The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hitch Rack for Your eBike

Swagman ebike-approved hitch mount bike rack on the back of a pickup truck with 2 ebikes mounted and two riders sitting on the tailgate chatting

Hey eBike enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for the perfect hitch rack that can keep up with your adventurous spirit and the unique needs of your electric bike? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the world of Swagman's ebike-approved bike racks - your ideal companion for ebike transportation!

Two cyclists commuting to work on ebikes

Why ebike Riders Need Special Hitch Racks

Ebikes are fantastic - they are eco-friendly, give you that extra push on the hills, and are just plain fun - but they also come with their own set of challenges, especially when it comes to transportation. 

Ebikes are heavier than traditional bikes and require a bit more care during transport. With these heavier weights, a bike rack capable of carrying an ebike must be durable enough to handle the increased weight and force on the rack. An ebike-approved bike rack has been designed to handle the increased weight of an ebike, safely transporting it to the trailhead with ease!

Note that the weight capacities of ebike-approved racks can still vary, so make sure to confirm compatibility with your ride before purchase. At Swagman, our ebike-approved racks start with a weight capacity of 60 lb per bike, with some models capable of handling even more. Check the technical specifications of the rack in question to confirm weight ratings. 

An excited mountain biker getting ready to unload his electric mountain bike from his Swagman bike rack

Swagman’s Ebike Approved Hitch Rack Line Up

Swagman isn't just another run-of-the-mill rack manufacturer. We not only make bike racks, but we are cyclists ourselves. It’s why we were one of the first to specifically tailor a bike rack for transporting ebikes safely, and our line-up has only grown since then. 

Whether you’re a city commuter with a sleek ebike, an off-road enthusiast with an eMTB, or someone who loves long RV trips with ebikes in tow, we’ve got an ebike hitch rack solution for you!

A couple taking in a beautiful sunset with one ebike loaded on a Swagman rack on the back of a Sprinter van.

Features That Set Swagman Ebike Racks Apart

Versatility: From electric fat-bikes, to electric mountain bikes, and even electric road bikes, all of our ebike-approved racks now come with universal tire trays - that means that you can fit road bikes, all the way up to 5” wide fat-bikes into our racks right out of the box!

Durability: Built to last, our ebike-approved bike racks can withstand the extra weight and demands of eBikes. 

Ease of Use: Swagman racks are designed for convenience. Easy installation means more time riding and less time fiddling with setup!

RV-Approved Options: Planning a road trip? Swagman's got you covered with RV-approved ebike racks, ensuring your ebike is secure no matter where you roam.

A couple loading two ebikes onto a Swagman bike rack installed on the rear of a motorhome.

Finding the Right Swagman Rack for Your eBike

Now, how do you choose the right rack for your eBike? Follow these simple steps to choose the best ebike rack for your vehicle: 

Weight Capacity: Ensure the rack can support the weight of your ebike. The weight capacity of our ebike rack line-up ranges from 60-80 lb per bike. You can find the specific weight capacities of each Swagman rack in the product description page. 

Type of eBike: While all Swagman ebike-approved racks are designed to work with almost all tire sizes, don’t forget to consider your ebike frame material. Carbon-framed ebikes should only be transported in a zero-frame-contact rack, which secures the bike via its tires, making sure your frame remains untouched and pristine.

Your Vehicle’s Hitch: Swagman’s ebike rack line-up includes racks that fit both 1 ¼” and 2” hitch receivers. If you have a vehicle with a 2” hitch, you can buy any Swagman ebike-approved rack. If your car has the smaller 1 ¼” hitch receiver size, ensure you check that the ebike-approved rack you are looking at is compatible. You can find all these details on the each bike rack listings page. 

Your Vehicle Type: If you are looking to transport your bikes on the back of a travel trailer or fifth wheel, you also need to make sure the bike rack is RV-approved. The good news is that Swagman has you covered with that too! Not only were we one of the first making dedicated ebike racks, we were also one of the first brands making dedicated RV-approved bike racks that can handle the increased forces at play on the back of a trailer.

Convenience Features: Some of Swagman’s ebike-approved hitch racks include features to make your life easier so you can spend less time worrying and more time riding! These include tilting down to allow access to the rear of your vehicle, folding up when not in use, integrated locking mechanisms, and even an optional Ramp & Bridge that makes loading and unloading your heavier ebikes a breeze! 

A couple using a ramp and bridge to load an electric mountain bike onto a Swagman Skaha ebike approved hitch rack installed on the back of a Tesla

Customer Reviews: Real Stories from eBike Riders

Don't just take our word for it. Here are some stories from ebike riders who've transformed their transportation experience with Swagman's hitch racks:

Much more bike rack than expected!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

"I had purchased a 30ft Class A motorhome and now needed a bike rack to bring along our two 52 Ibs E-bikes. I needed a sturdy rack since there would be alot of force on it when going over bumps and just general touring around. Swagman Customer Service introduced me to the E-spec which I was totally impressed with when I opened the box. Very well made and with quality parts! Very easy to put together and gave me confidence this rack was going to do the job! Another happy RVer knowing I can bring my transportation along with confidence!" - Gary A.

Great rack
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

"We just returned from a month-long trip with our E -Spec rack. The rack worked great in all respects. It is easy to load and unload, and was remarkably stable even on rougher unpaved roads. We have recommended your rack to several folks. Thanks again for a great product." - Marty K.

Passed the Travel Test
⭐️ ⭐️ 
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

"I previously posted a review on this rack (03/04/20). This is an update after 5200 miles (round trip) from Idaho to Virginia during the month of April. We hit some very bad freeway areas in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio that seemed like we were traveling off-road. On the back of a 5th wheel trailer the ebikes and bike rack took a beating but without a problem. We again traveled another 1000 miles in May, to eastern Oregon and back, again without a problem. Being able to take our ebikes with us adds to our enjoyment while and where we travel." - David T.

"Current"-ly Pleased!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

"Echoing the other great reviews of the Current, which we bought to use with my wife's e-bike, along with the ramp and bridge kit. Quality, fit, and finish of the parts looks good, and I was also pleasantly surprised with the thoughtful and clever design of the packing materials - a triumph of cardboard origami, with as few staples and bits of tape as possible. Great to see such attention to detail - well done, Swagman!" - Mike E.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Your Hitch Rack

To ensure your Swagman hitch rack stays in top-notch condition, follow these simple maintenance tips:

  • Regularly check and tighten all bolts and screws.
  • Clean the rack frequently, especially during winter, rainy seasons, or after driving on dusty roads.
  • Inspect the rack for any signs of wear and tear before long trips.

Hit the Road with Confidence

Whether you're off to a local trail or embarking on a cross-country adventure, Swagman's hitch racks make sure your eBike arrives safely, so you can focus on what really matters – enjoying the ride!

Ready to explore Swagman's range of hitch racks? Shop our Ebike Approved Racks Now.