Bicycles

Bike eRack uses a motor to load bikes onto cars

Bike eRack uses a motor to load bikes onto cars
The new MX line of the Bike eRack is beefy enough to lift motorbikes, although it can still also carry mountain bikes
The new MX line of the Bike eRack is beefy enough to lift motorbikes, although it can still also carry mountain bikes
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The Bike eRack is locked to the vehicle, plus the bikes can in turn be locked to the rack
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The Bike eRack is locked to the vehicle, plus the bikes can in turn be locked to the rack
The Bike eRack, sans bikes
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The Bike eRack, sans bikes
The new MX line of the Bike eRack is beefy enough to lift motorbikes, although it can still also carry mountain bikes
3/3
The new MX line of the Bike eRack is beefy enough to lift motorbikes, although it can still also carry mountain bikes
View gallery - 3 images

Lifting bikes up onto a vehicle's rear rack can be difficult, especially if they're heavy electric mountain bikes or even motorbikes. The Bike eRack is designed to make the job easier, as it uses a motor to lift the bikes.

The Canadian-made anodized aluminum eRack mounts on the host vehicle's 2-inch trailer hitch, and is connected to its electrical system via an RV-style plug. It's available in several different models (and 16 colors), all of which work in the same fashion.

With the rack lowered to lie parallel with the ground, the user starts by rolling their bike forward and inserting its front wheel into one of the wheel holders. They then use an integrated rubber strap to secure the wheel in place.

From there they just press a button on a wireless remote, which causes the motorized rack to rise to a vertical orientation, taking the bike along with it. The user then simply uses another strap to secure the rear wheel of the now-vertical bike to the rack. Needless to say, taking bikes off the rack is just the same process, in reverse.

The Bike eRack, sans bikes
The Bike eRack, sans bikes

The eRack is locked to the vehicle, plus the bikes can in turn be locked to the rack. And if the user needs to open the vehicle's rear hatch, they can do so by lowering the eRack part way down (bikes and all). Other features include built-in running lights, brake lights and turn indicators; a lighted license plate frame; and an emergency stop switch located on the rack itself.

The company has just announced the new MX line of the Bike eRack, designed specifically for use with motorized dirt bikes. Prices range from CAD$2,499 (about US$1,865) for a one-bike model, up to CAD$4,599 (US$3,431) for a model that can accommodate two full-size dirt bikes and one pit bike – it can alternately take five mountain bikes, electric or traditional. Pricing for the original more mountain-bike-oriented line starts at CAD$2,399 (US$1,790).

Various versions of the rack can be seen in use, in the video below.

BIKE eRACK

Source: Bike eRack

View gallery - 3 images
5 comments
5 comments
johanschaller
Great idea and seems like good execution, based on what's visible in the photos and video. A concern with the moto application might be tow hitch capacity. Referring to the images, a pertinent example I can quote is the FJ Cruiser, which here in Australia has a maximum allowable hitch down-load of 250 kg. One trail bike - fine, two maybe not.
2Hedz
@johanschaller totally agree. I have never seen 2 full size motor bikes on a rack. Eek!
PAV
Good idea, and good execution. And for once the price is reasonable! I want one! I currently use my sprinter van to transport two Buzz electric trikes, but I want to use my Toyota Highlander instead.
1stClassOPP
Great! How do you get the contraption off and on the hitch? Looks like it might be a nightmare
ljaques
Cute trick.
@2Hedz, I think they meant "Two full sized 125cc dirt bikes." there.
I doubt you'd get a pair of Teneres or even a single harley on this beast.
"Let's see, $100 worth of steel, a $150 electric linear actuator with remote, $5 worth of wire, and a $5 decal?
Let's sell it for $3431.00USD!, or are ideas worth a 1,320% markup?"
And for a little dual-sport bike, the rear license plate and fender would get in the way.
Fun idea, anyway. Watch for the $350 model on Harbor Freight next year?