I will be in the market soon for a new car. I’d like to purchase a small hybrid or EV, but want one that can safety tow a 50 lb. E-bike and a regular bike. I’m not sure what smaller cars can accommodate this towing need or what to look for in making this determination. Any of the Prius models or smaller Subarus maybe? Thanks for any suggestions!
What is a good Small hybrid car for towing e-bike?
- Thread starter Logwog
- Start date
harryS
Well-Known Member
You might read this bike rack manufacturer's article. He doesn't like 1.25" class 1 receivers and doesn't recommend his customers using them.
rockymounts.com
I believe you can get a Prius with either 1.25" or 2". If you can, get the 2" or buy a car that will support 2". I believe Suburus will, as their cars are tjhemed for outdoors types.
I've owned a car with a 1.25" and the racks are rated around 70-90 pounds. Mine would shake and wobble, and I had to secure it with saftey straps. Then I'd see other cars sailing down the highway with stable bikes.
I just got a new car with a 2" hitch, and upgraded to a stronger rack. No more wobbling.
The ugly truth and confusion about Class I Hitch Bike Racks and the 1.25
We get questions daily about using RockyMounts hitch bike racks on Class I hitches as we do not approve our racks for use on Class I. Why? Read below, it requires understanding the loads a rack puts on the hitch and a brief history lesson. Both Class I and Class II Hitches have a 1.25"...
rockymounts.com
I believe you can get a Prius with either 1.25" or 2". If you can, get the 2" or buy a car that will support 2". I believe Suburus will, as their cars are tjhemed for outdoors types.
I've owned a car with a 1.25" and the racks are rated around 70-90 pounds. Mine would shake and wobble, and I had to secure it with saftey straps. Then I'd see other cars sailing down the highway with stable bikes.
I just got a new car with a 2" hitch, and upgraded to a stronger rack. No more wobbling.
Deacon Blues
Well-Known Member
As already mentioned, the most important thing when looking for a new vehicle that can carry a heavy ebike is if a class 3 trailer hitch can be installed.
A 1 1/4" hitch will kinda work, but a 2" hitch is a much better solution.
A 1 1/4" hitch will kinda work, but a 2" hitch is a much better solution.
mrgold35
Well-Known Member
I would factor in a hybrid/EV that has an OEM or aftermarket 2" hitch capability. I would also double check the tongue weight of the hybrid/EV to make sure the +50lbs ebike+rack isn't exceeding that (usually 10% of max tow weight). You will have a lot more selection of platform racks in the 2" range for heavy +50lbs ebikes. Having a 1 1/4" hitch might require you to add an adaptor and that might reduce the tongue weight depending on the length of the adaptor. Exceeding the tongue weight might cause issues like the headlights being aimed too high, braking feel, steering feel, and reduce handling (especially if you have max passengers and heavy cargo in trunk/hatch). You sometimes have to reduce the amount of passengers and cargo weight in the cabin with more weight you tow.
I have a QuikRack Mach 2" platform rack for my Acura MDX Sport Hybrid that comes in under 35lbs and takes a minute to install/uninstall without any tools (the rack folds if you want to toss in trunk/hatch). I really like this rack because it can handle up to 120lbs; which, make is easy because I don't have to remove anything for my heavy +80lbs ebike.
My hybrid SUV isn't recommended for any towing; but, A-OK for bike rack or hitch cargo carrier (350lbs tongue weight limit). Ordered the optional ramp and second 25lbs rack for wife's Radcity ebike:
I have a QuikRack Mach 2" platform rack for my Acura MDX Sport Hybrid that comes in under 35lbs and takes a minute to install/uninstall without any tools (the rack folds if you want to toss in trunk/hatch). I really like this rack because it can handle up to 120lbs; which, make is easy because I don't have to remove anything for my heavy +80lbs ebike.
My hybrid SUV isn't recommended for any towing; but, A-OK for bike rack or hitch cargo carrier (350lbs tongue weight limit). Ordered the optional ramp and second 25lbs rack for wife's Radcity ebike:
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Taylor57
Well-Known Member
I have a Hyundai Kona EV and a 1Up 1.25 Quick Rack. It is rock solid and has carried my 35 lb Gravelster as well as my 65 lb Aventon Level. You can also add on a rack if you need to carry multiple bikes. My local Uhaul were great installing my hitch and I think the price installed was under 300 bucks US. https://1up-usa.com/product/1-25-2-quik-rack
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For hauling 2 bikes, it would be best to have a 2" receiver rather than a 1.25". Bikes can weigh over 70 lbs. Of course it helps to remove the battery. I would definitely want a platform type carrier rather than one that suspends the bike from above. You also might look into Harbor Freight motorcycle carriers. The price is right, and if they can carry a motorcycle, they can certainly carry a couple of bikes. (Those are light motorcycles, probably dirt bikes).
Taylor57
Well-Known Member
I think the 2inch idea is probably good advice if you plan on carrying 2 bikes...
I can help with safely, not so much small, hybrid or EV.
For your needs, a few small hybrids and EVs can handle a hitch mounted rack for a 50 lb e-bike and a regular bike. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Prime is a great option with up to 2,500 lbs towing capacity. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can tow up to 1,000 lbs, making it suitable as well. Newer Toyota Prius models can support hitch racks (not towing trailers), which should be fine for your bikes. Also consider the Hyundai Kona Electric, as many use it with hitch racks. Just ensure the tongue weight rating supports your total bike plus rack weight.
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