Transporting Bicycles Safely with the Car

More and more people are choosing to take their bicycles on vacation with their own car. To ensure the safety of all road users, the ARBÖ Lower Austria advises a careful selection of the appropriate bicycle carrier. Whether roof or rear carrier: functionality and quality are crucial.

Before Purchase: Consultation Instead of Online Bargains

The ARBÖ recommends ideally trying out the carrier system on your own vehicle with your own bikes. "A high-quality system pays off in practice – a cheap product from the internet can easily become a bad purchase," says the automobile club. Those who are unsure can seek advice at one of the 21 ARBÖ testing centers in Lower Austria.

What to Consider When Buying

A bicycle carrier on the roof or at the rear has the advantage that the interior of the vehicle remains free and multiple bikes can be transported. According to ARBÖ, it is important that the mounts fit the tire width and that the clamp fastenings are also suitable for thicker frame tubes – such as with e-bikes or modern mountain bikes.

For all systems, attention must be paid to the permissible load capacity. Especially with e-bikes, the limit of the maximum roof load or the tongue weight of the trailer hitch is quickly reached. Removable parts such as saddles, lights, or bags should be removed before starting the journey. According to ARBÖ, tarps for covering the wheels are unsuitable as they could come loose in the wind while driving.

Roof Rack or Rear Carrier? Pros and Cons

A roof rack significantly affects aerodynamics: fuel consumption increases, sensitivity to crosswinds increases, and the vehicle's center of gravity is higher. "This can have a negative impact in curves," warns ARBÖ. Additionally, attention should be paid to the overall height – especially in underground garages or toll stations.

For the installation of a roof rack, a suitable railing or a manufacturer-recommended attachment is required. The roof load must not be exceeded under any circumstances.

Rear carriers are either attached to a stable tailgate or the trailer hitch. Important: If taillights are obscured, an additional lighting unit is mandatory, as well as a clearly visible follow-up license plate. Drivers should also keep in mind that the vehicle length increases significantly with a rear carrier – this is particularly relevant when parking.

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