Tow Bar Bike Carriers Australia — Compare & Buy

Four questions to answer before you buy: How many bikes do you carry? 2-bike carriers are lighter and cheaper; 4-bike carriers need a Class 3+ towbar. Do you carry ebikes? Check the per-bike weight rating — 25kg+ per bike for ebikes. Do you need it to fold? Folding carriers store easier and tilt down for boot access. What towbar do you have? 50mm is the Australian standard; 2-inch needs an adapter.

2-bike carriers suit couples and small families. They're lighter (around 15kg), cheaper, and fit on any Class 2+ towbar. 4-bike carriers are heavier (25kg+ empty) and need a Class 3 or 4 towbar with at least 100kg towball download capacity. Most families with kids' bikes buy a 2-bike with a child bike adapter rather than a full 4-bike.

Platform carriers (Thule EasyFold, Yakima HoldUp) hold bikes by the wheels — easier to load, no frame damage, ebike-compatible. Hanging carriers (Mont Blanc, basic Buzzrack) are cheaper and lighter but rub paint and don't suit ebikes or carbon frames. For anything over $1,500 of bike, buy a platform carrier.

A standard road or mountain bike weighs 10–14kg. An ebike weighs 20–30kg. Two ebikes can exceed 50kg total, plus the 15–20kg carrier — meaning you need a towbar with at least 75kg towball download. Class 3 standard towbars handle this; lightweight Class 2 may not.

Australia's standard is 50mm. The 2-inch (50.8mm) standard is used in the US and some imports. Most carriers ship in both sizes or include an adapter. Always confirm before you buy.

Yes — for a tow bar bike carrier you need a towbar fitted to your vehicle. Find a local installer if you don't have one yet. Expect to spend $300–$800 on the towbar plus the cost of the carrier.

Your number plate and rear lights must remain visible. If bikes obscure them, you need an auxiliary number plate and light bar (most quality carriers include or sell one). Carrying bikes that overhang more than 150mm requires a red flag during the day; at night, a red light.

Heaviest bike closest to the car. Use the carrier's straps for both wheels and frame. Always include the additional rear strap that stops the carrier tilting under load. Check straps after 10 minutes of driving — they bed in.