The Bike Hitch Racks is a particularly practical item when you need to transport your bike. It is also known as a ball hitch bike rack. What is sure is that it is an aerodynamic and robust way among the different types of bike racks present on the market. With its position on the back of your vehicle, you can move safely. That’s why it’s a system recognized as reliable and secure, but also compatible with the transport of electric bikes.

1. Thule EasyFold XT

The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Hitch Racks is simply the best on the market. Not surprisingly, it is a more expensive model than its predecessor. But the quality remains well and truly present with many useful functions in all circumstances. This bike carrier on ball hitch is fully foldable. As a result, you can transport it with ease and it remains compact.

We would also like to point out that it is fully compatible with any type of bicycle. We know that the assembly operation is sometimes a real headache for some. But here, you don’t need to make any effort, because you will receive the Thule EasyFold XT bike carrier directly assembled. This saves a lot of time.

As with the previous model, a tilting system is automatically provided for access to your trunk. There is no need to unload your bicycles to access it. Safety is also of the utmost importance when transporting your bikes. That’s why the bike carrier allows you to be locked at the hitch ball by a specific padlock directly provided by the manufacturer.

With its large loading capacity, you will have no problem transporting electric mountain bikes with a wide frame or electric bikes. The fastening system remains particularly intuitive with a torque limiter. When the tightening is optimal, you will automatically hear a “click” so that you are alerted.

The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Hitch Racks has a larger distance between the wheel carriers so you can fit bikes with particularly wide rims. The micro-clip buckles are also nice, as they adjust automatically with tightening straps. The ergonomic transport of this bike carrier is also appreciated because of the directly integrated carrying handle.

However, you cannot carry more than two bikes. The load capacity is 60 kg, which means a maximum of 30 kg per bike. The total weight of the bike carrier is 17.9 kg. The unfolded dimensions are 123 cm long and 68 cm wide. The distance between the bikes is 22 cm.

The adjustable supports at the level of the assembly of the wheels, it is the Pump buckles technology which is directly used The icing on the cake is that the bike rack has a rear light and a 13-pin power connector. As you can see, this model has all the necessary advantages when you need to carry as much bike as possible.

Once installed on your vehicle, you’ll be especially pleased with its quick set up and initial stabilization.These are the small details that make this model a truly superior bike carrier. You can install it with your eyes closed, because the attachment is of remarkable quality.

2. Thule EuroRide 940

The first bike carrier we would like to introduce to you is the Thule EuroRide 940. This one is particularly practical, because you can access your trunk without having to unload your bikes. It includes 7 separate branches to hang up three bikes. For added convenience, the Thule EuroRide 940 has a particularly innovative attachment system so that you can use it on any hitch ball. As a bonus, you will be seduced by the presence of removable attachment arms. Thanks to this device, the bikes can be mounted on the device with extreme ease.

The same is true for unloading, using the foot control. This means that your hands are completely free to receive your bike as they should be. We also insist on its excellent quality-price ratio in view of the various ergonomic elements. The hitching bike carrier is made of aluminum. This makes it particularly light and you will not have any trouble when you have to handle it.

Once again, the presence of an ergonomic handle is particularly appreciable in these circumstances. But we would also like to insist on the safety of the bikes.

The bikes are held in place with a quick-release strap that is attached directly to the wheels. So you don’t have to worry about moving around, even at high speeds. As for the features of the bike rack, you should know that it folds flat and is particularly easy to store. Since it comes in a compact form, you’ll have absolutely no trouble fitting it in the trunk of your vehicle. The manufacturer of the Thule EuroRide 940 has also focused on its design. With light and durable materials, it is a clever mix of elegance and practicality. The system weighs 15.8 kg and allows you to put up to three bikes in it. However, pay attention to these dimensions to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.

