Another reviewer mentioned this and I'm glad I listened. I worry that the nylon straps will wear down in the weather and with stress over time, but they look replaceable. And we only fit 4 bikes on. We had to get fairly creative, fitting the bikes together like a puzzle, sticking pedals through spokes here and there, but they fit and we were all happy about it.SoVeryMe

Purchased this rack with site to store delivery. Arrived faster than indicated. Always a good thing. We have 5 bikes on the heavy side, most of them older, and the rack performed well. I would recommend a practice loading before taking them on a long trip. There is plenty of space for each bike to load and strap on, but sometimes the handlebars and seats make loading tougher than expected. Your shortest bike will get loaded on the car side of the rack because there is not a lot of hanging clearance on that side. Great product, easy setup, easy use, and a value compared to everything else on the market.KCFLTraveler

This was my first time purchasing/using a trailer hitch mounted bike rack. I had done a little research and checked out Craigslist. After finding very little on Craigslist, I found the Allen Deluxe at Walmart.com. The price was great and the product even better. It took a total of about 10 minutes to assemble and attach to our mini van. I promptly loaded it up with 3 bikes and headed off on a 1,000 mile round trip journey. I placed 2 adult bikes and 1 kids bike for a 5 year old. With a slight placement adjustment, even the 5 year old's bike fit snug. Everything fit so well that I didn't even need bungee cords to keep the bikes from swaying while driving. The bike rack itself never wobbled nor made any sort of noise as we traveled down the interstate. Once tightened, the bike rack is rock solid. The tilting action came handy as my wife had some last minute items to throw in the back after the bikes were loaded. Even with the rack tilted down, it felt solid. I'm sure that has something to do with the heavy gauge steel construction. I haven't tried to load the rack with 5 bikes yet, as the the family is not entirely of full bike riding age. But, with the way this rack is built, I will get the chance as well as this thing is constructed. I'm sure we will have it for long, long time. I really do not have anything negative to say about this product.RRSuperstar

I have used it on small rides like 20 miles one. Have carried 3 bike until now. When I have to 4 bikes I am not sure if it will hold them. The handles and pedals have to be adjusted to fit three(one adult and 2 kids). I think that is a problem with any of these hanging racks not just this one. Otherwise very good.sagar

I went with this Allen bike rack because Ive owned the Allen trunk mount bike rack but now I wanted something that was more secured and wouldnt scratch my car paint. I have no complaints yet about this hitch bike rack. Even with the quick locking install this rack is very secured. If youre planning on buying this rack and you have a small sedan ( I have a 2018 Toyota Corolla) just know that where you insert the key to lock the quick install hitch will scratch the the floor when you are entering or exiting driveways (see picture above). It is about 8 1/2 inches clearance from the floor to the bike rack. Not a big problem for me as now I am careful when entering driveway.Jesus

easy to use hitch. I don't feel secure with the straps, so I usually tight up my bikes just in case. key lock is a huge plus. I recommend this hitch.Michael

I wish I could have seen a chart of what vehicles this item was best suited to. The chart is on the back of the box, and it indicates that Nissan's Rogue Sport is NOT one of the recommended applications. Therefore I have found it rather challenging to securely install it on my vehicle, but I think I have found a way. As far as the product itself, the construction and material qualities are EXCELLENT. It is thoughtfully well-designed and constructed of powder-coated heavy gauge tubular steel and fittings. As a retired product testing technician I do recommend product.Wayne

I purchased this bike rack this morning to take my bike 60 miles to go on a ride with a friend. The rack was easy to install and worked like a charm. When I got home I started reading reviews on it and couldn't believe the issues I was reading. I had no problems with the hooks or with the feet lifting off while driving. I drove across the Chesapeake bay bridge, down highways at 65+ mph and across multiple speed bumps and down a section of highway that was being repaved so there were some good bumps at highway speed. Now I have only used the rack with 1 bike (hence the 4 stars rather than 5) and have only used it for 1 trip. But, so far so good. My only complaint is that I purchased it in store at Walmart and paid $60, and it wouldn't let me buy online and pickup in store the same day even though there was 3 sitting on the shelf in front of me (but that's a Walmart complaint, not a product compliant)Coco

