How do you carry your Ebike in or on your car?

I sometimes, if it ever stops snowing/icing/raining/blowing a gale, put my bike in my car and drive 30 odd miles to cycle in a different area for a change.

I put the bike, front first, in the back of my 2009 Honda civic with the seats folded flat. It fits in with the front wheel turned so it drops behind the front seats.

What do others do?

Secondly have others any experience of taking their full size Ebike by train?

if taking the pair we use our camper van which has a rear rack, but can only take one in the hatchback so just put it in back in exactly the same way as you... SHOULD have bought a tow bar rack for camper then could have used it on car as well. Will have to get it sorted out soon

 

Tuscany last summer.....

 

http://i46.tinypic.com/2eb4ndl.jpg

Edited January 28, 201313 yr by eddieo

One of my electric folders pretty much lives in the back of my car. The Swift is a tight fit without folding the back seat down, but just about goes in OK.

 

I've been tempted to get a hitch mounted rack, but all those available over here I've looked at seem to have one problem or another. I nearly bought one of the US made ones (I have a US style detachable hitch bar with a 1.5" square receiver), as they seem cleaner looking and better designed than many of those on sale here. Being solely hitch mounted the folding mechanism (needed to open a hatchback with bikes on the rack) on many seems better designed and more robust that the typical European or UK racks.

Secondly have others any experience of taking their full size Ebike by train?

 

Did this for 5 months as a commute 5 days a week and done a few other trips besides. It would appear that on most trains not really a issue although it does vary from provider to provider and even what type of train. Commuter trains tend to have larger standing areas so its easier to get them on to train other than just in "official" bike areas. Longer distance trains tend to have more specific bike areas and the use of thes is far more vigourously enforced (sometimes).

 

In theory some train companies say you have to book in advance but for most it seems provided there is room its not a issue (only once in those 5 months was I aware of any one being refused passage due to many bikes already on train). Might be worth doing if you know exactly which trains you going to use.

 

Folders are allowed on all trains without restriction.

 

In general it was not really a problem. The only other thing to watch out for is that some stations have limited or no access to lifts so be prepared to lug bike up/down stairs.

Edited January 28, 201313 yr by GaRRy

Hi Storcker,

I use a Thule Europower 916 carrier which fits on a demountable towbar which I had fitted to my Skoda Yeti. The carrier takes 2 ebikes, is quick and easy to install and load/unload and carries our bikes very securely. It's a great piece of kit and I can thoroughly recommend it.

Jim

Secondly have others any experience of taking their full size Ebike by train?

 

...I quite often take my full size ebike on the train from Wakefield to Castleford (50p each way)

I then bike to Lotherton, giving me a total bike journey distance of 24 miles.

This is on a local Metro train ....no booking required. It's a great bike ride when the weathers good.

At Onbike we've always used the Westfalia BC60 bike carrier-Really quick to fit, carries 60kg, is foldable (so it goes in the boot) and flips out of the way when loaded so you can access your boot!

 

Wheel scoops could be a bit longer, but seems very secure regardless.

I use to put mine on the towbar, bike rack, but when out just couldn't leave it without fear of it being stolen, as I like to visit cafes and go off walking with camera gear, so one day without telling er in doors, I bought a van, fits in a treat, just have to turn handle bars and that's it, it slides in. I expect one day she will speak to me again, when she needs to borrow the van.!!

I use a Bosal carrier. very well made and carries 2 bikes up to 60kg total. Flips back for access to boot and folds down and goes into supplied bag

Hi Storcker,

I use a Thule Europower 916 carrier which fits on a demountable towbar which I had fitted to my Skoda Yeti. The carrier takes 2 ebikes, is quick and easy to install and load/unload and carries our bikes very securely. It's a great piece of kit and I can thoroughly recommend it.

Jim

 

I agree - rock solid and very easy to load. Not cheap!

Enjoy,

Tom