As cities encourage eco-friendly transportation, the number of e-bikes is growing rapidly. The rise of e-bikes as a mode of transport has introduced unique challenges for bike storage and parking infrastructure. This process means that traditional bike storage solutions, designed for lighter, smaller bicycles, are struggling to keep up with the needs of cyclists. This is where more specialised storage systems enter the stage to impress us all – the two-tier electric bike rack. Let’s explore why we need tailor-made solutions for e-bikes and how two-tier racks fit into the equation.

Why E-Bikes Need Specialised Storage Solutions?

Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes have distinct characteristics that call for specific solutions. E-bikes’ unique features make it clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to bike storage is over and tailored solutions that consider these factors are necessary to give users convenience, safety, and accessibility.

Charging Needs

The first issue people come across is naturally that e-bikes have batteries. This means sometimes they will need charging, and a bike storage solution targeting e-bikes should ideally provide that. This means that standard bike racks simply won’t do. Generally, an e-bike battery provides a range of 20 to 100 miles per charge, with most falling somewhere in the middle. This is a bit subjective since it all depends on how much assistance you use, battery capacity, riding conditions, etc. However, the likelihood is that now and then, cyclists might need a bit of an electric top-up and want to charge their bikes.

Increased Weight

The other issue people come across is that e-bikes are significantly heavier than standard bicycles due to their integrated motors and batteries. While a traditional bike may weigh around 20-30 pounds, most e-bikes tip the scales at 45-75 pounds or more. This additional weight makes it cumbersome for users to lift them onto any bike rack off the ground, especially onto higher tiers or vertically mounted systems.

Larger Frames and Components

E-bikes are often designed with larger frames to house electrical components and provide extra durability. They often also feature wide tyres, battery packs, and built-in displays, which are great for the rider but can make them quite incompatible with conventional bike racks typically sized for standard bicycles. This is especially tricky with wheel channels, which can stop a bike from being wheeled in. Mismatches like this can lead to unusability, improper storage, potential damage, or safety hazards.

High Value and Theft Risk

Lastly, e-bikes are not cheap. They are a bit of an investment, often costing several times more than traditional bikes, making secure storage a priority. Nobody wants to set aside a few grand for a nice e-bike only for it to get stolen. Standard bike racks, particularly in public or urban settings, may not provide the level of protection needed to prevent theft or tampering, leading to increased demand for robust and secure storage options.

How Do Two-Tier Racks Help With Electric Bike Storage?

Lift Assistance

The weight of e-bikes, often between 45-75 pounds, makes manual lifting onto the upper tier of a traditional two-tier bike rack impractical or nearly impossible for many riders. To address this, our two-tier electric bike racks have a little secret – the easy-lift gas strut. The gas strut is a hydraulic device that uses compressed gas to provide a controlled and adjustable lifting force. We have ensured all our two-tiered products have these little additions to make raising and lowering the upper tier of our bike racks as easy as possible. This gives users a hand to easily move their bikes onto the upper tier without physical strain, regardless of how heavy the bike is.

Suitable Reinforced Structure

E-bikes are heavier and larger than standard bicycles, so racks must be constructed with durable materials and robust designs. Reinforced frames and stronger locking mechanisms ensure the racks can safely support the extra weight on the upper and lower tiers without compromising stability or longevity. Our two-tier bike racks have a very robust construction and are hot-dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461.

On top of that, the issue of tyres being too large to fit isn’t a concern with our electric bike two-tier bike racks – they support all types of electric bikes, so there’s no need to worry if you’re buying the right model. Both the bottom slopping channel and the top one are large enough to fit most tyres. As a bonus, it is good to know they are built to be versatile. The e-bike rack works just as well with regular bikes. So, if your office doesn’t have so many e-cycle users yet, don’t worry; the bike racks don’t need to be left empty, simply allow regular bikes to be parked there for the time being.

Integrated Charging Stations

Some innovative two-tier racks like our model include built-in charging ports to cater to the needs of e-bike users. These ports allow riders to charge their batteries while the bikes are securely parked, providing convenience for commuters or long-term storage in residential complexes. The only thing to note here is that to make your rack electric, you’d need to have at least a 50 amp supply of a 240v single-phase commando socket with rotary isolation and FB Padlock. Then you’re good to go.

Enhanced Security Features

The top function of bike racks is to provide safe parking, and given the higher cost of e-bikes, the lack of a secure space to leave your bike is an even bigger problem. Our whole range of two-tier racks is very secure, and the e-bike model is no exception. The racks are made of strong steel, which can be galvanised and powder-coated. The good base material is important because it makes the racks much more tamper-proof. The racks are also designed to hold bikes stable in the wheel channels with locking bars for additional security and allow both bicycle frame and wheel to be chained.

The surge in e-bike adoption underscores the need for innovative storage solutions that address their unique challenges. Two-tier racks offer a space-efficient, versatile, and future-proof solution that caters specifically to e-bikes. With features like gas strut lift assistance, reinforced structures, integrated charging stations, and enhanced security measures, these racks ensure that storing e-bikes is convenient, safe, and sustainable. They also work seamlessly for standard bicycles, making them flexible for mixed-use environments.

As cities, businesses, and residential complexes aim to support eco-friendly transportation, investing in tailored e-bike storage solutions like two-tier racks is crucial to accommodating the growing e-bike community and fostering a greener future.