Beware! I purchased this product based on the picture on Walmart.com of the product. When we brought it home, we took it out of the packaging and quickly looked it over. Unfortunately, we threw away the box and several days later, we went to mount this on the vehicle. It did not have the 2 side straps and was completely unstable and unusable. I wrote to the company to see if I could get the missing straps. I was told to send a receipt and picture of manufacture date. It turns out that it was made in 2015. I bought this in August 2020. The company told me that the side straps were not on there in 2015 and that was it. I now have an unusable product. If you buy this, make sure it has the side straps as pictured before you throw away the box. The first picture is the receipt of what we thought we got, the second picture is what we actually got.Jeffrey

I have used these for a number of trips over the last couple months ranging from long distance trips across Wisconsin to short distance trips to my local trails. Rack mount the bike very firmly and is exceptionally easy to use. The material for the v-channel is not made of the best material but does not really need to be based on how the rack works so no issues there. The only think i have it losing a star for is that the underside of the brackets is sharp and does not have much surface area and even though I have had zero issues with the rack moving, it does mark up the cross bars on my Traverse.A.

You can't beat it for this price. It's a super affordable bike rack that attaches easy and holds bikes securely. I've left it on the roof of my outback for a couple years and it shows no real signs of wear. I like it so much I bought a second!Andy

I bought two of these. I put a 29er mountain bike on it and though it’s a longer bike, it still fits. I've had it for a month now and used it for 3-4 trips, and so far it's holding up. Can't beat the price. It does look kind of flimsy when I took it out of the box; but after I installed it, put my bikes on it, and took it for a drive, the bikes were stable on it and didn’t sway at all. And beeing that it's a fork mount (vs. the upright mount by Swagman), it’ll to be more stable. I just have to go through the hassle of removing the front wheel every time. The U-brackets that it came with clamps-down and fits better on square or rectangular-shaped roof racks. But if you have oval-wing-shaped roof racks like on mine (standard on Subaru Outback), it might not be as stable so you have to check it once in a while to see that tightener screws haven’t come loose. It did one time on mine. But overall, I'm happy with this bike roof rack—-given the price. The paint on this is on the cheap side because after about a month and some rainy days, I did notice some rust starting to appear so I sprayed the joints with some grease. I hope this helps slow-down any rust and doesn’t corrode into the welds that hold it together. I’m not sure if more pricier brands are any more rust-proof. Don’t know how many years this will last but if it can last me 3-4 years it might be worth it.kevsam

This rack seems solid and well constructed. It fits well on my Forester and I do not anticipate any problems. My only complaint is that it comes with only one bottom strap. As I feel that it should have two I ordered a second one directly from Allen.Jonathan

Pocket friendly bike rack for regular use. Mounting and unmounting is very easy but I found the buckle of the straps to be little loose. Though we purchased the 2-bike carrier but we prefer to carry one inside and one on the rack for longer distances.Sambhabi

I have a hatchback. Works great. Never had a problem with it. Rack two bikes easily, and for far distances, of 2-3hours at a time. I Knot the ends of the rope off just as an extra safety but you don’t have to.Love

This is a great two bike rack that I had about a year or two ago on my old car. It worked perfect on it! I got a new car last year and just got this rack again for it and it says that it’s compatible with my new car. I used it a couple of times and just now noticed that the bottom part of the rack had dented the trunk and left nasty scratches that now I’ll have to pay for since their customer service is garbage. Don’t put a vehicle on the list that isn’t full compatible… if you get this rack I recommend putting some extra padding on the bottom part of the rack or it could possibly damage your vehicle. It says it holds 70 lbs of bikes. The two bikes I use with it are way less than 70 pounds and the way the trunk is shaped causes it to push in and the metal ends up scraping the trunk. It should be one long foam padding on the bottom instead of one piece of foam on each side.Hunter

This rack might be able to hold two childrens bikes, but definitely not two adult bikes without serious problems. I would imagine the rubbing and bumping together just to get them on the rack would damage the finish…not to mention traveling with them. Theres just simply not enough space between the brackets. Its also the dickens to attach to our Equinox, even though it specifically states that it fits this car. I wouldnt want to carry more than one bike on it, and you need an additional bar (sold separately) to carry a womens bike. We returned it!Beverly

Great price $ and quality. Very solid construction and basic sturdy design. I have a MTB 29,r – 39lb. – this rack can hold 70lb. Single bike racks are usually 35lb. Weight capacity. Only have 1 bike to transport, but didnt want to risk the weight factor. Best thing out there for the $40 dollar price! Highly recommend. WAGWAG