The width of Bike Hitch Racks is 73 cm against 102 cm for the total length. In addition, you cannot use a bike that weighs more than 20 kilos. Thanks to the fact that the bike rack tilts, you can access your trunk without having to dismantle your installation. To use the tilting function, you use it directly with an element directly accessible to your foot. Finally, you should also know that the fixing arms on the frame are removable and unique. So you have the freedom to install or remove them according to your preferences. Nevertheless, the arms make it much easier to load the bikes. Don’t worry about your bike’s frames, as they are set on a rubber surface and can accommodate frames up to 80 mm thick.

3. Thule HangOn 3 Tilt

The Thule Hang On 3 Tilt Bike Hitch Racks is a big hit because it is so affordable. As soon as you are a bicycle enthusiast, you can frequently encounter the problem of transportation.

Therefore, this bike carrier is the perfect answer to your needs, with the ability to carry up to three bikes simultaneously. With its remarkable quality, you will have no trouble transporting your bike, even when you have to travel particularly long distances. Moreover, the bike carrier on the hitch is particularly easy to use. If you are not comfortable with DIY and have a limited budget, this is exactly the model you need. You should know that this is a tilt bike rack that has been designed to be handled with great ease. As far as the technical features are concerned, you can have blind confidence in its solid fixing system. You don’t need to make any adjustments beforehand. The device adapts perfectly to the different characteristics of the bike, especially when you have to transport your children’s bikes.

But you should know that the maximum load capacity per bike is 15 kg. Therefore, the total load capacity is around 45 kg. Not surprisingly, you will see a variation in these dimensions when it is folded or when it is folded on itself. When in use, it measures 48 x 55 x 76 cm. However, when folded, it measures 48 x 16 x 81 cm. The Thule HangOn 3 Tilt weighs only 7 kilos, which is a particularly light model compared to the competition. Therefore, you will have no trouble handling it. However, it doesn’t have any attachment arms for the detachable frames. But you will have no trouble using it with carbon frames. The bikes are attached directly to the frame with relatively flexible rubber straps. The attachment is done at the top of the Thule HangOn 3 Tilt, without any difficulty.

If you wish, you can add rear lights to increase your signage. For added security, don’t forget to lock your bikes using a suitable system, like the adapter with Thule Cable Lock technology. As a result, your bicycles are transported with maximum security Among the advantages of the bike carrier on hitch, we can focus on its relatively easy installation. By simply using a lever, you will not have any difficulty in folding it. Once you have folded it flat, you will be able to store it extremely easily in the trunk of your vehicle. In fact, there is no problem with its size, as it is perfectly compact.

Once on the road, safety will be a priority with the presence of reflective tips Finally, the Thule HangOn 3 Tilt fits very easily on the hitch balls. In fact, it uses the Smart attacIt’s also great that the manufacturer provides additional straps if you want to hold your bikes even more securely. Even on winding roads or long distances, your bicycles will not be able to get loose from the Thule HangOn 3 Tilt. Unsurprisingly, the XPR 18904-4 standard will be respected to the letter. Finally, you will sometimes need to use a special bracket so that your license plate is still visible.

4. EUFAB 11514 Bike Hitch Racks

The EUFAB 11514 bike carrier is absolutely remarkable, because it allows you to carry four bikes. If you want to go on a trip with your family or friends, this is exactly the right model for you. This way, you can discover new trails together or go on vacation with your family. The joys of hiking on a sporty tour are guaranteed on top quality equipment. For more details about the technical features, you should know that the hitching bike rack is made of steel. The light plate is also provided, as well as the possibility to put the license plate on it.

This towing system has an empty weight of 22 kg and a dimension of 81 x 24 x 45 cm. But what is remarkable is that you can bypass the sometimes annoying models to be able to load your bikes. This device is perfect for families, as you can carry up to four bikes simultaneously.

No matter what car you have, you’ll be able to use it with ease. The only requirement is that you have a ball hitch. If you do, it will only take a few seconds to set up the entire device.

With its tilting system, you can access your trunk, as with the models we presented earlier. This function is particularly practical, as you do not need to uninstall the structure. As far as the bikes are concerned, safety is the key, as they are directly held in place by the presence of the supports. Of course, you have the possibility of making adjustments at this level depending on the type of bike you are carrying. With its complementary accessories and a set of straps, you have all the necessary accessories. Also note the presence of a set of lights, an additional license plate and a lock with a key.

