Cycling and walking are healthy. They are both good ways to work on your condition and your health in general. Doctors and other health professionals often advise their patients to walk or cycle more for good reason. But which is better to do? Which is healthier, biking or walking? This question will be answered today.
All About Bike Carriers for E-Bikes
If you’re planning to take your e-bike on vacation or you enjoy discovering new cycling routes by car, a reliable bike carrier for e-bikes is essential. But what makes a bike carrier “good”? Which type is compatible with BESV e-bikes? And is your car even equipped to handle a bike carrier? Read on for comprehensive advice on selecting the perfect electric bike carrier.
What Makes a Good Bike Carrier?
A good bike carrier should be:
- Sturdy and Durable: It should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the weight of e-bikes, which are generally heavier than traditional bikes.
- Secure: The carrier should have a locking mechanism to secure the bikes during transit.
- Easy to Install and Remove: Look for a carrier that is user-friendly and doesn’t require a lot of time or tools to install or remove.
- Versatile: It should be able to accommodate different types of bikes and wheel sizes.
- Compact and Foldable: For easy storage and better maneuverability when not in use.
Compatibility with BESV E-Bikes
Most BESV e-bikes are compatible with standard bike carriers designed for e-bikes. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specifications and weight limits of the carrier to ensure it can accommodate your specific BESV model.
Is Your Car Suitable for a Bike Carrier?
Before purchasing a bike carrier, consider the following:
- Tow Bar: Does your car have a tow bar? Some bike carriers require one for installation.
- Roof Height: If you’re considering a roof-mounted carrier, make sure you can easily lift your e-bike to the required height.
- Trunk Access: Ensure that the carrier allows easy access to the car’s trunk when bikes are mounted.
- Weight Limit: Check your car’s manual for the maximum weight it can carry on a bike rack, especially if you plan to transport more than one e-bike.
Choosing the Right Bike Rack for Your E-Bike(s)
If you own BESV e-bikes and are looking for the perfect bike rack to match, there are several factors you should weigh. We’ve outlined these considerations for you below.
Weight Capacity
First and foremost, ensure that the bike rack you choose is robust enough to handle the weight of your e-bikes. Take note of the rack’s maximum weight capacity. Your specific e-bike model will likely weigh around 25 to 30 kg. If you plan to carry two bikes, you’ll require a rack with a minimum weight limit of 60 kg.
Lighting
Because the bike carrier blocks the rear lights of your car, they are equipped with lights themselves. For these lights to work properly, the bike carrier must be connected to the car with a plug. Please note that there are bike carriers with only rear light and flashing light (without rear fog light and reversing light), and bike carriers with a complete lighting set. In the Netherlands, rear fog and reversing lights are not mandatory, but they are in neighbouring countries (e.g., Germany and Belgium). We therefore recommend going for a carrier with all lights so that you can ride anywhere with your e-bikes.
Keep in mind that the plug connection differs per type of lighting. A carrier with a complete set has a 13-pin plug, and therefore only fits on a 13-pin socket. Does your car have a 7-pin connector? Then you can buy an adapter for this.
Tiltable e-bike carrier
With a bike carrier upright on the tow bar, it is impossible to open the tailgate of your car. Not very convenient of course. Fortunately, the bike carrier manufacturers have found a solution: a tilt mechanism. So, when you’re looking for a carrier, make sure it tilts, and that it tilts smoothly. Cheap models with such a tilting function are often very heavy to tilt. Luxurious models are equipped with a smart system, where you also use your foot to tilt.
Foldable
Not necessary, but very handy when you want to store the carrier: a folding function. This allows you to store the thing compactly in your garage during the winter, or put it in the trunk of your car during your holiday, so you don’t have to leave it on your towbar the whole time.
Loading ramp for bike carrier
In order to place the fairly heavy bikes easily and comfortably on the bike carrier, you can use a ramp. Some models come with such a ramp as standard, but what you usually see is that it is sold as an extra accessory. So, you don’t want to lift too much your bike? Make sure that the ramp is included with the bike carrier for e-bikes, or order it as an extra.
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