Just got this rack to give as a gift, but I put it together and have mounted and tested it, and the Transfer V2 reflects all the qualities that I've experienced with Küat products. I already have two Küat racks (NV 2.0 and old-style Sherpa), plus a roof basket (Vagabond X), and even some other Küat stuff like the bottle-cage locks ( a great and handy product, and all of mine still work beautifully). Everything I've ever gotten from them has proven to be the most innovative products on the market, well-designed, and built with the highest degree of quality and durability. I don't even bother to look elsewhere for racks – They're simply the best by every measure. Even on those rare occasions when I've had to seek support for a product, their help has been exactly on target, and the people whom I've talked to have always been super friendly and have gotten whatever I needed to me right away – So in addition to everything else I've mentioned, even their customer service in my experience is unexcelled. The rack I use depends on the bikes I'm carrying. So I use my Küats to carry everything from road bikes to a Stumpjumper 650B fatty to a 29er hardtail to Specialized Jett 20" kids bikes, handsome others in between… My racks are the quickest and simplest to mount and use, the sturdiest, and the most secure under all conditions, from highway to rugged 4WD off-road, for any bikes I want to carry. Period.Richard K

Had this rack for about a month. We use it daily to transport our bikes to safe riding locations. I had been looking for a 3 bike rack and having no luck…till I stumbled on this rack at Moosejaw. This thing is a beast. I love how it folds out of the way, securely holds the bikes and zero play in the hitch. Highly recommend!Travis

Purchased the Transfer V2 in May as i wanted a rack for the back of our Airstream that was rated for RV use that I could transfer to my truck when I got to camping locations. Previously had a rack that the bicycles hung from the crossbar. This rack really locks the bikes down and limits movement while traveling. Also the cam lock works well in that there is no movement in the rack once it is torqued down to 18 ft-lbs. Have traveled over 4000 miles and have had no problems. Well made rack. Highly recommendBy Gerry

Although you must secure your road bike using the back tire this rack is the the bomb. YOu don't have to take the wheel off and if you have a D-ring on your truck you can secure it using your bike lock. I recommend you buy a chain to secure you bike to the insta-gater which in turn can be secured to the D-Ring bolted down on the bed of your truck.Tre

I bought this as a Christmas present and it is a big hit! Previously we had to take the bike apart to store for traveling. This carrier allows us to throw it in the vehicle and secure it easily.Janet

Good product for the price. It just fits my 3" tires so be aware that it won't fit anything larger. It is sturdy and has multiple adjustments for fitment. I ran a cable-lock through my hooks in my truck bed to secure it. When you use your tailgate you'll have to readjust the insta-Gater when it comes time to use it – (only a minor inconvenience.) A serious drawback is a good locking system. It's widely known the Thule locks are a flawed system and it's too bad there isn't a viable solution that gives one confidence when locking their very expensive bikes. For a home to trail and back home trip, it's ideal. If you're running errands or stopping for a beer after a ride, plan to keep your bike with you or keep a sharp eye out on the bike.tkgobig

This is a fantastic purchase. I was contemplating to purchase some used high end brand like Thule or Saris, however when I went to Walmart today to purchase a car battery I notice these were sitting on clearance. So, I decided to do a little background review check and immediately saw all the rave reviews so I had to purchase. At 59.99 + Tax this was a STEAL! Anyway, product had all the ease to mount and dismount when needed. Like some of the other reviewers had stated the locking pin that came along with it is a little over-sized. However, I had already owned another pin so it fit just perfectly. Anyway, if you see this at your local Walmart for sale, and you are looking for a bike carrier for your SUV, don't pass this up.ctrangoblue

