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Best bike carrier without tow bar: top 5 choices for 2025
Time to read 8 min
Time to read 8 min
Not every car has a tow bar, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your bikes with you. Whether you’re going out for a day with your racing bikes or going on holiday with your e-bikes, there are plenty of sturdy and smart solutions. The best bike carrier without a tow bar offers a safe way to transport your bikes properly, without the hassle of maximum nose weight or safely mounting the tow bar. Think of mounting on the tailgate, roof racks or even the boot – ideal for different bikes and every type of car.
We have extensively tested a wide range of bike carriers without a tow bar, from the cheapest option to premium models from Thule and Nordrive Radius. In this blog, we share our top 5 best options for those who want to transport an electric bike or need to attach multiple light bikes. Whether you want to transport two bikes, three bikes or heavy electric bikes, we will help you choose the right bike carrier. Discover which carrier is really sturdy, easy to mount and suitable for e-bikes, mountain bikes or racing bikes - without the need for a tow bar.
This bike carrier from Boriso is ideal for those who do not have a tow bar, but still want to transport multiple bikes. With space for three bikes and a load capacity of 60 kg, it is suitable for heavy electric bikes. The mounting on the tailgate is smooth and fits various car models. Thanks to the use of high-quality steel, the carrier feels sturdy and everything stays in place.
Easy installation without tow bar required
Our tests showed that attaching this carrier is quick and intuitive, even without technical knowledge. The parts click together logically, so you are ready in a few minutes. No tow bar is needed and you do not have to perform any complicated actions. This makes this bike carrier particularly suitable for daily use.
Suitable for heavy electric bicycles.
When transporting e-bikes, we noticed that the carrier retains its stability well, even at maximum load. Heavy electric bikes stay firmly in place without sliding. Thanks to the sturdy construction and well-thought-out attachment, the risk of damage is minimal. This gives confidence during longer rides or at higher speeds.
Sturdy construction for various bicycles
We tested this carrier with mountain bikes, e-bikes and lighter city bikes and everything stayed firmly in place. The combination of tension straps and frame holders ensures a solid attachment. The construction feels robust, partly due to the use of high-quality steel. This allows you to transport several bikes without worries, even on a full tailgate.
This bike carrier is designed for users who value convenience and simplicity. With space for three bikes and a smooth attachment to the trunk, it is suitable for daily use. The carrier is lightweight, but still feels solid and stable. It fits many types of cars and can be quickly removed and stored.
Easy mounting on the trunk
Our test showed that the system could be mounted without tools, which contributes greatly to the ease of use. The attachment to the trunk is smooth thanks to clear instructions. Within a few minutes, the carrier is firmly attached, without the risk of damaging the paint. Even for those who do this for the first time, the process is easy to follow.
Suitable for various types of bicycles
We tested this carrier with both e-bikes and lighter racing bikes, and both held up perfectly. The mounting straps fit well around different frames and provide sufficient grip. The wide range of applications makes this carrier a versatile solution. Ideal for families or people with multiple types of bikes.
Sturdy construction for safe transport
Although the model looks light, the construction was surprisingly sturdy during our practical tests. Even at higher speeds or on bumpy roads, the bikes stayed in place. Attention has clearly been paid to safety and stability. This makes it a reliable carrier for everyday use or holidays.
This compact bike carrier is perfect for those looking for a light and handy solution. It is suitable for transporting two bikes via attachment with bumper straps. The carrier is easy to store and quick to install when you need it. Especially for shorter trips or occasional use, this is a practical choice.
Lightweight and easy to handle
During testing it was noticeable how easy this carrier is to lift and position. The low weight makes mounting and dismounting very easy. It is also very suitable for use on smaller cars. A perfect option for those who do not want a heavy, cumbersome carrier.
Ideal for city bikes and racing bikes
The carrier is especially suitable for light bikes such as city models and sporty racing bikes. Our tests with these types of bikes went smoothly and without play in the attachment. Heavier electric bikes are less suitable because of the load capacity. Nevertheless, this model is ideal for people who mainly want to transport lighter bikes.
