Transporting an e-bike to a desired destination requires using an e-bike rack mount. It’s a specialised bike rack with a hitch receiver tube. However, the hitch receiver tube comes in two sizes: a 2-inch and a 1¼-inch.
The size of the hitch receiver tube affects the weight capacity the e-bike rack mount can bear. Additionally, size affects stability and compatibility with the vehicles. The hitch receiver tube size also affects the ease of installation of the whole e-bike rack mount.
This guide will explore the differences between the two sizes of e-bike rack mount hitch receiver tubes so that travellers can choose an option that serves their intended purpose.
Understanding Ebike Rack Mount Sizes
The vehicle transporting an e-bike has a hitch receiver for the rack mount. The vehicle’s hitch receiver plays an important role because it determines the choice of an e-bike rack mount. Travellers can have two sizes of hitch receivers on their vehicles:
- 2-inch Hitch Receiver
- 1¼-inch Hitch receiver
An e-bike rack mount has a hitch receiver tube that is the same size as the hitch receiver on the traveller’s vehicle. A traveller looking to transport their electric road bike will choose a rack mount with a receiver tube compatible with the hitch receiver on their vehicle.
Since e-bike rack mounts can either fit on 2-inch or 1 1⁄4-inch Hit receivers, they come in two sizes. Therefore, e-bike rack mount sizes are about the size of the hitch receiver tube.
Comparing 2-Inch vs. 1-1/4 Inch Mounts
It comes down to two size options of e-bike rack mounts for travellers. Knowing the differences between the two sizes helps travellers choose an option that safely bears the weight of their electric road bike.
2-Inch Receiver Mounts
This e-bike rack mount is designed to fit on the 2-inch hitch receiver of the traveller’s vehicle. This option supports up to 300 pounds or more, making it a great choice for heavier e-bikes. Additionally, this rack mount size is compatible with trucks, SUVs, and larger vehicles.
Since the hitch receiver tube fits a 2-inch hitch receiver on the vehicle, this rack mount is more stable since the connection is more secure. What’s more, some brands of this rack mount size come with a ramp for effortless loading and an anti-sway for secure e-bike mount.
1¼-Inch Receiver Mounts
This e-bike rack mount attaches to vehicles with a hitch receiver of the same size. It’s an ideal choice for e-bikes weighing 200 pounds or less. Travellers with smaller cars and crossovers will choose this option because of the size of the hitch receiver on the small cars.
While this e-bike rack mount fits securely on the hitch receiver, it doesn't compare to the 2-inch rack mount in a secure fit. This option also includes features like the ramp and anti-sway cradles.
Adapters and Solutions
A traveller with a truck or a larger vehicle can still buy a 1¼-inch e-bike rack mount and use a hitch receiver adapter to attach the smaller rack mount to the big truck.
An adapter converts the hitch receiver tube of the e-bike rack mount to the size of your vehicle’s hitch receiver. The adapter helps the traveller tow an e-bike with a rack mount compatible with the weight capacity.
Choosing the Right Mount for Your Ebike
Choosing the right option comes down to knowing the features to look for in an e-bike rack mount. The first thing is the weight capacity. Heavier e-bikes weighing 300 lbs or more require a 2-inch rack mount.
Lighter e-bikes require 1¼-inch rack mounts. Compatibility with the vehicle is another important factor. Larger trucks have 2-inch hitch receivers. On the other hand, smaller cars have a 1 ¼-inch hitch receiver.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size for an e-bike rack mount requires the traveller to know the weight of the electric road bike. Heavier e-bikes require an e-bike rack mount with a larger size. Also, a good choice comes down to the type of vehicle that will haul the e-bike. Travellers can use adapters to make the vehicle and the rack mount compatible.
