The craze for the electric bicycle (e-bike) has profoundly changed the habits of motorhome owners. It allows them to get around with complete freedom during stopovers, but it requires very specific logistics.
It is possible to store an e-bike in the motorhome's garage or transport it with a trailer, but these options are not without drawbacks: reduced interior space on the one hand and limited manoeuvrability on the other.
The best option is to install a suitable bike rack. Mecatek (formerly Sawiko France) relies on its expertise in leisure vehicle equipment to help you make the right technical choice.
The specifics of transporting an e-bike in a motorhome
Transporting an electric bike involves specific constraints. The presence of the battery and the motor significantly increases the weight of the bike. On average, an e-bike weighs between 22 and 35 kg, compared to around a dozen kilos for a standard bike.
This extra weight at the rear of the vehicle generates significant dynamic constraints on the supporting structure during braking, acceleration or cornering. This is why rigid and secure mountings must be favoured.
Check the maximum supported weight
Our Bike rack for motorhome have a robust payload ranging from 60 to 130 kg. You need to add up the weight of your e-bikes (ideally removing the removable batteries during the journey to lighten the load) and check that the chosen rack can take it.
Make sure that the combined weight of the bike rack and its load does not exceed the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). Particular attention must also be paid to the length of the rear overhang: a load that is too heavy at the extremity can cause the underside of the vehicle to scrape when going over speed bumps.
Please note: the weight of the load carrier and its load must be deducted from the cargo hold payload capacity, so as not to overload the rear overhang and avoid any excessive stress on the chassis (or its extensions). Example: a bike rack loaded with 2 e-bikes weighing 90 kg in total (rack + load) means subtracting this 90 kg from the payload of the garage locker. Depending on your vehicle, auxiliary suspension (such as MCK Plug & Drive) may also be required.
Got a question, a feasibility study? The Mecatek team is at your disposal: contact us
How many electric bikes can be carried on a motorhome bike rack?
The load capacity of a motorhome bike rack depends directly on the model chosen:
- For 2 electric bikes the models P-Line and ST-Line are perfectly calibrated for this precise need. The model E-Bike is also ideally designed to accommodate 2 e-bikes (or 3 standard bikes).
- For families or larger requirements the model Compact-Line offers a maximum capacity enabling to transport up to 5 bicycles depending on the configuration.
Towbar-mounted, rear wall or platform bike rack: which option should you choose?
For heavy electric bikes, mounting fixtures on the rear wall of the motorhome is strongly discouraged due to the risk of deformation of the bodywork of the living area. Two options stand out:
- The platform cycle carrier (chassis-mounted) mounted directly to the chassis extensions, it offers foolproof stability. It can be folded away when not in use to reduce the overall length of the vehicle.
- Towbar bike rack the models ST-Line and P-Line fit directly onto the tow ball. This option is suitable if your motorhome already has a towing system.
The security criteria not to be overlooked
Fitting a bike rack for an e-bike requires a compatible chassis structure. If the end of your original chassis is too far from the rear bumper, the prior addition of type-approved chassis extensions and supports suited is compulsory.
Also consider the signage the lighting board and the equipment's registration plate must be fully visible and connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit.
Feel free to entrust your project to our experts: Request your free quote with Mecatek to fit out your motorhome in accordance with European standards.
