CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp Review: The Heavy-Duty Hero for E-Bike Adventurers

There’s a moment every new e-bike owner experiences. It’s not the thrill of the first pedal-assisted climb, but the sudden, daunting realization that follows: “How on earth am I going to transport this beast?” My moment came when my partner and I decided to take our new, 70-pound fat-tire e-bikes to a trailhead two hours away. Our old, flimsy trunk rack groaned in protest just looking at them. The thought of lifting these heavy machines above my waist, trying to align them perfectly without scratching the car or throwing out my back, was a non-starter. This is the modern cyclist’s dilemma. E-bikes have unlocked new worlds of exploration, but their sheer weight and size have made traditional bike transportation methods obsolete and even dangerous. Without a proper solution, your expensive e-bikes become prisoners of your garage, their potential adventures limited to your immediate neighborhood.

What to Consider Before Buying a Heavy-Duty Hitch Bike Rack

A Bicycle Car Rack, especially one designed for e-bikes, is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for unlocking freedom and protecting a significant investment. These heavy-duty carriers solve the fundamental problems of weight, stability, and ease of use that standard racks can’t handle. The main benefits are profound: they prevent injury by minimizing heavy lifting, protect both your vehicle and your bikes from damage during transit, and provide the peace of mind that your thousands of dollars worth of equipment will arrive safely at your destination, whether it’s a local park or a cross-country national park. Investing in the right rack means investing in more frequent, more ambitious, and more enjoyable cycling adventures.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who owns one or more heavy electric bikes, fat-tire bikes, or heavy mountain bikes and needs a reliable way to transport them. They likely have a vehicle with a 2-inch hitch receiver, such as an SUV, truck, or trailer, and value durability and safety over a bargain-basement price. This rack is for the weekend warrior, the road-tripping couple, or the family that wants to bring their bikes on vacation without hassle. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who only own lightweight road bikes, as its robust construction is overkill. It’s also not for individuals without a 2-inch hitch receiver on their vehicle. For them, alternatives like high-quality trunk racks or roof racks might be a better, though less convenient for heavy bikes, fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Capacity/Performance: This is the most critical factor for an e-bike rack. Look beyond the total capacity and check the per-bike weight limit. The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp boasts a formidable 200-pound total capacity, easily handling two heavy e-bikes. Also consider tire width and wheelbase compatibility; this rack accommodates fat tires up to 5 inches and wheelbases up to 50 inches, covering a massive range of modern e-bikes.
• Ease of Use & Loading: Heavy e-bikes are notoriously difficult to lift. A feature like an integrated ramp is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for many. Evaluate how the rack folds for storage, tilts for trunk access, and how the bikes are secured. Ratchet straps and cushioned clamps are far superior to simple hook-and-loop systems, which can damage frames.
• Materials & Durability: A heavy-duty rack must be made from heavy-duty materials. Look for a combination of high-strength alloy steel for the core structure and aluminum for components to save some weight without sacrificing strength. Check for quality welds, a durable powder-coat finish to resist rust, and robust hardware that can withstand road vibrations. The weight of the rack itself—in this case, 67 pounds—often correlates directly with its sturdiness.
• Hitch Connection & Stability: How the rack connects to your vehicle is paramount for safety. A simple pin is not enough. A quality rack will use a threaded anti-wobble bolt or a similar mechanism to create a tight, movement-free connection with the hitch receiver. This prevents the rack from swaying and bouncing on bumpy roads, which is a major concern when carrying a heavy load.

Ultimately, choosing the right rack is about ensuring your adventures start and end with confidence, not with a struggle in the driveway.

While the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Heavyweight Contender

The arrival of the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp was a serious affair. The outer box, as one user noted, had seen better days after its journey, but the contents within were impeccable. CRAVOT has done an excellent job with internal packaging; every steel and aluminum component was individually wrapped and securely compartmentalized. Pulling the main assembly from the box, its 67-pound weight was immediately apparent. This isn’t a flimsy, lightweight rack; it feels substantial and incredibly robust. As one user aptly put it, “Little heavy, but to me that means good quality.” The black powder coat finish was even and thick, and the welds looked clean and strong. Assembly was straightforward, thanks to clear instructions. We opted to follow another user’s advice and assembled it directly onto our vehicle’s hitch receiver, which made managing the weight much easier. From the first turn of the wrench, it was clear this rack was engineered for durability and stability, which you can see in its thoughtful design and construction.

Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Testing

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a bike rack is how it performs in the real world—on bumpy back roads, during long highway cruises, and in the simple, repetitive actions of loading and unloading. We put the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp through its paces for several weeks, and it proved to be more than just a bike carrier; it’s a complete transportation system designed with the e-bike owner in mind.

The Ramp & Loading Experience: A True Back-Saver

Let’s be blunt: the single greatest challenge of transporting heavy e-bikes is the physical act of getting them onto the rack. Lifting a 70+ pound bike is awkward, strenuous, and a recipe for a strained back or a scratched car. This is where the CRAVOT CyberRack’s integrated ramp changes the entire game. The ramp is cleverly designed, folding in half and stowing securely on the rack itself when not in use. Deploying it is a simple matter of unclipping it and hooking it onto the end of either wheel tray. The process is intuitive and takes mere seconds.

We tested this with a 75-pound fat-tire e-bike, a task that would be nearly impossible for one person to lift safely. With the ramp, the process was transformed. I simply walked the bike up the ramp, using the bike’s own “walk mode” for an almost zero-effort ascent. There was no lifting, no straining, no precarious balancing act. The ramp felt sturdy under the bike’s weight, with no unnerving flex. This feature alone makes the rack accessible to a much wider range of people, regardless of their physical strength. As one user who embarked on a 2000-mile trip confirmed, “The ramp is a great help with loading and un[loading].” It’s not a gimmick; it’s the core feature that makes this rack a standout solution for the e-bike era. This single feature could be the reason to choose this rack over any other.

On-the-Road Stability: Built for the Long Haul

Once the bikes are loaded, the next critical test is stability. A rack full of heavy e-bikes swaying and bouncing in your rearview mirror is a nerve-wracking experience. The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp tackles this issue with a multi-pronged approach. The foundation is the hitch connection. It uses a threaded anti-wobble hitch pin that tightens the rack shank firmly inside the vehicle’s receiver, eliminating virtually all play at the source. Once secured, the entire unit feels like an extension of the vehicle’s frame.

The bike securing system is equally robust. The updated V-shaped front wheel cradles accommodate everything from skinny road tires to massive 5-inch fat tires, seating the wheel deeply. The rear wheel is secured with a simple but effective ratchet strap. The main support comes from the padded, frame-gripping ratchet hooks. These hooks slide down onto the bike’s top tube, and because they are padded and use a ratchet system, you can achieve a very secure, frame-safe fit without the risk of scratching paint. We drove over rough pavement, speed bumps, and gravel roads, and the bikes barely budged. This solid performance was echoed by a user who took two large e-bikes (75 lbs and 65 lbs) on a 2000-mile journey with “no problems.” However, it’s worth noting the feedback from another user who mentioned the small bolts for the rear tire strap could vibrate loose over time. Based on this, we recommend a quick check of all hardware as part of a pre-trip routine—a small price to pay for such impressive overall stability. You can see the detailed security features online to appreciate the engineering.

Versatility and Everyday Usability

A great rack shouldn’t just be good at carrying bikes; it should integrate seamlessly into your life. The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp scores high marks here due to its 3-position foldable design. When not in use, you can fold the entire rack up vertically against the rear of your vehicle. This dramatically reduces its footprint, which, as one user was pleased to discover, can be the difference between parking in your garage or not. We found this position incredibly convenient for daily driving when we didn’t want to remove the entire 67-pound rack.

The second position is the tilt-away feature. With the bikes loaded, pulling a single, easily accessible pin allows the entire rack to tilt down and away from the vehicle, providing clear access to the trunk or rear hatch. We tested this on our SUV, and there was plenty of clearance to open the tailgate fully, grab our helmets and gear, and close it again without the bikes getting in the way. The third position is, of course, the flat, bike-carrying position. The wide compatibility is also a major plus. It handles not just heavy e-bikes but also those with unusual frame geometries or accessories. One user confirmed they had “no problem” fitting bikes with both front and back baskets, a testament to the rack’s adaptable design. This thoughtful versatility makes it a practical choice for everyday life, not just for epic road trips. It proves that heavy-duty doesn’t have to mean inconvenient, and it’s a compelling reason to check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from other real-world users, and a clear consensus emerged. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with owners frequently praising the rack’s sheer durability and solid construction. “Made very well, very durable,” one user stated simply, a feeling we wholeheartedly share. The sentiment that its heavy weight is a sign of good quality is a recurring theme. The stability and security it provides for expensive e-bikes are consistently highlighted as top benefits. One owner of two large e-bikes felt confident enough to travel 2000 miles with them, which is perhaps the ultimate endorsement.

