Bike rack towbar fitting in Leicester
Reviewed by an experienced Leicester towbar fitter Last updated
A towbar-mounted bike rack is one of the easiest and safest ways to carry bikes. To fit one you need a towbar with a clean 50mm ball, enough noseweight to carry the rack plus the bikes (this matters most with e-bikes), and usually just 7-pin electrics for a lighting board. A fixed flange towbar is the cheapest option and works with most racks.
Why a towbar bike rack?
- Easier to load than a roof rack, at a lower height
- Better fuel economy than roof-mounted carriers
- Many racks tilt to keep boot access
- Can carry heavier bikes, including e-bikes
What your towbar needs
- A clean 50mm towball: standard on UK towbars, and it must be unpainted and free of grease where the rack clamps.
- Enough noseweight: the rack plus bikes must stay within the lower of your car's and your towbar's noseweight limit. Two e-bikes can weigh a lot, so check the figures. Our towing weights guide explains noseweight.
- A lighting board and electrics: if the rack hides your number plate or lights, you need a lighting board, which plugs into your towbar electrics. 7-pin is usually enough.
Fitter's tip
The rack plus bikes must stay within the lower of your car's and your towbar's noseweight limit. Two e-bikes can weigh a lot, so check the figures before you buy the rack.
Which towbar type?
A fixed flange ball is the most economical and accessory-friendly for bike-rack use. A detachable lets you remove the bar when you are not carrying bikes, and a swan-neck works with most racks. Some platform racks specify a particular ball type, so check the rack's fitting requirements before you choose.
What does it cost?
A fixed towbar with 7-pin electrics, which is all most bike-rack users need, starts from around £320 to £450 fitted. See the cost guide for detail.
Prices correct as of August 2026. Get a quote against your registration.
Frequently asked questions
One with a clean 50mm ball and enough noseweight for the rack and bikes. A fixed flange is the cheapest option, and detachable and swan-neck towbars also work with most racks.
Only if the rack hides your number plate or rear lights, in which case you need a lighting board plugged into a 7-pin socket. Many rear-mounted racks do need one.
Yes, but check the combined weight of the rack and bikes against the rack's limit and your car's noseweight limit, because e-bikes are heavy.
Either works for most racks. A fixed flange is cheapest and very accessory-friendly, but check whether your specific platform rack specifies a ball type.
Get a bike-rack towbar fitted in Leicester
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