CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp Review: The Heavy-Duty E-Bike Hauler Put to the Test

I still remember the feeling—a mix of excitement for the ride ahead and dread for the five minutes it would take to get there. My partner and I had just invested in a pair of incredible fat-tire e-bikes, each tipping the scales at a hefty 70 pounds. The problem wasn’t riding them; it was transporting them. Our old, trusty hanging-style rack, a veteran of countless road trips with lightweight road bikes, looked at these new electric behemoths with what I can only describe as mechanical fear. Lifting one bike was a hernia-inducing ordeal. Lifting the second one into place felt like a competitive weightlifting event we were destined to lose. The risk of dropping a multi-thousand-dollar bike, or worse, throwing out a back, was very real. This wasn’t sustainable. It was the moment we knew we hadn’t just bought new bikes; we had bought into a new category of gear, one that required a specialized solution designed for sheer weight and bulk. The search began for a hitch rack that wouldn’t just hold our bikes, but would make the entire process of loading and unloading them painless.

What to Consider Before Buying a Bicycle Car Rack for Heavy E-Bikes

A Bicycle Car Rack is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking new adventures. For e-bike owners, it’s the bridge between your garage and distant trails, scenic byways, and new cycling horizons. The primary benefit of a heavy-duty platform rack like the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp is its ability to handle the immense weight and awkward geometry of modern electric bikes safely and securely. These racks eliminate the physical strain of lifting, protect both your vehicle and your bike from damage, and provide peace of mind while traveling at highway speeds. Without one, your expensive e-bikes are either relegated to rides starting from your front door or risk being damaged by an inadequate transport solution.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who owns one or two electric bikes, particularly heavier models like fat-tire or mountain e-bikes, and has a vehicle equipped with a 2-inch hitch receiver. It’s for the adventurer who wants to explore further than their local paths and values convenience and safety. This might not be suitable for those who only own lightweight road or hybrid bikes, as the rack’s 75-pound weight and heavy-duty construction would be overkill. Similarly, if your vehicle lacks a 2-inch hitch receiver, you’ll need to look at other options or consider having a receiver installed. For those with lighter bikes, a simpler and more lightweight hanging rack or a lighter-duty platform rack might be a more economical and practical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Weight Capacity & Per-Bike Limit: This is the most critical factor for e-bikes. Look at the total load capacity (the CRAVOT boasts 200 lbs) and, more importantly, the per-bike capacity (100 lbs per bike here). Always weigh your e-bikes with the battery installed to know your true requirement, as manufacturers sometimes list weights without it. Exceeding the limit is a recipe for catastrophic failure.
• Compatibility (Hitch, Tires, Wheelbase): Ensure the rack matches your vehicle’s hitch receiver size; most heavy-duty racks require a 2-inch receiver for stability. Check the maximum tire width the rack can accommodate—the CRAVOT’s 5-inch capacity is excellent for fat-tire bikes. Lastly, verify the maximum wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles of your bike) to ensure a proper fit.
• Materials & Durability: Look for racks constructed from steel and aluminum for a good balance of strength and manageable weight. Pay close attention to the finish. A powder coat or anti-rust coating is essential, as the rack will be exposed to rain, road salt, and debris. We’ve seen even premium racks show early signs of rust, so a quality coating is a must.
• Ease of Use & Loading Mechanism: A rack’s best features are meaningless if it’s a nightmare to use. For heavy e-bikes, an integrated ramp is a game-changing feature that saves your back. Also, consider the clamping mechanism; frame-clamp hooks can damage sensitive carbon frames or scratch paint, making tire-hold and ratchet strap systems a safer bet.

Choosing the right rack is about ensuring the safety of your investment and making your cycling life easier. Taking the time to evaluate these points will pay dividends on every trip you take.

While the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch 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 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp was an event in itself. The box is substantial, and at 75 pounds, it’s immediately clear this is a serious piece of equipment. Unboxing it revealed well-packaged components made of thick-gauge steel and aluminum, with a textured black coating. Everything felt robust and purposefully over-engineered, which is exactly what you want when you’re about to entrust it with thousands of dollars worth of e-bikes. The initial feel is one of excellent value; it has the heft and presence of racks that often command a significantly higher price tag. Assembly is required, and while the instructions are reasonably clear, we immediately noticed the sheer number of bolts and parts. This isn’t a snap-together affair, and we set aside a good hour to tackle the build, a process that would prove to be both straightforward and, at times, uniquely frustrating—a theme we saw echoed in feedback from other users.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 to the Test

A bike rack’s true worth is proven not in the garage, but on bumpy back roads and at highway speeds. We put the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp through its paces, focusing on the entire user experience from the initial build to loading up and hitting the road. This rack makes some big promises, and we were determined to see if it delivered.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A Test of Patience and Dexterity

