Car Bike Racks in Quebec: The Complete 2026 Guide

The platform hitch bike rack: the most versatile solution for transporting your bikes, especially electric models.

Spring is coming, bikes are emerging from storage, and weekend trips to the countryside are resuming. But transporting your bike – especially if you have an electric bike or several family bikes – requires the right equipment. And in Quebec, a few rules from the Highway Safety Code govern how you must transport your bike on your car.

This guide covers the three types of bike racks (also called bike carriers) for your car, the Quebec regulations you need to know, specific criteria for electric bikes, and the models available at Bicycles Quilicot to help you choose the right rack for your situation.

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Quebec Regulations to Know

Before attaching your bike rack and heading out, here's the essential legal information for Quebec.

Your license plate must remain visible at all times. This is the most often overlooked article. If your bike rack or bikes obscure your license plate, you are in violation. The solution: reposition the plate outside the rack using an extension frame, or use a bike rack with a dedicated plate mounting. Unlike a common practice in Europe, Quebec does not allow installing a copy of the plate on the bike rack.

• Securely fastened load: The Highway Safety Code requires that all transported objects be secured so they do not fall or shift.
• Rear light visibility: If your bikes obscure your brake or signal lights, you must ensure they remain visible. Some bike racks include auxiliary lights that plug into the vehicle's electrical outlet.

Regarding fines, the SAAQ specifies in its official directives that the fine for an obstructed license plate varies between $30 and $60 depending on the circumstances, with amounts that can increase in practice. However, it is the police officer who decides whether to let you go or demand that you clear the plate immediately — it's better to be in compliance before you depart.

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Questions to Ask Before Buying

Before shopping, you need to answer two questions.

How many bikes do you want to transport? Bike racks can carry from 1 to 6 bikes. If you're transporting 3 bikes or fewer, almost all formats will work. For 4 bikes or more, only hitch or roof-mounted models will do the job.

What is the total weight to be transported? A road bike weighs 8-10 kg (18-22 lb), a mountain bike 12-15 kg (26-33 lb), and an electric bike 20-35 kg (44-77 lb). If you combine two electric bikes, you're already looking at 50-70 kg (110-155 lb) on the rack — a strap-on rack is out of the question; you need a sturdy hitch platform.

With these two pieces of information, the right format becomes quite clear.

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The 3 Types of Bike Racks

The hitch bike rack remains the most popular format among regular cyclists – versatile, secure, and can carry up to 6 bikes depending on the model.

Trunk Bike Rack — Affordable but Limited

A trunk bike rack attaches to your car's hatchback with straps. Advantages: accessible price, no special equipment required, easy to install and remove. It loads low, without having to lift the bike.

Disadvantages: limited to 2-3 bikes, trunk access impossible when installed, sometimes requires a top tube adapter for mixed-frame bikes. It's also the format to avoid for heavy bikes — the straps are not designed to support 25-35 kg (55-77 lb) of electric bike.

Ideal for: occasional use, limited budget, lightweight bikes.

Hitch Bike Rack — The Most Versatile Solution

A hitch bike rack attaches to your vehicle's tow hitch. This is the most popular format among regular cyclists, and for good reason.

Two sub-types exist: the hanging bike rack (the bike is suspended by the top tube or by the front wheel via a hook) and the platform bike rack (the bike rests on its wheels on a platform, sometimes secured by a clamping arm on the wheel or frame). The platform is preferable for electric bikes, step-through frame bikes, and mountain bikes with varied geometries — no adapter needed.

Hitch models can generally transport 2 to 6 bikes, and quality versions allow trunk access without removing the bikes, thanks to a tilting mechanism. Hitches come in two standard sizes — 1¼ inches and 2 inches — and some racks include adapters to fit both. Be aware: your vehicle must be equipped with a tow hitch. If not, expect to pay $200 to $1,000 for installation at a garage, depending on the vehicle.

Also consider these adapters: a fat bike adapter if your tires exceed 4 inches, and a child bike adapter for platforms if you are transporting a 20 or 24-inch bike.

Ideal for: regular use, families, electric bikes.

Roof Bike Rack — Free Trunk Access, High Loading

The roof bike rack attaches to your vehicle's roof bars. Main advantage: trunk access remains free, and you can combine several pieces of equipment on the roof (bikes + roof box, for example).

Main disadvantage: you have to lift your bike to the height of the car's roof, which can be 1.5 to 2 meters. With a 15 kg (33 lb) mountain bike or a 30 kg (66 lb) electric bike, this exercise quickly becomes physically demanding. Wind resistance increases, your fuel consumption may be impacted, and bikes receive more splashes and insects during the journey.

At Bicycles Quilicot, two Thule models stand out: the Thule TopRide (held by the wheels, no frame contact) and the Thule UpRide (fork clamp). For pickup truck owners who want to avoid permanent installation, the SeaSucker Falcon attaches to the rear window with suction cups and can be removed in minutes.

Also note: always remember to remove the bike rack before entering an indoor parking lot or garage — roof accidents are common and costly.

Ideal for: road trips, lightweight bikes, combining with other equipment, cars without a hitch.