Another important feature is the aerodynamic design. The EUFAB 11514 bike carrier delivers absolutely outstanding performance and you won’t feel any vibrations, even when you are moving at high speed. Having a completely silent element offers additional comfort, especially when you are on the road for long hours. If you have a big family or if you are a great sportsman, you will be able to swallow any road without any difficulty. The EUFAB 11514 bike carrier is of course also approved, as it ensures incredible stability. Thanks to a support system present at the wheels and with the possibility of adjusting them, the bicycles will be totally stable.

As a result, you can ride safely with a perfectly approved equipment. To avoid theft when you stop at a rest area, you will appreciate the anti-theft system directly provided with the presence of a padlock and a key. So if you have to go on vacation, the EUFAB 11514 bike carrier will quickly become your indispensable companion. You can take your bikes wherever you want and with remarkable safety.

5. Mottez B00B8R5F40

Sometimes you have certain requirements regarding the Bike Hitch Racks on the hitch.

You don’t want to invest in a large model, but rather in a compact one. In this case, you can directly choose the Mottez A009P3NM.This is precisely the specificity of this bike carrier on a hitch, its compactness, without this leading to insecurity when you move. To begin with, we must insist on the presence of the universal attachment on the hitch ball. With a quick fastening system based on the quick-lock shell, the device can be mounted very quickly. For more convenience, you can use the handle directly for a remarkable hold. For the attachment of bicycles, you use 2 special straps.

The Mottez A009P3NM folding bike carrier has a built-in lock to increase the level of security.

Without surprise, the quality will be well and truly at the rendezvous by being completely in accordance with the standards in force. The folding arm provides compact storage that allows you to access your trunk. However, there is a small subtlety to this. Unfortunately, the folding arm is not compatible with a station wagon or a minivan. You must therefore take this particularity into account, otherwise you will be disappointed. As for the maximum weight of the load, it cannot exceed 60 kg, i.e. 15 kg for each bike you carry. The price of the Mottez A009P3NM model remains perfectly accessible, so it is ideal when you have a limited budget. When you don’t want to waste time, you want to invest in a model that is directly intuitive. This is the case with this bike carrier, with a few adjustments sometimes necessary depending on the layout of your vehicle.

At first glance, the handling is relatively simple and once you get used to it, you will be able to install and dismantle it with your eyes closed. Once the device is folded, it is extremely easy to store. The fact that it takes up very little space is particularly convenient, especially when you’re on the move. For the fastening system, you can rely on rubber straps that are particularly robust.

How to choose a bike carrier?

Types of bike carriers

Platform bike carrier

The platform bike carrier is a particularly stable and secure device for transporting your bikes. Whether for short or long trips, it is a compact model, particularly easy to use.

Indeed, the stability is then remarkable with the possibility of systematically accessing your trunk. To do this, you simply need to invest in a tiltable model.

At the same time, it remains very easy to use and you have the opportunity to transport up to four bicycles.

To ensure the safety of your bicycles, the platform bike rack has a particularly appreciable anti-theft system. Most models are also equipped with a license plate and special lights.

As soon as your vehicle is equipped with a ball hitch, you can invest in a platform bike carrier without any problem. If you need to transport an electric bike, you should know that some models are perfectly suited to it.

Finally, the device has the advantage that the bikes hardly collide.

Suspended bike racks

The suspended bike rack is highly compatible with most vehicles. You don’t need to use any special equipment to put it in place, as the whole thing is supported by special straps.

Therefore, you don’t need to turn to roof racks to enjoy it. Generally, this type of model is ideal when you need to transport up to three bikes.

Although very practical and accessible on a limited budget, you may suffer from a lack of visibility. Last but not least, the trunk is not directly accessible. If you absolutely need to access it, you have no choice but to disassemble the overhead rack.

As a bonus, don’t forget to invest in an anti-theft device if you have to leave your bikes unattended.