Let me start by saying that this rack is better than the standard hitch rack with the two arms that stick out for you to hang your bikes on. I have mountain bikes and arm style racks are like trying to solve a puzzle when loading the bikes. This rack is a little better from that stand point but still requires head scratching to get the pedals, seats and handle bars lined up. For this reason I give it 3 stars. I thought this rack would be an alternative to some $400 racks I have seen and with some modifications and some head scratching it could make a nice rack. PROS: 1. A lot of rack for the money. 2. Buy it online and pick up at the store as the online price is $30 less than in store. Why they won’t price match is beyond me. So you buy online, they take it from the store shelf and move it to a service desk and you walk in and pick it up all in a few hours’ time. CONS: 1. The locking nut to install the rack is mounted to a spring vs being welded to the inside of the draw bar. A pain to get it lined up with the thru hole to install the pin. 2. The V bars will go on too far, past the pin hole alignment and will get wedged in place, then you have to pull hard to get them lose to pull them back to get the pin holes to align. 3. The 1st bike to go on, the one between your car and the V, is difficult because there is very little room between the car and the rack. You are going to scratch the car with the pedals and/or handle bars. 4. You have to move the bikes straight on/off the hooks otherwise the hooks will try to twist the spokes and damage them. 5. 2nd bike is a bit of a puzzle get it to nest up to the 1st bike, but easier than a standard arm type rack. 6. 3rd bike goes on easiest as the draw bar extends away from the 2nd bike. Probably the nicest feature of the rack. 7. 4th bike goes on like the 2nd. 8. Now that the bikes are loaded, you have to slide the 3rd and 4th bike into the 1st two on the sliding draw bar. You’ll have problems getting the 2nd and 3rd bikes to nest together. The sliding draw bar has to go in too far before you can screw down the clamp, nesting the bikes too close to each other. 9. The sliding draw bar clamp doesn’t get tight and allows the rack to wiggle around excessively. This can be fixed by trimming the bottom of the plastic handle to let it screw down farther. 10. The foam rubber bumpers are not long enough. Put them high and you protect the fork on one bike, but then they are too high to protect the lower rear triangle on the mating bike. You can get longer foam at a hardware store.Rackless

This rack was a much better value than the $300+ Four bike rigs on the market. I had it shipped to site through the Walmart Ap, the box was damaged pretty badly but all the pieces were there. It took roughly 30 minutes to assemble, install, and adjust. In the photo you'll see three bikes on it, the fourth kid is still on a tricycle. Can't wait for our family to grow into this rack. The best part is, you can remove the back section and use it as a two bike rig. There is a bit of trail and error to fit your bike, and the neighboring bike. My bike has a rack on the back, I had to adjust the rear mount to clear the support bar. My daughters bike has training wheels and full fenders, that would be a challenge on any bike rack. Carrier looks really solid in the rear view mirror, not much motion.Jonathan

Two weeks later, still stuck in Hawkes Bay distribution centre awaiting customs review!!! Ordered it two weeks ago, and since then it’s been stuck in Hawkes bay distribution centre awaiting customs review. It is a bike rack and I was hoping to bring an MTB up the mountains, but not much use to me stuck in a distribution centre. Cant blame the manufacturer though, ordered through sports direct and courier is fastway.Marco Dublin

Needed a bit of modification to get it working with the nissan leaf as the spoiler is so big. It's not mentioned on the website, but you'll also need to buy two extra straps for the top if you can't fit the hooks at the top into the top of the boot, shouldn't be a problem with most hatch backs, but this wouldn't fit a saloon. Don't think they're sold on the website either. Not that it would matter, as the hooks are designed to fit over a thin metal edge only, the edge of the leaf's boot at the top is 10mm thick at least. Some other small issues: the hard plastic on the holder scrapped the sticker on my frame the only think stopping your pedal damaging the boot is a rubber slip, which doesn't fit well on SPD clipless pedals However, at this price I'm happy I bought it, if you're handy it's nearly there!kagy

Die Verpackung (der Karton) ist leider viel zu dünn, Der Bikelift kam mit einer Transportbeschädigung an. Leider war bei der Beschreibung des Eufab Bikelifts nicht erwähnt, dass eine Schutzhülle zum Lieferumfang gehört und ich bestellte die falsche dazu!!! Der Bikelift funktioniert hervorragend, sehr empfehlenswert.Franz P.

J'ai acheté ce produit il y a 3 mois, je suis très mécontent, ,j'ai utilisé ce produit 3 fois, déjà quasi impossibilité de mettre 3 vélos sans les abîmer, les bras ne passant pas au travers les cadres des vélos et ne peuvent passer au dessus, de plus les lanières plastique de fixation des roues se sont rompues à 3 reprises, j'ai du retourné à chaque fois chez mon fournisseur, je vais essayer de me faire reprendre ce produit car il est DANGEREUX, j'ai failli perdre les vélo par 3 fois, je devrai même porter plainte contre Peruzzo pour dangerosité. a vraiment déconseiller ce produit. Comment peut-on économiser sur une épaisseur de lanière plastique? pour 2 ou 3 centimes ?…. INIMAGINABLE.Fanvert

Both the structure and the plastic used are of good quality. The key lock and the quick tie are missing, but it is not crucial. What is not included are the side straps to tie it to the gate, and that would give it an extra point of security. It is practical and easy to assemble. Excessive delivery time.Pere

