Will My E-Trike Fit on a Hitch Rack? What to Measure Before You Buy

Finding an e-trike carrier isn't just about weight capacity. Your trike also has to physically fit the rack, and the type of loading ramp can affect how you determine that fit.

E-trikes vary in width, wheel position, tire size, and overall dimensions. Taking a few measurements before ordering can prevent an expensive compatibility problem.

Start With the Ramp Style

One of the most important differences between platform racks is what happens to the ramp after loading.

Platform Racks With Detachable Ramps

With detachable ramps, the ramps are removed after the e-trike is loaded. Because there isn't a folding ramp creating a boundary at the end of the platform, the way you determine fit can be different from a folding-ramp carrier.

The important measurements include the usable platform area and where the trike's wheels will actually sit.

Watch: How to Measure an E-Trike for a Rack With Detachable Ramps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEOVrDPZdXo

The video demonstrates the measuring method to use when evaluating this style of carrier.

Platform Racks With a Folding Ramp

A folding-ramp carrier needs to be measured differently.

On this style of rack, the ramp folds into its travel position after the e-trike is loaded. Because the ramp needs room to close, it can limit how far the trike is able to overhang the platform.

An e-trike can therefore be within the carrier's weight capacity but still be too large for the ramp to close properly.

Watch: How to Measure an E-Trike for a Rack With a Folding Ramp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szpdCXK4IvI

This video shows how to determine whether your e-trike will fit when the folding ramp must close around the loaded trike.

Measure Where the Wheels Actually Sit

Overall trike length doesn't always tell the whole story.

What often matters most is the position of the tires on the carrier. Measure the relationship between the front wheel and the two rear wheels so you know how much platform space the trike actually requires.

This is particularly important when comparing detachable-ramp and folding-ramp carriers because the allowable positioning can be different.

Measure the Overall Width

Measure your e-trike at its widest point, typically across the two side-by-side wheels.

Include anything that will remain installed while traveling, such as fenders or other components that increase the trike's width.

Compare that measurement with the usable dimensions and specifications of the carrier you're considering.

Check Tire Width

Measure the widest part of your tires and make sure they're compatible with the carrier's wheel channels and loading ramps.

This is particularly important for fat-tire e-trikes.

Know the Weight

Finally, know the actual transportation weight of your e-trike, including accessories that will remain installed.

If you're unsure, our How to Weigh an E-Trike video demonstrates a simple method for determining the actual weight.

Then verify that your complete setup is within the applicable limits of the carrier, receiver hitch, and vehicle.

Measure First, Order Second

Before choosing an e-trike carrier, have these numbers ready:

• Wheel positions

• Overall width

• Tire width

• Overall dimensions required by the particular carrier

• Actual transportation weight

Most importantly, use the measuring method appropriate for the ramp design you're considering.

A detachable-ramp platform and a folding-ramp platform may look similar, but the ramp configuration can change how much usable space is available and whether your e-trike can overhang the platform.

A few minutes with a tape measure before ordering can save a lot of frustration later.