Need advice on a Bike Rack for 4 bikes of which 2 are E-bikes

[Nico De Bruyn]

I would really appreciate advice on what bike rack I can consider that will carry 2 e-bikes as well as 2 smaller mountain bikes. I do not want a roofrack for my car. I have a trailer and was considering a rack for my trailer, as this can then double up when I go on holiday as well, got a price from Thule and it is R38k! What other options are there that I can consider? Thanks!!

[Bro Derek]

https://www.vertorack.co.za/

These are awesome. 

Price is also really good for what it is.

Pieter is an amazing dude and will work with you for the best solution as he manufactures/machines parts etc all in his workshop in Paarl

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

I saw a Vertorack in use with a family at an event and it was flippen nice. 

[ChrisF]

Holdfast

 

 

Uhmmm those small bikes grow up fast .... I have had to redo custom racks as the little one is now heading for a L 29" ....   plan way ahead with the spacing of the bikes

Edited August 19, 2025 by ChrisF

[Kuys]

Hi Nico

2x ebikes + 2 x normal bikes becomes very heavy for tow bar mounted system. 

Im working on my own design to transport 4x bikes, but will initially only fit on 2" square interface like most bakkies have. 

1st prototype parts are incoming. If you are interested PM and I can provide more details. 

Mounting on trailer in your case would be good idea, again I can possibly give options if you PM me. 

Depends how much in a hurry you are. 

[Kom]

14 hours ago, Nico De Bruyn said:

I would really appreciate advice on what bike rack I can consider that will carry 2 e-bikes as well as 2 smaller mountain bikes. I do not want a roofrack for my car. I have a trailer and was considering a rack for my trailer, as this can then double up when I go on holiday as well, got a price from Thule and it is R38k! What other options are there that I can consider? Thanks!!

Personally had a Thule VeloCompact 3 bike carrier with the 4th bike rail, and it worked well with up to 3 ebikes and a MTB. (around 65kgs in e-bikes alone).

You can get them on the hub for around R10k, ive seen a 4th bike rail floating here too.

The thule sits nicely in the draft of the car, you dont feel the weight or any drag (attached to the gooseneck on a ML with air suspension).

I wouldnt recommend using the tilt mechanism to access the boot without help, but better to offload the bikes.

The thule folds neatly to chuck in the boot of the car while out riding, or when not needed, i had hooks in my garage to easily hang it out of the way.

Considering the value of the bikes you are suggesting to carry, (+/- R300k), the thule locking system is the best ive used, but not invincible. 

[Graham W]

Just consider that most tow balls only have a range of 45-70kgs. So that's 2 e bikes.

 

[jcza]

https://www.mtbafrica.com/karoorak.html

[Shebeen]

3 hours ago, Graham W said:

Just consider that most tow balls only have a range of 45-70kgs. So that's 2 e bikes.

 

I see the max in SA is 100kg. so by extension, how does this (excellent looking) 6 bike offering work below?

18 minutes ago, jcza said:

https://www.mtbafrica.com/karoorak.html

 

[droo]

18 minutes ago, Shebeen said:

I see the max in SA is 100kg. so by extension, how does this (excellent looking) 6 bike offering work below?

 

AFAIK plugs into a 2" square receiver, which has a much higher load rating.

[Kuys]

[Shebeen]

6 minutes ago, Kuys said:

Thanks, makes perfect sense. just needed to read down further!

The 100kg max seems a bit conservative, considering I'm happy to stand on my towbar and it's not close to breaking.

 

what does influence things is moment/lever effect. if you're stacking up the rack, then heavier bikes on first would be a better option (if possible)

 

 

 

[ChrisF]

4 hours ago, Graham W said:

Just consider that most tow balls only have a range of 45-70kgs. So that's 2 e bikes.

 

 

Tip .... IF you get a rack that works and the weight is an issue .... removing the ebike battery takes seconds on most models.  

[JoeMerida]

I would advise the Trailer Option 

Cycle Rack Trailer accessories for sale - Venter Cycle Rack Trailer accessories and pricing and Cycle Rack Pictures for new trailer accessories for sale - Venter Trailers

A big Car might handle a large TowHook Option but the Trailer Option Works Fine on a Ford Figo as Well as an ML Merc and Anything in between.

Edited August 20, 2025 by JoeMerida

[droo]

5 hours ago, Shebeen said:

Thanks, makes perfect sense. just needed to read down further!

The 100kg max seems a bit conservative, considering I'm happy to stand on my towbar and it's not close to breaking.

 

what does influence things is moment/lever effect. if you're stacking up the rack, then heavier bikes on first would be a better option (if possible)

 

 

 

100kg on a lever that long would make my Forester do a wheelie. But if you're driving a bakkie or SUV you should be fine.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

If you stand on your towbar you’re pushing all the force down. With a rack it’s pulling more than pushing and there’s a fair bit of bouncing around as well