10 Best Bike Racks For Cars 2025 in the United States

The Thule Epos 3 bike rack is designed to offer a hassle-free experience for loading and unloading all types of bikes, including heavy e-bikes. It features patented telescopic bike arms with pivoting cradles and steel-reinforced straps, ensuring a secure attachment to the bike frame or rear wheel. With a high load capacity of 66lb per bike and a total maximum load capacity of 160lb, this rack can comfortably handle even the heaviest bikes.

The generous 9.8-inch spacing between bikes reduces the risk of damage due to bike-to-bike contact. Additionally, extra-long wheel holders make it easy to transport bikes with long wheelbases of up to 53 inches, and ratcheting pump buckles and wheel straps simplify tire fastening for tires up to 3.2 inches wide (or up to 5 inches with an additional accessory). The rack is built with durability in mind and comes in a sleek black/silver frame.

Some users might find the package weight of 27.17 kilograms (approximately 60 pounds) a bit cumbersome during installation. While the Thule Epos 3 bike rack ranks #130 in bicycle car racks, its ease of installation and robust security features make it a compelling choice for avid cyclists, especially those with e-bikes.

The Kuat Piston Pro X is a high-quality hitch bike rack designed for carrying two bikes, making it ideal for serious cyclists or those with heavier bikes like e-bikes and mountain bikes. It supports bikes with wheelbases up to 53 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide, offering a strong load capacity of 67 pounds per tray. The rack stands out for its innovative OneTap hydro-pneumatic levers, which make loading and unloading bikes quick and easy—no wrestling with awkward clamps. Its rugged build features stainless steel and genuine Kashima-coated struts, ensuring durability and a sleek look in Galaxy Gray finish.

Security is well thought out, with an integrated cable lock system to help keep your bikes safe while on the road. The built-in LED taillights improve visibility for added safety during night drives and connect simply to your vehicle. Installation is straightforward on a 2-inch hitch, and the rack folds for convenient storage and transport. It also offers expandability and is rated for RV use on certain hitches, adding flexibility for various travel needs.

The rack is relatively heavy at 64 pounds, which could make handling it alone a bit challenging. Also, it’s a premium product, so it comes with a higher price point that may not suit casual riders or those with occasional bike transport needs. If you want a durable, easy-to-use, and secure rack that handles larger bikes and frequent use, the Kuat Piston Pro X provides thoughtful features designed to save time and enhance safety.

The Hollywood Racks Destination E Hitch Bike Rack is designed to carry two bikes, including electric bikes, with a maximum weight of 70 lbs each. This makes it a strong choice for those with heavier bikes. Its compatibility with a 2-inch hitch and ability to accommodate tires up to 4.5 inches wide add to its versatility. Installation is made easier with an included 46-inch aluminum ramp, which simplifies loading and unloading of the bikes, a significant plus for users who may struggle with heavier loads.

The rack also boasts special security features like an adjustable locking frame, seat post clamps, and a hitch tightening system to ensure a secure, wobble-free transport, enhancing peace of mind during travel. One of its standout features is its foldability and balanced tilting, which allows easy access to the vehicle's trunk or rear without needing to unload the bikes. This is particularly useful for road trips or frequent travelers.

Durability is suggested by its build quality and metal construction, but at 46.2 pounds, it may be on the heavier side, which could be a drawback for some users when handling or installing the rack. However, it’s important to note that this rack is not suitable for use on front hitches, trailers, fifth wheels, or towed vehicles, and is only approved for Class B RVs, limiting its utility for certain vehicle types. This rack is ideal for electric bike owners who need a secure, easy-to-use, and durable solution for transporting their bikes, provided their vehicle meets the specified compatibility requirements.