First and foremost, follow the directions closely of the bike rack manual in order to properly secure it to the car. Respecting the instructions will reduce the risk of losing your cargo and, of course, accidents.
One of the key points is to respect the maximum load of each of the elements involved. We often consider the load of the bike rack itself, but what about the rest?
Maximum load of the bike rack
Maximum load of the hitch
Maximum load of the car
Next Steps
Make sure that the bikes are securely attached to the rack. You can ensure further safety by adding cargo straps or bungee cords to secure the load. Check the tightness of the rack harnesses and the additional straps from time to time to help ensure that everything is properly attached and to prevent the bikes from falling.
Keep in mind the speed limits indicated on the bike rack. Some are limited to 130 km/h to ensure the proper functionality of the rack.
In the same vein, the vibrations from driving will shake the bikes—it is important to think about taking off all accessories that may pop off (display, battery, etc.).
Information regarding the payload of the bike rack will normally be signaled with a graphic on the packaging. The maximum load is divided by the load assigned to each bike. It is important to note that cargo bikes are heavier than conventional bikes. For Yuba bikes specifically, we recommend a bike rack that supports up to 60 kg—30 kg per bike, 2 bikes.
The Maximum Load of the Hitch
Hitch balls have different maximum loads depending on the vehicle and the tow bar. The bike rack company usually communicates this information to ensure the correct usage of their products. For cargo bikes, try to choose a hitch with a vertical load greater than 90 kg.
Country-Specific Regulations
Max Width: Bike + Rack
Mandatory Lighting
Registration
Signage / Other
FRANCE
Max 250 cm
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a ramp and a separate plate.
If protrudes more than 40 cm, mandatory lighting in the front and red lighting in the rear.
BELGIUM
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a ramp and a separate plate.
Bike rack 13-pin connector mandatory
SWITZERLAND
Max 200 cm, Max protrusion on the sides 20 cm
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a ramp and a separate plate.
Over 1 m protrusion, clear signage is required
NETHERLANDS
Max 200 cm, Max protrusion on the sides 20 cm
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a white license plate and ramp.
GERMANY
Max 255 cm
ITALY
An excess of 30% of the car authorized at the rear (in length)
Mandatory red light at night
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a white license plate and ramp.
Warning sign (50 cm x 50 cm) at all times (5 diagonal red lines). Put 2 if needed (super large bike rack).
SPAIN
An excess of 10% of the car authorized at the rear (in length)
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a white license plate and ramp.
Minimum 1 sign at the back of the bike rack (3 diagonal red lines). 2 panels if the bike rack takes up the whole width of the car.
PORTUGAL
Bike and rack must not protrude from the vehicle on the sides. 45 cm allowed at the back (length)
Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a white license plate and ramp.
Verification of documents, bike racks, and the use of both must be approved.
SWEDEN
White registration mounted on the bike rack + FR sticker on the side of the plate. Registration and headlight visible. If not, provide a headlight ramp.
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