Number of bikes to carry

The number of bikes to be transported is a very important criteria. If you need to transport more than three bikes, you will have no choice but to use a model that is compatible with the hitch ball. However, an additional check is necessary.

This time, you must check the maximum weight allowed. This information is indicated on the product sheet, i.e. the weight of the bike carrier including the weight of the bike.

Nevertheless, if you invest in a quality bike rack as you can see in our top 5, you will have no trouble riding safely.

Bike weight

As quickly explained in the previous paragraph, weight is another important criterion. Especially if you have an electric bike, you could very quickly reach the limits of the maximum load.

However, you always have the possibility to invest in a sturdy equipment by making sure once again that the total weight of the bikes is not incompatible with the maximum load supported by the bike carrier.

On the other hand, if you ride perfectly standard mountain bikes, then the weight limit will not be a problem, as you do not have an electric motor or a specific frame.

How to choose a bike carrier?

Types of bike carriers
Platform bike carrier

The platform bike carrier is a particularly stable and secure device for transporting your bikes. Whether for short or long trips, it is a compact model, particularly easy to use.

Indeed, the stability is then remarkable with the possibility of systematically accessing your trunk. To do this, you simply need to invest in a tiltable model.

At the same time, it remains very easy to use and you have the opportunity to transport up to four bicycles.

To ensure the safety of your bicycles, the platform bike rack has a particularly appreciable anti-theft system. Most models are also equipped with a license plate and special lights.

As soon as your vehicle is equipped with a ball hitch, you can invest in a platform bike carrier without any problem. If you need to transport an electric bike, you should know that some models are perfectly suited to it.

Finally, the device has the advantage that the bikes hardly collide.

Suspended bike racks

The suspended bike rack is highly compatible with most vehicles. You don’t need to use any special equipment to put it in place, as the whole thing is supported by special straps.

Therefore, you don’t need to turn to roof racks to enjoy it. Generally, this type of model is ideal when you need to transport up to three bikes.

Although very practical and accessible on a limited budget, you may suffer from a lack of visibility. Last but not least, the trunk is not directly accessible. If you absolutely need to access it, you have no choice but to disassemble the overhead rack.

As a bonus, don’t forget to invest in an anti-theft device if you have to leave your bikes unattended.

Number of bikes to carry

The number of bikes to be transported is a very important criteria. If you need to transport more than three bikes, you will have no choice but to use a model that is compatible with the hitch ball. However, an additional check is necessary.

This time, you must check the maximum weight allowed. This information is listed on the product sheet, i.e. the weight of the bike carrier including the weight of the bike.Bike frame compatibility
As you probably know, not all bicycle frames have the same thickness. In addition, the weight can also vary from one model to another. The shape of the bike must also be taken into consideration, as some more complex frames require a specific bike rack.

If you have a mountain bike with high volume tires, you may have some difficulty positioning it properly on the platform.

However, the reverse is also true when you have children’s bikes, the securing system must come into play.

Compatibility with the vehicle

Although you may be tempted to buy a bike carrier in a hurry in order to go on a trip, all precautions must be taken with regard to the compatibility of your vehicle. Indeed, the rear of your car may present some particularities to take into account. This is particularly the case if you drive a station wagon, a sports coupe or a 4×4.

If you rush into the first purchase, luck may not be on your side and in this case you cannot install the bike rack as you wish. In the end, you will waste more time than if you had paid attention to the compatibility with your vehicle.

Weight of the bike rack

The weight of the bike rack is another influencing factor. First, you need to distinguish between the weight of the equipment itself and the load it is capable of carrying. If you use standard bicycles, a standard bike rack will do just fine. You should make sure that the weight of the equipment does not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.

There is a potential risk that the equipment or the straps will not hold.

Anti-theft devices included

Of course, securing is still important to protect the bikes on your equipment. At times, you may be sleeping outdoors or you may have to stop and not have your vehicle in sight.

That’s why some models of bike racks directly integrate an anti-theft device. So you don’t have to worry about security, because it’s directly included.

This is another advantage, because you don’t need to systematically park your bike in the car.