Let’s be upfront: assembling the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp is a journey. For the most part, the process is logical. The main components bolt together solidly, and the instructions guide you through the major steps effectively. However, we ran into the exact same hurdle that numerous other owners have highlighted: the four small, black plastic spacers that must be installed at the base of the two vertical support arms. This step is maddeningly difficult. The design requires you to hold two of these small, slippery shims in perfect alignment inside a tight housing while simultaneously inserting the vertical arm and a bolt. It feels like you need three hands. After several failed attempts and some colorful language, we developed a technique involving a small clamp to hold the spacers in place, a trick we highly recommend. Other users mentioned using tape or having a partner assist. This single design flaw turns a 30-minute job into a much longer, more frustrating one. It’s a shame because the rest of the rack’s engineering feels so solid. Once past that step, the final piece of the puzzle is the hitch installation. CRAVOT uses a threaded hitch pin, which screws directly into the rack’s shank. This design is fantastic for stability—it completely eliminates wobble and rattle within the receiver—but it’s a pain to use. You have to crawl under the vehicle and perfectly align the threads to screw it in, which is far more tedious than a simple slide-through pin and cotter key. While it delivers on its promise of a rock-solid connection, we wish there were a quicker system that offered similar stability.

Loading and Unloading: The Ramp is a True Back-Saver

Once assembled, the true magic of this rack becomes apparent. The integrated ramp is, without exaggeration, a revolutionary feature for anyone dealing with heavy e-bikes. Our test bike, a fat-tire e-MTB weighing nearly 85 pounds, was an absolute beast to lift. With the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp, the process was transformed. You simply hook the ramp onto the end of the wheel tray, and you can effortlessly walk the bike up onto the platform. There’s no hoisting, no awkward balancing act, and no strain on your back. It makes the prospect of a solo bike trip completely viable and stress-free. The ramp itself is lightweight aluminum and conveniently tucks away into a dedicated storage slot on the rack, secured by a simple pin. We did notice, as one user pointed out, that the ramp can fit a bit loosely in its holder and create a minor rattle on bumpy roads. Our simple fix was to wrap a small velcro strap around it, which silenced it completely. The bike securing system is equally impressive. The V-shaped front wheel cradle, combined with a rear wheel tray and ratchet straps, holds the bike securely in place before you even attach the main support. The vertical arms then adjust to press down on the bike’s crossbar (or seat), secured with padded clamps. This hookless design is a major advantage, as it avoids any contact with the painted frame, which is crucial for protecting your bike’s finish. From a usability standpoint, the loading process is a resounding success and the number one reason to choose this specific e-bike carrier.

On the Road: Rock-Solid Stability and Unwavering Security

All the features in the world don’t matter if the rack sways precariously in your rearview mirror. Fortunately, this is where the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 truly shines. Thanks to the aforementioned threaded hitch pin and the rack’s robust construction, the on-road performance is impeccable. We tested it on highways, winding country roads, and even a few miles of bumpy gravel, and the result was the same: this rack is exceptionally stable. There is virtually no side-to-side sway or vertical bouncing, even with two heavy e-bikes loaded up. Several users directly compared its stability favorably to much more expensive racks from premium brands like Kuat and Hollywood Racks, and our testing confirms this sentiment. It inspires a tremendous amount of confidence. The three-point securing system keeps the bikes locked in place. The ratcheting wheel straps are strong, and the padded vertical clamp holds the bike down firmly without any risk of damage. As an extra precaution, we adopted a best practice mentioned by another owner: using the included velcro ties to provide a secondary lock on the ratchet strap buckles. It’s a simple, free piece of insurance that ensures nothing can come loose on a long journey. The rack’s design also provides ample clearance. On our test SUV, there was plenty of space between the inner bike and the vehicle, and as one user noted with their 95lb e-MTB, the distance from the exhaust pipe was more than sufficient to prevent any heat damage to the tires. For anyone who has experienced the unnerving wobble of a lesser rack, the sheer stability of the CyberRack E2 is a profound relief.

