When it comes to taking your e-bikes out on adventures, sometimes you want to travel to distant places and use your e-bike to explore. The main downside is e-bikes have a limited range. Sometimes, you can’t ride your e-bike 20 miles to get to the trails you want to ride on. And when it comes to transporting your e-bikes, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is a fantastic choice.
Thule is a bicycle accessory manufacturer founded in the 1940s in southern Sweden. They produce a wide range of bicycle accessories and parts, from bike chains and pedals to towable strollers and bicycle racks. Thule has an impressive history of high-quality merchandise that continues to improve every year, and the perfect example is the EasyFold XT 2.
The EasyFold XT 2 is a hitch-mounted bicycle rack perfect for hauling e-bikes. It can support up to two bicycles with a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds. This allows for two e-bikes weighing up to 65 pounds, which is the perfect weight limit for most. Furthermore, this bike rack is packed with features such as:
- Integrated tail lights so you’re more visible on the road at night
- A spot where you can install your license plate
- A ramp that allows for easy mounting and dismounting
- Able to fit snug in both 1¼ and 2-inch hitches
- A single key system that locks the hitch in place and both of the arms to secure your electric bicycles to the rack
- A carbon fiber frame protector
- A lever that you can push to tilt the entire rack away from your vehicle so you can access the trunk with ease
One of the best things about this bike rack is that it’s effortless to install onto your vehicle. The EasyFold XT 2 also comes with wheels on the underside of the rack, so if you’re not planning on using it for a while, you can take it off your vehicle and roll it around with ease. This bike rack also folds up, allowing easy storage in your garage or closet.
Finally, we love how Thule has taken the time to produce accessories for this bike rack. For example, Thule has longer straps available for purchase which help secure fat-tire bikes to the rack. Another example is the swing bar that attaches to the hitch and the bike rack, which allows the bike rack to swing to the side of your vehicle if your rear hatch opens up or to the side.
As you continue to read this article, we will discuss all of the features of the Thule EasyFold XT 2. We will also provide an extensive list of pros and cons, summarizing why we think the EasyFold XT 2 is the best bike rack for electric bicycles.
The Main Issue with Most Bike Racks
The main issue with bike racks is that they’re incompatible with e-bikes due to their increased weight. For example, a traditional bike can weigh around 20 pounds, but it’s very common for an e-bike to weigh more than 50 pounds. Most bicycle racks have a maximum weight capacity to support an e-bike. Still, the issue reveals itself when you realize the maximum weight allowed per bicycle is around 25 to 30 pounds.
Thankfully, some bike rack companies like Thule have noticed the increasing popularity of e-bikes and have produced bike racks that can support their increased weight. This is why we think the EasyFold XT 2 is absolutely fantastic for those who love traveling with their e-bikes.
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Review
The EasyFold XT 2 has a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds, allowing you to secure two e-bikes weighing up to 65 pounds. This bike rack can support fat wheels up to 5 inches wide. It’s also very versatile and features an adapter piece that can fit both 1¼-inch and 2-inch hitches. Unfortunately, the EasyFold XT 2 has a steep price tag of around $1,000. However, if you’re spending quite a lot of money on high-end e-bikes, then you’d want a bike rack that’s secure enough to transport them. But let’s get into the features that make the EasyFold XT 2 worth its high price tag.
The EasyFold XT 2 is packed with many features. This bike rack is constructed with steel and lightweight aluminum alloy, which provides the strength needed to carry up to two e-bikes while also being lightweight itself. The EasyFold XT 2 weighs around 42 pounds, which helps make this bike rack easy to install. The overall weight of this bike rack makes it easy to transport and store when you’re not using it. Moreover, this bike rack can fold up and features wheels on the underside of the rack, which further enhances its ability to be moved around and stored when it’s not on your vehicle.
Thule has also taken the time to add some quality-of-life features to this fantastic bike rack. For example, this bike rack can come with reflectors or brake lights that can plug into your car, making it easier to see you at night. Thule has also manufactured the EasyFold XT 2 to have a spot where you can install your license plate so that you do not get pulled over for obstructing the view of it. You’ll also find a carbon fiber tube protector that protects your e-bikes from being scratched by the arms that help secure your bicycles to the rack.
Another fantastic addition to this bike rack is that it comes with a ramp, which is rare for most bike racks. The ramp that’s included with the bike rack can fold up and be stored in a special pocket which you will find when tilting the rack forward. If that isn’t enough, you can also purchase a longer ramp from Thule, which might be needed if your vehicle has a high suspension. The longer ramp can also fold up for more accessible storage, but it won’t be able to fit inside the bike rack.
