E-Bike Holiday by Car: Tow Bar Racks, Nose Weight & Battery Transport
- Difficulty
- For anyone driving to an e-bike holiday; no prior knowledge needed
- Nose weight
- usually 50–100 kg, see your vehicle documents
- Rack weight
- approx. 13–20 kg
- Required
- Repeat number plate and lighting
- Battery
- remove and carry inside the car
Driving to your e-bike holiday sounds simple, but it often fails because of two numbers hardly anyone checks in advance. Two e-bikes easily weigh 50 to 60 kilograms, plus the rack itself. Here you will learn how to plan nose weight, rack and battery transport properly and which rules apply on the road.
Roof, rear or inside the car?
| Option | Suitable for e-bikes? | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof rack | Hardly | Cheap, rear stays free | Roof load usually too low, heavy overhead lifting, higher fuel use |
| Tow bar rack | Yes, the standard solution | High load capacity, loading at hip height, often tilts | Limited by nose weight, needs a repeat number plate |
| Inside / van | Yes | Theft-proof, weatherproof | Only with a big boot, seats have to come out |
For heavy e-bikes, a tow bar rack is almost always the best choice. The German motoring club ACE points out that heavy e-bikes usually do not belong on the roof because of the permitted roof load (ACE).
How to calculate nose weight
Nose weight is the force with which the rack and bikes press down on the tow bar. It usually lies between 50 and 100 kilograms and is listed in your vehicle documents (in Germany: registration certificate part I, field 13) or on the tow bar's type plate.
The formula: nose weight minus rack weight equals the maximum weight for your bikes.
| Example | Value |
|---|---|
| Nose weight per vehicle documents | 75 kg |
| Tow bar rack for 2 bikes | approx. 15–20 kg |
| Left for the bikes | approx. 55–60 kg |
| Two e-bikes without batteries | often 2 × 22–27 kg |
If it gets tight, the battery helps: an e-bike battery usually weighs 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. With two bikes, that quickly saves 6 kilograms on the tow bar. Also make sure the rack itself is approved for the weight of your bikes, often 60 kilograms.
Rules on the road
- Repeat number plate: if the rack covers the rear number plate, you need a third plate with the same registration. You may not move the original plate to the rack.
- Lighting: the rack needs its own rear lights, indicators and brake lights, connected via the tow bar socket.
- Approval: when buying, look for an EU type approval for the rack.
- Abroad: if the bikes stick out beyond the width of the car, Italy, Spain and Portugal require two warning boards, even on an empty rack.
Battery, display & co.: transport them properly
- Remove the battery and store it inside the car, well secured and out of direct sun.
- Remove the display and loose parts such as bike computer or pump so they do not get lost on the way.
- Protect the contacts: a cover cap for the battery mount keeps rain and dirt out.
- Secure the bikes twice: frame holders plus straps for the wheels. Retighten everything after the first 50 kilometres.
- Lock up: the rack's frame holders are lockable, and an extra cable lock deters thieves during breaks.
What makes a good e-bike rack
Driving with a rear rack
A loaded rear rack changes how the car handles: the rear gets heavier, braking distances get longer and the car reacts more to crosswinds. Drive the first kilometres gently and check the bikes after every stop. When reversing and parking, the car is around half a metre longer, and a reversing camera often only sees the rack.
Conclusion
If you want to take two e-bikes along, check the nose weight in your vehicle documents before buying. A tilting tow bar rack with a ramp and at least 60 kilograms of capacity is the best solution for most people. Batteries go inside the car, and a repeat number plate goes on the rack.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my car's nose weight?
In your vehicle documents (in Germany: registration certificate part I, field 13) or on the type plate of the tow bar.
Can I leave the battery on the e-bike while driving?
It is possible, but not recommended. Without the battery you save nose weight, and inside the car the battery is protected from rain, heat and theft.
Do I need a third number plate?
Yes, if the rack covers the rear number plate. You then need a repeat plate with the same registration.
Can I carry e-bikes on the roof?
Usually not. The permitted roof load of many cars is lower than the weight of two e-bikes plus rack, and lifting them overhead is hard work.