I think platform racks made for heavy e bikes have less negatives than you list. If it is a decent rack and they are put on correctly there should not be a lot of jarring and vibration over what you regularly experience in a car. Some parts are padded and secured. Many racks have locks and you can add your own. Many racks tilt out of the way to give access to the back if you have a hatchback. Bikes are not hard to load on racks. You can load one side at a time. I do not usually have my bikes on the rack for long periods of time. I take them off when I get to my destination. Is one rack really 5x the cost of two totes ? How much do you think racks are ? I know you can get a hitch rack for two e bikes for around $300.00. That said, seems like you want totes which is reasonable for folding bikes.
Hi BET,
No intent to squabble here. I don't think I said bikes are hard to load on racks. I credited the rack with an easier/lower lift.
As to cost, I had in mind the 2-bike rack demoed by Jeremiah McIntosh on youtube, (about $350 I think,) ...and the large tote from Lowe's, about $37 If I remember correctly. The prices can be easily checked, and of course will be more or less for other models of racks/totes. You could say a particular rack might be "only" 4X the cost of two large totes, but another more expensive rack might be 6X the cost of two smaller totes.
As for rear access, a tilted rack with bikes on it between you and your vehicles interior is good to get the hatch open, but not so good for actually using the opening to access/load/unload other content. A swing aside feature is more useful IMO.
I have said in another thread that I "like" the rack that Jeremiah has, and I would get that one if I did not prefer the tote system.
Regardless of inexactness, I tried to be objective writing the comparison, and believe I did a generally fair job of it. I don't sell totes or racks, but feel, myself, that a dirt free dry bike, out of the easy notice and reach of thieves, (defeating locks is their profession) with ability to walk up and open my hatch with nothing in my way, and my receiver clear to tow a boat or other trailer if desired, make my decision easy. I also will be relatively free of the risk of careless driver damage when stopped for lunch or in a supermarket parking lot.
To each his/her own, of course,
Best wishes, however you transport your bikes