Regarding security, the EasyFold XT 2 doesn’t cut any corners. It comes with three locking mechanisms: one on the long arm, one on the short arm, and one on the hitch knob. The lock on the hitch knob is especially lovely because nobody can come up to your vehicle while you’re on the trails and just take the bike rack off and walk away with it. With this, you’ll get two keys that work on all three of the locks. Additionally, Thule has come up with a genius idea that allows you to set the locks on most of their products to work with the same key. So, if you happen to have the EasyFold XT 2 and some other products that require keys, you won’t have to fumble around and find the correct key for each lock.
One of the best things about this bike rack is how easy it is to mount and dismount your bicycles. As we previously stated, this bike rack has its own folding ramp, which is lightweight and can support those heavy 60-pound e-bikes as you roll them up the ramp. Furthermore, if you have e-bikes that have a walk mode, then loading them on this ramp is even easier. The ramp has a flexible rubber tongue that you use to secure it to the bike rack when you’re mounting or dismounting your e-bikes. The tongue fits in snugly to the bike rack and will require a bit of force to set it in place and a bit of wiggling to take it out.
Once you get your bike onto the rack, you can secure it in place with straps that fit around each wheel. Then you’ll use one of the two arms to clamp onto the frame of your bicycle. One of the neat features of the arms is that the clamps won’t allow you to over-tighten them on your bicycle. As you use the spinning knob to tighten the clamps, it will get to a point where the knob will start to click as you spin it. This is a sign that the clamp is as tight as it allows. Both locking arms are versatile and can secure any part of a bicycle frame while also being able to move around on the rail connected to the bike rack. This versatile feature allows you to configure the arms to secure your bicycles to the bike rack in numerous ways. However, the locking arms are a bit finicky when you first start using them, and it will take a bit of time to find the perfect configuration to secure your bicycles in.
The EasyFold XT 2 also has a ton of enhanced storage features, which makes this bike rack stand out from the rest. For example, the straps that secure the wheels to the rack can be tucked out of the way, while the straps on most bike racks will kind of hang and flop around. The arms can be removed from the rail if you don’t plan on using both, but they can also hang from the rail and be fashioned in a way they don’t swing while driving. In addition, the bike rack is very compact when it’s folded up, which allows you to store it in a closet, in your garage out of the way, or even in the trunk of your vehicle. The wheels installed on the EasyFold XT 2 allow you to cart it around like luggage.
EasyFold XT 2 Pros
- The EasyFold XT 2 is jam-packed with features.
- It’s sturdy enough to secure two e-bikes weighing up to 65 pounds each.
- It can support fat-tire bicycles with wheels up to 5 inches wide.
- It only weighs 42 pounds, which makes it very easy to move around when not hitched to your vehicle.
- The light weight of this rack helps make installation a breeze.
- It comes with either reflectors or brake lights to make you more visible at night.
- Features a license plate frame that allows you to mount your license plate to the rack and prevent you from getting pulled over due to an obstructed view of it.
- Features three locking mechanisms that prevent theft of your bicycles and the rack itself.
- The locking arms are super versatile and can be configured in numerous ways to secure your bicycles.
- The clamps on the locking arms are engineered so you can’t over-tighten them.
- It comes with a carbon fiber tube protector that prevents the clamps from scratching your bicycle.
- It comes with a ramp that makes loading and unloading your bicycles easy.
- The ramp is foldable and can be stored in a special pocket inside the bike rack.
- Thule has a ton of available accessories like a door-swing, longer wheel straps, additional carbon fiber tube protectors, and longer ramps.
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
EasyFold XT 2 Cons
- This bike rack can only carry two e-bikes.
- The EasyFold XT 2 has a steep price tag of $1,000. However, the high price point is well worth it, in our opinion, considering the security features are fantastic at protecting your already expensive e-bikes.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the EasyFold XT 2 is a fantastic bike rack perfect for transporting your e-bikes. Furthermore, this bike rack is jam-packed with features that ensure your expensive e-bikes arrive at your destination safe and sound. However, the biggest issue with this bike rack is its $1,000 price tag. But, if you want to ensure your e-bikes and vehicle will not get damaged while traveling, then there’s no better choice than the EasyFold XT 2.