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The Special Case of Electric Bikes

The Thule EasyFold XT, designed for electric bikes with an integrated loading ramp.

Electric bikes weigh an average of 20 to 35 kg (44 to 77 lb) — two to three times more than a standard bike. This weight difference has direct implications for the choice of bike rack.

Essential criteria to check before buying:

• Load capacity: at least 60 kg (132 lb) to transport two electric bikes, ideally more.
• Vehicle compatibility: most e-bike models require a 2-inch hitch receiver (1¼-inch is often insufficient for these loads).
• Integrated anti-theft: locks on the wheel and on the hitch — convenient but should be supplemented with an additional padlock for longer stops.
• Wide tires: if you have an electric fat bike, check that the rack accommodates widths up to 12.7 cm (5 inches).
• Loading ramp: essential for bikes over 25 kg (55 lb) — lifting 30 kg (66 lb) to platform height is not realistic in the long term.

In-stock e-bike models at Bicycles Quilicot, by price level:

• Buzzrack E-Scorpion H2 (~$650) — entry-level specifically adapted for electric bikes, 2 bikes.
• Rocky Mounts Gigawatt 2-inch (~$1,000) — robust, 2-inch hitch, designed for heavy bikes.
• Thule EasyFold XT (~$1,400) — foldable hitch bike rack, integrated loading ramp, a benchmark in its segment.
• Thule Epos 2 (~$1,600, version with integrated lights ~$2,000) — new generation, integrated anti-theft, articulated arm attachment.

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Brands and Models Available at Bicycles Quilicot

Bicycles Quilicot distributes several recognized brands in the sector. Thule remains the cornerstone — finish, robustness, and very wide vehicle compatibility. For electric bikes in particular, Rocky Mounts and Buzzrack offer solid models at complementary price points. Yakima completes the offering for families transporting up to 6 bikes. See the complete selection.

The Rocky Mounts Gigawatt — mid-range for electric bikes, 2-inch hitch, robust and reliable.

A few benchmarks by use:

Usage	Model	Format
Entry-level electric bike	Buzzrack E-Scorpion H2	Platform, hitch, 2 bikes
Mid-range electric bike	Rocky Mounts Gigawatt	Platform, 2″ hitch, 2 bikes
Premium electric bike	Thule EasyFold XT / Epos 2	Platform, hitch, 2 bikes
Traditional bikes, regular use	Thule T2 Pro XTR	Platform, 2″ hitch, 2 bikes
Family, 3 bikes	Thule Outpace 3	Platform, hitch, 3 bikes
Family, up to 6 bikes	Yakima Hangtight 6	Hanging, hitch, 6 bikes
Roof, lightweight bikes	Thule TopRide / UpRide	Roof, 1 bike per rack
Pickup truck without roof bars	SeaSucker Falcon	Rear window, suction cups, 1 bike

You can consult the Thule buyer's guide to check compatibility with your vehicle before purchase. For other brands, our in-store advisors can verify the fit in minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a hitch bike rack need a tow hitch?

Yes. A hitch bike rack attaches to a tow hitch (1¼ or 2 inches depending on the model). If your car is not equipped with one, a hitch can be installed by a garage. Expect to pay $200 to $1,000 depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the electrical wiring.

What is the difference between a 1¼ and 2-inch hitch?

The 2-inch hitch is more rigid and accepts heavier loads — it's the standard for bike racks designed for electric bikes. The 1¼-inch hitch is suitable for lighter bikes and entry-level racks. If you plan to transport electric bikes, aim for a 2-inch hitch right from the installation.

Should the electric bike battery be removed before loading it?

Yes, it is recommended. You save 3 to 5 kg (7 to 11 lb) on the bike's weight, installation is easier, and the battery travels inside the vehicle, protected from rain, winter salt, or potential theft.

Can you leave your bike rack permanently attached to the car?

Trunk bike racks are easily removed after each trip. Hitch and roof models can remain in place longer, but some municipalities have rules regarding license plate visibility — it's best to check. Fuel consumption increases slightly with a rack in place, even when empty.

How can I protect my car's paint with a trunk bike rack?

Trunk bike racks can cause micro-scratches over time. Place a soft cloth or use the foam pads often provided with the rack. Regularly clean the contact area.

Which bike rack for transporting two electric bikes?

A platform hitch bike rack with a total capacity of at least 60 kg (132 lb), on a 2-inch hitch. The Buzzrack E-Scorpion H2, Rocky Mounts Gigawatt, and Thule EasyFold XT models cover the three price points for this use.

Does my bike rack need lights?

If your bikes hide your rear lights, you must restore their visibility. Some hitch bike racks include an electrical harness to connect auxiliary lighting to the vehicle's 7-pin socket. The Thule Epos 2 version with integrated light system solves the problem directly at the source.

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The Right Bike Rack Is One That Frees You Up

A well-chosen bike rack simplifies your outings rather than complicating them. Before buying, ask yourself two questions: how many bikes will you be transporting, and what is their total weight? With these two pieces of information, the right model will become quite clear.

Visit one of our stores — our teams can help you find the bike rack compatible with your car and bikes, and ensure your setup complies with Quebec regulations.