Bike carrier - How do I transport my bike?
Transporting a bike by car
The car offers several places that are suitable for carrying your bike. Basically, there are three mounting options for bike racks:
- Behind the car (rear carrier),
- on the roof (roof rack) or
- in the interior (interior carrier)
Each location has its advantages, disadvantages and special features.
Rear racks, which are clamped to the trailer hitch, are the safest systems. In this case, up to four heavy bicycles and e-bikes can be transported. Such carriers are lashed to the trunk lid or tailgate with straps. The advantage is that the bikes and e-bikes only have to be lifted about half a meter and the air resistance when driving is relatively low. Charging is thus possible with the least amount of effort.
Roof racks that - combined with a wide variety of attachments - can be adapted to the respective application (e.g. standard attachment, bike rack, snowboard or ski rack). Despite often sophisticated systems, lifting a bike or e-bike to attach it to the roof rack still requires a bit of skill and strength.
The following should be considered when using a bike rack:
- Before setting off, the carrier and bicycles should be checked to ensure that they are securely fastened. This check should generally be carried out again after a short distance and additionally at regular intervals for long journeys.
- To avoid negligently endangering other road users, the carrier must be one hundred percent secure (no play) on the roof.
- The mounting instructions for the carrier as well as the operating instructions for the vehicle must be strictly observed.
- The vehicle manufacturer not only specifies the exact attachment points, but also the maximum permissible roof load - see operating instructions or type certificate - must not be exceeded.
- The bicycle carrier must not be overloaded, the permissible drawbar load of the trailer coupling and the tare weight of the carrier must be observed.
- When driving with rear carriers, note that the attached bicycle protrudes over the bodywork on the right and left of many vehicles!
- During the journey, bulky, heavy or easily lost parts should be removed from the bicycle if possible. In addition, the bicycles must never be covered with tarpaulins, as this can significantly increase the wind load acting on the carrier.
- The trailer coupling must be free of grease and paint when mounting the carrier.
- When loading the carrier, it is important to remember that the heavier the bicycle to be transported, the closer it should be secured to the vehicle.
- Drive economically and safely: If you want to drive economically, you must remove the carriers from the vehicle when not in use.
- Driving with a roof load changes the vehicle's center of gravity. Driving style and speed must therefore be adjusted accordingly, especially in crosswinds and on curves.
- The carrier influences the driving behavior of the vehicle, which is why it may react differently in extreme situations.
- Carrier with seal of quality: Only a tested carrier guarantees quality, stability and sufficient corrosion protection. When buying, you should also think about the right anti-theft device that protects the carrier and the transported goods.
It is also important that the license plate and lights of the vehicle are not covered by the rear carrier - unless the bicycle carrier has the appropriate lighting equipment.
In Austria, either the "normal white license plate" can be repositioned and attached to the bike carrier (if it covers the license plate on the car). Or a third (red) license plate can be applied for this purpose, which then remains permanently on the bike carrier.
The same rules do not apply in all countries: In Germany, the rear license plate must absolutely remain on the vehicle and may not be moved. Therefore, the red license plate must also be attached to a corresponding rear carrier that covers the rear license plate. By the way, since April 2021, new red plates will be issued bearing the International Distinctive Sign. Therefore, it can be assumed that there will be no problems when driving abroad. There is no obligation to exchange. However, anyone who already has a red plate can order a new one from a registration office since April 2021. However, you will have to wait a few days for the new plate because it has to be produced first.
If you use the old red plate without an international distinguishing plate abroad (even within the EU or EEA), you must always affix the "A" sticker.
Interior carriers are for bike transport in the car. However, there must be sufficient space for this. The carrier is characterized by its simple and flexible handling and tool-free installation without modifications to the vehicle and is suitable for all types of bikes.
To the transport system selection