Thule Bike Rack For Electric Bikes (My Experience & Guide)
When it comes to taking your e-bikes out on adventures, sometimes you want to travel to distant places and use your e-bike to explore. The main downside is e-bikes have a limited range. Sometimes, you can’t ride your e-bike 20 miles to get to the trails you want to ride on. And when it comes to transporting your e-bikes, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is a fantastic choice.
Thule is a bicycle accessory manufacturer founded in the 1940s in southern Sweden. They produce a wide range of bicycle accessories and parts, from bike chains and pedals to towable strollers and bicycle racks. Thule has an impressive history of high-quality merchandise that continues to improve every year, and the perfect example is the EasyFold XT 2.
The EasyFold XT 2 is a hitch-mounted bicycle rack perfect for hauling e-bikes. It can support up to two bicycles with a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds. This allows for two e-bikes weighing up to 65 pounds, which is the perfect weight limit for most. Furthermore, this bike rack is packed with features such as:
- Integrated tail lights so you’re more visible on the road at night
- A spot where you can install your license plate
- A ramp that allows for easy mounting and dismounting
- Able to fit snug in both 1¼ and 2-inch hitches
- A single key system that locks the hitch in place and both of the arms to secure your electric bicycles to the rack
- A carbon fiber frame protector
- A lever that you can push to tilt the entire rack away from your vehicle so you can access the trunk with ease
One of the best things about this bike rack is that it’s effortless to install onto your vehicle. The EasyFold XT 2 also comes with wheels on the underside of the rack, so if you’re not planning on using it for a while, you can take it off your vehicle and roll it around with ease. This bike rack also folds up, allowing easy storage in your garage or closet.
Finally, we love how Thule has taken the time to produce accessories for this bike rack. For example, Thule has longer straps available for purchase which help secure fat-tire bikes to the rack. Another example is the swing bar that attaches to the hitch and the bike rack, which allows the bike rack to swing to the side of your vehicle if your rear hatch opens up or to the side.
As you continue to read this article, we will discuss all of the features of the Thule EasyFold XT 2. We will also provide an extensive list of pros and cons, summarizing why we think the EasyFold XT 2 is the best bike rack for electric bicycles.
The Main Issue with Most Bike Racks
The main issue with bike racks is that they’re incompatible with e-bikes due to their increased weight. For example, a traditional bike can weigh around 20 pounds, but it’s very common for an e-bike to weigh more than 50 pounds. Most bicycle racks have a maximum weight capacity to support an e-bike. Still, the issue reveals itself when you realize the maximum weight allowed per bicycle is around 25 to 30 pounds.
Thankfully, some bike rack companies like Thule have noticed the increasing popularity of e-bikes and have produced bike racks that can support their increased weight. This is why we think the EasyFold XT 2 is absolutely fantastic for those who love traveling with their e-bikes.
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Review
The EasyFold XT 2 has a maximum weight capacity of 130 pounds, allowing you to secure two e-bikes weighing up to 65 pounds. This bike rack can support fat wheels up to 5 inches wide. It’s also very versatile and features an adapter piece that can fit both 1¼-inch and 2-inch hitches. Unfortunately, the EasyFold XT 2 has a steep price tag of around $1,000. However, if you’re spending quite a lot of money on high-end e-bikes, then you’d want a bike rack that’s secure enough to transport them. But let’s get into the features that make the EasyFold XT 2 worth its high price tag.
The EasyFold XT 2 is packed with many features. This bike rack is constructed with steel and lightweight aluminum alloy, which provides the strength needed to carry up to two e-bikes while also being lightweight itself. The EasyFold XT 2 weighs around 42 pounds, which helps make this bike rack easy to install. The overall weight of this bike rack makes it easy to transport and store when you’re not using it. Moreover, this bike rack can fold up and features wheels on the underside of the rack, which further enhances its ability to be moved around and stored when it’s not on your vehicle.
Thule has also taken the time to add some quality-of-life features to this fantastic bike rack. For example, this bike rack can come with reflectors or brake lights that can plug into your car, making it easier to see you at night. Thule has also manufactured the EasyFold XT 2 to have a spot where you can install your license plate so that you do not get pulled over for obstructing the view of it. You’ll also find a carbon fiber tube protector that protects your e-bikes from being scratched by the arms that help secure your bicycles to the rack.
