Skip to content
EN · km
Units
My Garage
Automotive glossary

Bike Rack (Bicycle Carrier)

A bike rack carries bicycles on the car roof, on the tailgate or on the tow bar.

On this page

What is Bike Rack (Bicycle Carrier)?

Tow bar racks are easy to load and have little effect on fuel consumption. Roof racks keep the rear of the car clear but raise the overall height. Many tow bar racks tilt so the boot can still be opened. Electric bikes are heavy, so many racks have lower limits for them. Removing the batteries reduces weight.

How it works

Clamps and straps hold the bike frame and wheels to a frame mounted on the car.

Why it matters for your car

The number plate and rear lights must remain visible; many tow bar racks have their own. Respect both the rack's weight limit and the tow bar's permitted vertical load.

Other terms