As of: February 15, 2024, 4:35 p.m
By: Philipp Mosthaf
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Bicycle racks are suitable for long tours.
Stiftung Warentest took a close look at the models.
© Amaviael/PantherMedia
Not every trailer hitch bike rack is safe.
These are the results from Stiftung Warentest.
Discover the best models.
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Towbar bike racks are very practical, but not always safe.
This is the verdict from Stiftung Warentest in the big test.
We present the results in this article and show you the best bike racks.
These bike racks are recommended
The test winner: Thule bike rack EasyFold XT
Inexpensive and good: Eufab Premium II Plus
With LED hybrid lights: Westfalia Automotive Bikelander
Bicycle rack test: This is how Stiftung Warentest tested
Stiftung Warentest examined eight trailer hitch bike racks with a price range of 450 to 665 euros.
The bike racks offer space for two bikes and can also transport e-bikes with a load of up to 60 kilograms.
This means you can also explore new cycle paths and tours outside your region.
The most important criteria in the test were the topics of safety and handling.
In the crash test, the carriers were accelerated to 30 km/h in 50 milliseconds.
The bicycle racks and fastenings were not allowed to come loose.
The stability test on the car also played an important role.
In terms of user-friendliness, loading and assembly as well as durability were examined.
Four bike racks received the “Safe” rating, which we show in detail below.
Three bicycle racks received a “poor” rating from Stiftung Warentest and are not presented for this reason.
The Oris Traveler II product, which received a final grade of good (2.5), is a discontinued model and is currently no longer available.
The test winner: Thule bike rack EasyFold XT
Thule bike rack EasyFold XT © Amazon product image
€699.99 instead of €899.95 on Amazon
The
Thule bike rack EasyFold XT
is the test winner in the big test by Stiftung Warentest with an overall rating of 1.9.
However, at over 600 euros, this model is also the most expensive bike rack in comparison.
The bike rack passed the crash test without any problems, and the fasteners were also praised.
The top grade was also given when it came to handling.
The folding function makes it easy to reach the trunk - despite the wheels being mounted.
There is an optional access rail for mounting, which is particularly practical for e-bikes.
Due to the maximum payload of 60 kilograms, two e-bikes can be transported.
Inexpensive and good: Eufab Premium II Plus
Eufab Premium II Plus bike carrier.
© Amazon product image
434 € instead of 629.95 € at Amazon
Of the bike racks that passed the Stiftung Warentest test, the
Eufab Premium II Plus
is the cheapest model and has an overall rating of 2.5.
This puts the Eufab bike rack on a par with the Oris Traveler II, which is no longer available.
This rear carrier can also carry a maximum load of 60 kilos, making the Eufab Premium II Plus bike carrier suitable for two e-bikes.
The bike rack passes the crash test and impresses with its large folding angle.
This means you can easily get to the trunk, even if the bikes are already attached.
The Eufab Premium II Plus bike rack scores with its handling.
A clamp came loose in the safety test, but the Eufab Premium II Plus bike rack is still considered safe and received a “satisfactory” grade.
With LED hybrid lights: Westfalia Automotive Bikelander
Westfalia Automotive Bikelander.
© Amazon product image
€482.07 instead of €629.00 at Amazon
The Westfalia Automotive Bikelander also passed the test with an overall rating of “satisfactory” and a grade of 2.6.
Compared to the Eufab bike rack, it is a little more expensive.
The rear carrier from Westfalia Automotive achieved good values in the crash test, but had to give up in terms of handling and stability.
Here, too, a problem was solved during the investigation by Stiftung Warentest.
The Westfalia Automotive Bikelander offers space for two e-bikes with a maximum payload of 60 kilograms.
The bike rack is foldable and takes up little space.
The test conclusion
Only four of eight bike racks passed the big 2021 test by Stiftung Warentest.
All carriers can be locked and are therefore protected against theft.
If you often ride your bike and go on longer bike tours, it's worth spending money on the best, safest, but also most expensive bike rack.
The issue of safety plays an immensely important role in road traffic.
By far the best bike rack is the Thule EasyFold XT.
The Eufab Premium II Plus bike rack also performed “well” and offers a cheaper alternative to the test winner.
For the detailed test by Stiftung Warentest
Bicycle holidaymakers should be careful in Italy at the moment.
According to the ADAC, the legal situation for rear racks has changed.
There is a risk of a fine of up to 345 euros.