Another fantastic addition to this bike rack is that it comes with a ramp, which is rare for most bike racks. The ramp that’s included with the bike rack can fold up and be stored in a special pocket which you will find when tilting the rack forward. If that isn’t enough, you can also purchase a longer ramp from Thule, which might be needed if your vehicle has a high suspension. The longer ramp can also fold up for more accessible storage, but it won’t be able to fit inside the bike rack.
Regarding security, the EasyFold XT 2 doesn’t cut any corners. It comes with three locking mechanisms: one on the long arm, one on the short arm, and one on the hitch knob. The lock on the hitch knob is especially lovely because nobody can come up to your vehicle while you’re on the trails and just take the bike rack off and walk away with it. With this, you’ll get two keys that work on all three of the locks. Additionally, Thule has come up with a genius idea that allows you to set the locks on most of their products to work with the same key. So, if you happen to have the EasyFold XT 2 and some other products that require keys, you won’t have to fumble around and find the correct key for each lock.
One of the best things about this bike rack is how easy it is to mount and dismount your bicycles. As we previously stated, this bike rack has its own folding ramp, which is lightweight and can support those heavy 60-pound e-bikes as you roll them up the ramp. Furthermore, if you have e-bikes that have a walk mode, then loading them on this ramp is even easier. The ramp has a flexible rubber tongue that you use to secure it to the bike rack when you’re mounting or dismounting your e-bikes. The tongue fits in snugly to the bike rack and will require a bit of force to set it in place and a bit of wiggling to take it out.
Once you get your bike onto the rack, you can secure it in place with straps that fit around each wheel. Then you’ll use one of the two arms to clamp onto the frame of your bicycle. One of the neat features of the arms is that the clamps won’t allow you to over-tighten them on your bicycle. As you use the spinning knob to tighten the clamps, it will get to a point where the knob will start to click as you spin it. This is a sign that the clamp is as tight as it allows. Both locking arms are versatile and can secure any part of a bicycle frame while also being able to move around on the rail connected to the bike rack. This versatile feature allows you to configure the arms to secure your bicycles to the bike rack in numerous ways. However, the locking arms are a bit finicky when you first start using them, and it will take a bit of time to find the perfect configuration to secure your bicycles in.
The EasyFold XT 2 also has a ton of enhanced storage features, which makes this bike rack stand out from the rest. For example, the straps that secure the wheels to the rack can be tucked out of the way, while the straps on most bike racks will kind of hang and flop around. The arms can be removed from the rail if you don’t plan on using both, but they can also hang from the rail and be fashioned in a way they don’t swing while driving. In addition, the bike rack is very compact when it’s folded up, which allows you to store it in a closet, in your garage out of the way, or even in the trunk of your vehicle. The wheels installed on the EasyFold XT 2 allow you to cart it around like luggage.
EasyFold XT 2 Pros
- The EasyFold XT 2 is jam-packed with features.
- It’s sturdy enough to secure two e-bikes weighing up to 65 pounds each.
- It can support fat-tire bicycles with wheels up to 5 inches wide.
- It only weighs 42 pounds, which makes it very easy to move around when not hitched to your vehicle.
- The light weight of this rack helps make installation a breeze.
- It comes with either reflectors or brake lights to make you more visible at night.
- Features a license plate frame that allows you to mount your license plate to the rack and prevent you from getting pulled over due to an obstructed view of it.
- Features three locking mechanisms that prevent theft of your bicycles and the rack itself.
- The locking arms are super versatile and can be configured in numerous ways to secure your bicycles.
- The clamps on the locking arms are engineered so you can’t over-tighten them.
- It comes with a carbon fiber tube protector that prevents the clamps from scratching your bicycle.
- It comes with a ramp that makes loading and unloading your bicycles easy.
- The ramp is foldable and can be stored in a special pocket inside the bike rack.
- Thule has a ton of available accessories like a door-swing, longer wheel straps, additional carbon fiber tube protectors, and longer ramps.
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
EasyFold XT 2 Cons
- This bike rack can only carry two e-bikes.
- The EasyFold XT 2 has a steep price tag of $1,000. However, the high price point is well worth it, in our opinion, considering the security features are fantastic at protecting your already expensive e-bikes.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the EasyFold XT 2 is a fantastic bike rack perfect for transporting your e-bikes. Furthermore, this bike rack is jam-packed with features that ensure your expensive e-bikes arrive at your destination safe and sound. However, the biggest issue with this bike rack is its $1,000 price tag. But, if you want to ensure your e-bikes and vehicle will not get damaged while traveling, then there’s no better choice than the EasyFold XT 2.