Easy to store and carry
The compact size makes this bike carrier without towbar easy to fold and store. We could easily fit it in the trunk, even next to other luggage. Reassembly was also quick thanks to the simple system. Ideal for those who value flexibility.
The Thule ClipOn 9103 is a high-quality tailgate carrier that can carry up to three bikes. Specially designed for station wagons and hatchbacks, this carrier offers a sturdy and safe transport solution. All contact points are equipped with rubber coatings to protect both the car and the bikes from damage. The use of durable materials and the well-thought-out design ensure a long lifespan and reliable performance.
Quick and easy installation
Our tests showed that Thule's unique click system significantly speeds up installation. Without any additional tools, the carrier is securely attached to the tailgate within minutes. This saves time and reduces the risk of installation problems. The system is intuitive and easy to use, even for less experienced users.
Optimal protection for car and bicycles
During use, we noticed that the rubber coating effectively prevents scratches and damage. Both the paint of the car and the frames of the bicycles remain undamaged, even with frequent mounting and dismounting. This gives extra peace of mind when transporting valuable bicycles. The attention to detail in the protection distinguishes this carrier from other models.
Compatible with various bicycle frames
Our experience shows that the carrier is suitable for various bike frames, including women's bikes and BMX models. With the optional Thule Bike Frame Adapter 982, bikes without a standard frame can also be easily attached. This makes the carrier versatile for families or groups with different types of bikes. The flexibility in compatibility significantly increases ease of use.
This robust bike carrier is specially designed for transporting electric bikes and fits perfectly on larger vehicles such as SUVs. It offers a safe and stable transport solution for two bikes, including heavy models such as e-bikes. Thanks to the sturdy frame and use of high-quality steel, this model can withstand intensive use. The carrier combines strength with ease of use and fits many different types of cars.
High carrying capacity for e-bikes
Our tests showed that this carrier can easily transport heavy electric bikes. The maximum load capacity is more than enough for two e-bikes without compromising stability. This makes this model particularly suitable for people who want to transport heavier electric bikes. The construction remains stable, even on winding roads or at higher speeds.
Safe and stable mounting on your vehicle
During testing, we noticed that the carrier is firmly attached and hardly moves while riding. The attachment is smooth and feels very reliable, which ensures a safe ride. Your bikes stay in place without sliding or tilting. Even with intensive use, the carrier remains sturdy and offers sufficient extra security.
Tilting design for easy access
Our experience shows that the tilting design allows you to open the boot without removing the bikes. This is particularly useful when you are on the road, when you need quick access to your belongings. The mechanism is easy to operate and clicks back into place automatically. This extra functionality adds a lot of convenience during longer trips or holidays.
What is the best bicycle carrier without tow bar for electric bicycles?
If you want to transport e-bikes without using a tow bar, it is important to choose a bike carrier with a sturdy construction and high load capacity. Certainly for heavy electric bikes, not every carrier is suitable. In our comparison, we look at models that are specifically designed for this type of bike.
Can you safely transport an e-bike with a bicycle carrier on the tailgate?
Yes, there are several bike carriers without towbar that you can attach to the tailgate and that are sturdy enough for an e-bike. Pay close attention to the maximum permitted weight and the quality of the attachment to ensure that your bikes remain safe while driving.
How many bicycles can I transport without using a tow bar?
The number of bikes you can transport without a tow bar depends on the load capacity and design of the bike carrier. Most models are suitable for two or three bikes, although heavy electric bikes can sometimes reach the maximum permissible weight more quickly.
Are these bicycle carriers also suitable for electric cars?
Yes, most bike carriers without a tow bar are suitable for use on electric cars, as long as you take into account things like the maximum roof load or load on the tailgate. It is wise to check the type of car and the mounting method carefully in advance.
What are the main differences between the best bike carriers without a tow bar?
In our comparison we pay attention to the type of attachment (tailgate or trunk), the maximum number of bikes, the carrying capacity, whether it is foldable, and the ease of assembly. Also sturdiness, safety and the extent to which bikes are securely attached play a major role.
