E-bikes are incredible. Fast, smooth, and kind of addictive. But let’s be real—they're also pretty pricey. So when you’re tossing one on the back of your car, you want to make sure you’re doing it right. You'd think it’s just like hauling a regular bike, but nope. Not even close.

I’ve messed this up a few times, and I’ve seen plenty of others do the same. From cracked batteries to racks that gave up mid-drive—yeah, it happens. So, if you're loading up your e-bike for a road trip (or just a Sunday ride), here are five things you really want to avoid. Learn from my mistakes—seriously.

1. Using a Rack That Wasn’t Built for E-Bikes

Yep, this one’s easy to overlook. I thought my old hanging rack would do the trick. Spoiler alert—it didn’t.

What’s the Big Deal?

E-bikes are heavy. Like, really heavy. You add a motor, a big battery, maybe some fat tires—and now you're dealing with 60 pounds or more. That’s not something most regular racks can handle.

And it’s not just about weight. The shape of the frame, the longer wheelbase—it all adds up. I once tried strapping my e-bike onto a basic rack and made it about 15 minutes down the highway before I had to pull over. The bike had shifted so much I thought it might fall off.

What Actually Works?

Here’s what saved me: a platform-style hitch rack. One that holds the bike by the wheels, not the frame. It sits lower, so it’s easier to load, and it’s built for heavier bikes. Bonus if it has a ramp—no more lifting like I’m doing squats at the gym.

Let me break it down real quick:

So yeah—check your rack. It matters.

2. Leaving the Battery On During the Drive

This one nearly cost me a new battery. And a lot of stress.

Why This Can Go South

First off, the battery is probably the heaviest single part of your bike. Leaving it on while the bike’s on the rack means you’re adding extra stress to the mount, the straps, and your hitch.

Second, vibrations on the road can loosen things. I once drove through a bumpy stretch and found the battery had shifted halfway out of its lock. Luckily, it didn’t fall off—but it easily could have.

And then there’s the theft thing. A battery left on your bike while parked is a super easy target. Doesn’t matter if you’re just grabbing coffee. That thing’s worth hundreds—sometimes over a grand.

What You Should Be Doing Instead

Take it off. Seriously. Always. Store it inside the car, preferably wrapped in a towel or something padded. Don’t put it near a heater vent or in direct sun. I usually keep mine in a soft laptop sleeve in the trunk.

Also, remember to cover the battery contacts on the bike. You don’t want rain or road gunk getting in there. A little plastic cover or even painter’s tape can do the trick.

Oh—and with the battery off, your bike's a lot lighter. Your back will thank you when you’re loading it up.

3. Not Securing the Bike the Right Way

I thought I had my strapping game down. I was wrong.

Here’s What Goes Wrong

Sometimes people just slap on a couple of bungee cords and hope for the best. Or they strap the frame too tight and end up scratching the paint—or worse, bending something. A buddy of mine crushed his derailleur because the arm was pressing too hard against it.

You’ve also got to think about angles. If your straps are pulling in weird directions, your bike will shift. That means every pothole turns into a mini heart attack.

How to Strap It Like a Pro

This is what I do now:

1. Front Wheel Strap – First, I lock in the front wheel. Not too tight—just firm enough to hold it still.

2. Back Wheel Strap – Same deal. Nice and snug.

3. Frame Support (if needed) – My rack has an arm that hugs the downtube. I make sure it’s touching, but not crushing.

4. Shake Test – I give the whole bike a good shake. If it moves even a little, I re-do it.

5. Mid-Drive Check – About 10–15 minutes into the trip, I pull over and check everything again.

If it feels solid, it probably is. If it wobbles, something’s off.

4. Forgetting About Rules (And Blocking the License Plate)

This one got me pulled over. Twice.

Yes, There Are Actual Rules

Depending on where you live, there are laws about how your bike rack affects visibility. Things like your taillights, turn signals, and license plate all have to be visible. If your bike is covering them, you could be in trouble.

Some states require light boards or secondary plate mounts. Others are stricter about overhang. And if you’re crossing state lines? What’s fine in one place might get you fined in the next.

A Few Things That Help

These days, I just play it safe. I bought a rear light kit that plugs into my trailer hitch wiring. It includes brake lights, turn signals, and a spot for a license plate.

Here’s a quick guide:

It’s not expensive gear, and it can save you a ton of hassle.

5. Not Protecting Your Bike from the Weather

Bad weather and e-bikes do not mix. Learned this one the hard way.

Why It’s a Problem

Rain, dust, road salt—none of it is good for your bike. The motor and wiring might be sealed, but that doesn’t mean they're invincible. I left my bike out during a long rainy drive once. By the time I got home, the chain was rusting and the charging port had gunk inside.

Hot weather can be just as bad. And cold? Let’s just say batteries don’t like freezing temps.

Even just wind can mess things up. Gravel gets kicked up. Covers flap around and leave scratches. Rear lights fall off. It’s a whole thing.

What You Can Do About It

Get a cover that’s made for transporting bikes, not just storing them. It should be wind-resistant and fit snugly. If it flaps, you’ll need extra straps or bungees.

If you don’t have a cover? At least bring a towel and dry the bike off right after the drive. Also, clean the drivetrain and re-lube it. I keep a small cleaning kit in the car just for this.

Oh, and always take the battery off before it rains. Then dry everything—including the battery port—before putting it back in.

Conclusion

I’ve made every mistake on this list—and then some. But hey, that’s how you learn, right? The important thing is figuring out what works and doing it the right way next time.

Got a story to share? Or a genius tip that saved your e-bike on a rainy trip? I’d love to hear it. And if you’re still looking for a solid rack built for e-bikes—yeah, we’ve got you covered.