How to choose the best bike rack for your needs
Every rider is unique—and so are their bikes and vehicles. That’s why finding the perfect fit matters. This guide is designed to help you choose the ideal towbar-mounted bike carrier, so you can hit the road with confidence, knowing your gear is secure and your adventure uncompromised.
How to choose the right bike rack
Before choosing a bike carrier, you need to ask yourself:
Does my car have a towbar?
How many bikes do I want to carry—just one, or the whole family’s?
Do I ride e-bikes or heavier mountain bikes?
Is easy access to my boot important?
Do I need something compact and easy to store?
These questions will help guide your decision toward a bike carrier that matches your lifestyle. And if your car has a towbar—or you're thinking of installing one—a towbar-mounted bike rack is likely your best option.
Why choose a towbar bike carrier?
Towbar bike racks offer a superior experience in terms of stability, bike safety, and usability. Here's why Westfalia leads the pack:
✅ Effortless Loading
Our carriers are mounted low, so there’s no overhead lifting. Ideal for e-bikes and heavy models.
✅ Smart Tilt Function
Need something from the boot mid-journey? Tilt the rack (even fully loaded!) to access your luggage easily.
✅ Secure by Design
Westfalia racks feature built-in locks for both bikes and the carrier—keeping your gear safe while you're away from the vehicle.
✅ Compact & Foldable
When you're done, fold it down and store it in the garage, boot, or with our wall holder—neatly out of the way.
✅ Compatible with E-Bikes
Westfalia bike carriers are engineered with durability and extra weight capacity in mind, making them ideal for modern e-bikes.
How non-towbar racks compare
While non-towbar-mounted bike carriers—such as roof racks and boot-mounted systems—can be a quick solution for occasional transport, they often come with trade-offs. Lifting bikes overhead, dealing with restricted rear access, and potential wear on your vehicle are common concerns.
In contrast, towbar-mounted bike racks offer a smarter, more convenient alternative: easy loading, better stability, and seamless access to your boot—all while keeping your car and your bikes protected. When you're ready to ride without the hassle, towbar-mounted is the way to go.
Accessorize your ride: Westfalia bike carrier add-ons
Westfalia’s range of smart accessories is designed to take your cycling adventures to the next level—boosting functionality, improving safety, and keeping your gear secure every step of the way.
· Bike Carrier Bag
Protect your Westfalia carrier during transport and storage with this durable carry bag. Keeps everything clean and easy to handle.
· Drive-Up Ramp
No need to lift heavy bikes—just roll them into place using our loading ramp. A must-have for e-bike owners!
· Third Bike Extension
Need to bring one more bike? Easily convert your 2-bike rack into a 3-bike solution with our extension kit.
· Wall Holder
Keep your garage tidy with our custom wall mount for your bike carrier, the perfect storage solution between rides.
· Supplemental Brake Light
When bikes block your vehicle’s third brake light, the add-on supplemental light ensures you stay road-legal and highly visible. Simple, safe, and compliant.
· Transport Platform
Turn your towbar into a multi-use gear hauler. The platform can carry luggage, camping gear, or bulky items with ease.
· Transport Box
Need secure, weatherproof storage? Our lockable Transport Box mounts onto the platform and keeps your gear safe, dry, and accessible.
A complete transport system — built by Westfalia
From our award-winning BC 60 and Bikelander carriers to the accessories that make life easier, Westfalia offers more than just a bike rack—we deliver a complete, modular system designed around you.
Whether you ride for fitness, fun, or family time, Westfalia helps you take your bikes further, safer, and with no compromises.
Ready to Ride?
Explore the full range of Westfalia bike racks and accessories here. Build your perfect transport setup today and enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