The most celebrated feature, by far, is the ramp. For owners of heavy bikes, it’s described as a “great help” and a true game-changer. On the critical side, the feedback is minor but important. One user experienced issues with the small bolts on the rear tire straps vibrating loose over time, requiring them to order replacements. This serves as a practical reminder to conduct periodic hardware checks. The other common point is the rack’s weight, which, while a contributor to its stability, can make the initial installation a challenge for a single person. Overall, however, the user experience confirms that the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp delivers on its promise of being a truly heavy-duty and user-friendly e-bike solution.

How the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus Compares to the Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp faces a crowded market, but its specific feature set carves out a distinct niche. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Young Electric 2-Bike Rack Hitch Carrier

The Young Electric 2-Bike Rack is a very close competitor, offering the same 200 lb weight capacity and compatibility with 5-inch fat tires. It also features a similar platform style and tilting function for trunk access. The primary differentiator is the integrated ramp on the CRAVOT model. While the Young rack is a solid, heavy-duty option, users will still have to lift their heavy e-bikes into place. For those who prioritize ease of loading above all else, or who have physical limitations, the CRAVOT’s ramp provides a significant advantage that justifies its position. The Young rack is an excellent choice for those who are confident in their ability to lift their bikes and might find a slightly simpler design appealing.

2. Allen 3-Bike Hitch Racks

The Allen Sports 3-Bike rack represents a different category of carrier entirely. It is a hanging-style rack, which is typically lighter, simpler, and more budget-friendly. However, it is fundamentally unsuitable for the heavy, large-framed bikes the CRAVOT CyberRack is designed for. Hanging racks support bikes by the frame, which can be problematic for carbon frames or bikes with unconventional tube shapes. More importantly, their weight capacity is far lower, and they lack the wheel trays needed to support heavy e-bikes securely. Someone who owns lightweight road bikes or standard mountain bikes and needs to carry three of them might prefer the Allen rack for its simplicity and price point, but for any serious e-bike owner, it’s not a viable alternative.

3. Saris Bones EX 2-Bike Trunk Rack

The Saris Bones EX is a premium trunk-mounted rack, designed for vehicles without a hitch receiver. It is widely regarded as one of the best in its class, known for its stability and vehicle-friendly design. However, like the Allen rack, it is not in the same league as the CRAVOT CyberRack when it comes to capacity. Trunk racks have much lower weight limits (typically around 35 lbs per bike) and are not intended for heavy e-bikes. The Bones EX is the ideal solution for someone with a sedan or hatchback who needs to transport standard road or hybrid bikes. For the e-bike owner with a 2-inch hitch, the CRAVOT CyberRack is unequivocally the safer, more stable, and more appropriate choice.

Our Final Verdict: Is the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus Worth It?

After weeks of testing, loading, unloading, and driving hundreds of miles, our conclusion is clear: the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Plus 2-Bike Rack with Ramp is an outstanding transportation solution for the modern e-bike owner. Its greatest strength lies in addressing the number one pain point of e-bike ownership: the weight. The integrated ramp is brilliantly executed, transforming a potentially back-breaking task into a simple, effortless process. This feature alone makes it worth the investment.

Beyond the ramp, it delivers on all fronts. Its construction is incredibly robust, providing a stable, confidence-inspiring platform for thousands of dollars worth of bikes. The versatility of its 3-position folding and tilt-away design makes it surprisingly easy to live with day-to-day. While it is heavy and requires a quick check of its hardware before long trips, these are minor trade-offs for the immense security and convenience it provides. If you own heavy e-bikes and have a vehicle with a 2-inch hitch, this rack isn’t just a good choice—it’s one of the best and most thoughtfully designed options available. It removes the last barrier to taking your adventures further down the road. For anyone tired of wrestling with their heavy bikes, we wholeheartedly recommend you invest in this back-saving, adventure-enabling rack today.