Nutze den Fahrradtrger schon seit lngerer Zeit. Fahrrder lassen sich stabil darauf bestigen. Insgesamt gute stabile Qualitt. Zusammenbau erfodert etwas Zeit und auch fr die Anbringung braucht man etwas Geschickt, weil man den Fahrradtrger mit einem groen Schlssel fixieren muss. Am Ende funktioniert aber alles. Fr den Preis absolut ok.Wrde ihn wieder kaufen! Daher fr mich Preis Leistingssieger!siewe123

Good value rack for the price! Bought it for my 2015 Nissan Rogue. Wasn't sure it would work but after some early struggles in just figuring out how to best place it on my vehicle, got it to work. Seems pretty secure. My bike doesn't move around. Rack will be easy for me to put on and take off now that I've figured it out. One complaint is the rubber straps – they're quite stiff when you first get them and clipping them on takes some figuring out and working the strips to make less rigid. Requires some hand stregth as well. Otherwise, easy to install and should work on most vehicles. Instructions are very good an easy to follow.FastFreddyG

Used it once, left dings and scratches on my car. And yes I installed it correctly per several Youtube videos, I even used a mat between the car and rack because I was already paranoid about scratching. In addition to that, the straps are nearly impossible to use. So if you are a glutton for punishment, love scratches and dings on your car, and want to spend way more time necessary struggling to get your bikes on and off a rack…buy this one. Otherwise, stay away. Wish I read more reviews. Brought it back to the store and got my money back, but those dings are there to stay.Hollylujah7

I had to return this. When I bought it, the box was a little banged up like someone else had returned it. I followed the instructions to the letter. At the last step realized that the wrap around silicone straps had not been included in the box. I tried to make due because I really needed the rack for the week. Loaded two bikes very carefully (took forever because two bikes don’t fit comfortably on this thing) and then I made sure everything was very secure with some extra rigging. Looked back there 30 minutes into the drive and my bike is at an odd angle. I pulled over just in time – it had slipped from the cushioned rest, or rather, the rest had spun around, the straps had loosened, and my bike half fell off. Never had this problem with a rack before so it went back.AnnewithanE

This new version it is a lot lighter than the previous version. In the other hand the steel bars that holds the front tires it is a lot weaker. I have my carbon Fuji mountain bike, when for a trip of 30 miles to start point and when arrived the rack was bend, with the wind the bike was side ways and looks like it was going to fall from the rack. Just stop for adding some anchor to be able to keep it straight and safer. Yesterday on my way to the trails my front wheel base break and need to be replaced. With my previous version unit that never happen, not even going to Tampa at 80mph-100mph and bike was completely straight and firm, never bend the rack or bases. Hope they go back to the previous version and keep it as it was, saving 4 pounds it is not worth to lose a bicycle in the road. Thank you.Mr. Ciclyst

A really great bike rack. Carries two bikes (one with 26 inch wheels, one with 700cc wheels) no problem, easy on, easy off, and very stable in transport. I love that no part of the rack touches the frame of the bike, just the wheels. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that the wheels are the only part of the bike that touches the ground when you're riding (hopefully), so the it's only the wheels that take the brunt of the bumps, etc.; there's no stress on the frame when in transport. My only negative comment might be the straps that hold the wheel tight against the rack. They would be easy for someone to make off with, so you really have to be mindful to put them in your vehicle after you take the bike(s) off.Jack

I have had my Thelma 3 for almost 4 years. It has been a great hitch rack, and saved a lot of money than the other similar options that fit a smaller hitch. It does have a few hiccups, that i've always been able to work around, though i sometimes have to rearrange the bikes to do so. Example: if the 1st and 3rd bike loaded are the same wheel size, and especially if they run wide mtn bike bars, the bars can interfere with each other to the point of having to rearrange the bikes. Fatbikes don't technically fit. But they fit if you upgrade the plastic straps with 2' NRS straps. Note: i've had this work for years, and up to 1000+ mile road trips with Pugsleys running 4" tires. I've done local rides with 4.5" tires. 5" is probably pushing it. I bought a roll of Velcro strapping to cut about 4 2' pieces that i use to strap bars-to-seats-to-other-bars of the bikes. This stabilizes the bikes a lot, and keeps them from swaying in my rear view mirror. I would love to see a fat tire tray option, and a way to adjust fore-aft positioning for mtn bikes on the Thelma 3 in the future, but for now i'm happy. And please note: the Thelma 2 would not have the handlebar interference that the Thelma 3 has.DaveDowning