Build Quality and Durability: Promises vs. Reality

The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp is built from a combination of steel for the main structure and aluminum for components like the wheel trays and ramp, striking a good balance between strength and weight. The manufacturer advertises a superior anti-rust coating, claiming it can withstand 1000 hours of salt spray. In theory, this should make it a durable, long-lasting piece of gear. However, real-world feedback presents a more mixed picture. While most of the rack seems well-protected, we were concerned by a user report that showed significant surface rust appearing on welds, bolts, and support beams within days of assembly and before the rack was even used. This points to potential inconsistencies in the coating application or quality control. During our own inspection, we noted that the welds were functional but not the cleanest, and these areas are often the first to show signs of corrosion. Based on this, we would strongly recommend that new owners conduct a thorough inspection upon arrival. It may be wise to apply a coat of automotive rust-inhibiting spray to the welds and the inside of the main support beams as a proactive measure. While the core structure is undoubtedly strong enough to do its job safely, its long-term cosmetic durability might require a little extra attention from the owner to live up to its full potential. The 1-year manufacturer warranty does provide some peace of mind should any significant issues arise.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, owners of the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp are overwhelmingly positive about its core function. The most frequently praised feature is the ramp, with users calling it a “game changer” and a “back saver,” emphasizing that they’ll never go back to lifting their heavy bikes. The rack’s stability is the second point of universal acclaim, with many noting it is “rock solid” with no sway or bounce, even comparing it favorably to premium brands they’ve previously owned. One user stated, “Best bike rack we’ve ever owned! We had a high priced Kuat rack before we got electric bikes and it wasn’t even this stable.”

However, the praise is consistently tempered with criticism of the assembly process. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “The rack is well made, but this thing is not the easiest to assemble – and I don’t feel like I’m an idiot.” The small plastic shims for the upright bars are the primary source of frustration. On the more critical side, a small but notable number of users have pointed out quality control issues, ranging from misaligned bolt holes that required drilling to the previously mentioned concerns about premature rust, which directly contradicts the product’s “anti-rust” marketing claims. Despite these frustrations, the general sentiment is that the rack’s on-road performance and value make the initial setup hassles worth enduring.

How the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 Compares to the Competition

The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp occupies a competitive space, offering premium features at a budget-friendly price. However, different needs call for different solutions. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. YAKIMA RidgeBack Hitch Bike Rack

The YAKIMA RidgeBack is a classic hanging-style rack from a top-tier brand. Its primary advantage is simplicity and speed for lighter, traditional bikes. It comes fully assembled out of the box and is significantly lighter than the CRAVOT. However, it is fundamentally the wrong tool for the job when it comes to heavy e-bikes. Its mast-style design can create issues with non-traditional frame geometries, and its weight capacity is insufficient for one, let alone two, typical e-bikes. This is an excellent choice for a family with standard road or mountain bikes, but e-bike owners should steer clear and stick with a platform style like the CyberRack E2.

2. Hollywood Racks Destination 4 Hitch Bike Rack

The Hollywood Racks Destination 4 is a lightweight platform rack designed to carry up to four bikes. Its main selling point is capacity for the whole family. While it is a platform rack, its per-bike weight capacity is much lower, typically around 35 pounds, making it unsuitable for electric bikes. It excels at transporting a fleet of standard bicycles in a compact and relatively lightweight package. If you need to carry three or four non-electric bikes and weight is a concern, the Destination 4 is a fantastic option. For those needing to transport one or two heavy e-bikes, the CRAVOT CyberRack’s superior weight capacity makes it the only viable choice between the two.

3. ARKSEN 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Bike Rack

The ARKSEN 2-Bike rack is the most direct competitor to the CRAVOT CyberRack E2. It is also a heavy-duty platform rack designed for e-bikes, featuring support for fat tires and a 2-inch receiver. The key differences lie in the details. The ARKSEN has a lower total capacity of 150 lbs (75 lbs per bike) compared to the CRAVOT’s 200 lbs (100 lbs per bike). While 150 lbs is sufficient for many e-bikes, the CRAVOT’s higher ceiling provides more flexibility and peace of mind for the heaviest models. The ARKSEN also often lacks an integrated ramp, which is the standout, back-saving feature of the CyberRack E2. For users with extremely heavy e-bikes or those who prioritize the ease of loading above all else, the CRAVOT holds a distinct advantage.

Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Strong and Patient

The CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp is a fantastic piece of equipment that delivers on its most important promises. It offers the kind of stability and weight capacity typically found in racks costing two or three times as much. The integrated ramp is not a gimmick; it is an essential, game-changing feature that makes transporting heavy e-bikes accessible to everyone, regardless of physical strength. On the road, it’s a confident and secure performer that holds your valuable bikes with an unshakable grip. However, this impressive performance comes with a caveat: you must be prepared for a potentially frustrating assembly process and be willing to keep an eye out for potential quality control issues like early-onset rust.

We recommend the CRAVOT CyberRack E2 2-Bike Hitch Rack with Ramp to any e-bike owner with a 2-inch hitch who prioritizes value, stability, and ease of loading. If you can push through the one-time headache of assembly, you will be rewarded with a workhorse of a rack that makes getting to the trail the easiest part of your adventure. For its price point, the combination of a 200 lb capacity and an integrated ramp is simply unmatched. If you’re ready to stop wrestling with your e-bikes and start enjoying more time riding them, you can check the latest price and order yours here.