The Top 5 Best Surfboard Racks For Bikes And E-Bikes
Surfboard racks for bikes make it easy to carry boards on two wheels, and have become one of the hottest pieces of surf gear to have now that e-bikes are becoming extremely common. Holding your surfboard tucked in your arm is possible but it gets tiring very fast and you don’t have as much control of your bike.
These racks are designed especially for people who live in coastal areas and enjoy surfing and want to decrease their carbon footprint. They attach securely onto a bicycle’s frame, so you can take your board with you hands-free when riding your bike.
We’ve taken the time to list the best surfboard bike rack brands and models on the market today.
Surfboard bike racks come in a variety of styles – some hold your board horizontal, some have it up and down behind you, and some allow you to trail the board behind the bike on wheels. It really depends on what kind of board you have and also what kind of bike you have.
MOST of these racks will work on a bike or an e-bike, but you’ll have to check your individual bike’s measurements and connection points in order to double-check. There are way too many e-bike brands out there to cover them all, unfortunately. So just double-check.
Shortboard Racks
Ho Stevie! Shortboard Rack
The Ho Stevie! surfboard bike rack is similar to the Moved By Bikes shortboard rack however it has anodized aluminum bars (the black color won’t chip off) as well as bungee cords that loop over the top of the board to keep it in the rack. Foam covered arms protect your board from dings. As a bonus, the Ho Stevie! brand is surfer-owned. Don’t give money to the weirdo alphabet soup brands on Amazon with names like Yaegoo and Cenipar. They’re owned by….well, let’s just say offshore interests.
The Ho Stevie! surfboard bike rack is recommended for surfboards up to 8 feet long. It can work with longer boards, but it makes it more difficult. Carrier arms can be adjusted to fit your surf board and bike.
Moved By Bikes Shortboard Rack
Simple. Easy. The Moved By Bikes MBB shortboard rack attaches to the frame at the seat post (the adjustable metal tube that holds your seat). It features tool-free quick-release bars to remove the rack when you’re not using it and cushions on the tubing to protect the board. Doesn’t feature the bungee cords that go over the top of the board.
- Tool free quick release bars.
- Quick and easy seatpost mounting.
- For Surfboards up to 7'.
Longboard Racks
Moved By Bikes MBB Longboard Rack
The longboard rack by Moved By Bikes features two separate cradles that attach at different points on the bike to ensure strength when carrying an 8’+ board. It is kinda gnarly trying to carry a heavy log on a shortboard rack, so if you’re going to carry a longboard I highly recommend throwing down for a longboard rack.
By utilizing only anodized aluminum construction and stainless steel materials, Bikes Moved by Bikes ensures that their bike racks are rust and corrosion-resistant.
The aluminum frame makes it extremely lightweight, weighing in at only 4.5 pounds. It can carry up to 25 pounds without making cycling difficult.
The longboard rack by Moved By Bikes features two separate cradles that attach at different points on the bike to ensure strength when carrying an 8'+ board.
E-Bike And Moped Racks
E-bikes and mopeds have different contact points on the bike frame for attaching racks, so double check yours and see any recommendations for placement of a surfboard rack.
Ho Stevie! Scooter/Moped Surfboard Rack
This rack has a special attachment that fastens to the rear cargo rack of a moped or scooter or e-bike. If your ride doesn’t have many vertical posts to attach a typical rack such as a seat post, then this is the best option provided you have a rear cargo rack. This option isn’t good for boards over 8′.
The Ho Stevie! scooter surfboard rack attaches to a rear cargo rack and is recommended for surfboards up to 8 feet long. It can work with longer boards, but it makes it more difficult.
Moved By Bikes Moped Rack
If you don’t have an existing cargo rack, the Moved By Bikes Moped Rack is another solid bike rack to choose. Although this rack might require a bit more creative thinking, it has the ability to mount to many different styles of frames. With two separate pieces, it’s also capable of handling longboards as well as shortboards.
Aluminum construction will not corrode. Two separate arms attach separately to the frame of a moped or scooter. Can hold longboards.
FAQ:
What’s the best position for a surfboard on a bike?
Honestly, horizontal (or side mounted) is the best way to mount a surfboard on a bike. Hang it from a quality surfboard rack and you’re going to have the best experience.
Do I need a certain type of bike for best results?
No, as long as your frame has some kind of contact points – either horizontal bars or vertical posts that can attach a surfboard trailer mount then you should be fine. These racks can work with most bicycles, whether it’s a beach cruiser, mountain bike, e-bike, or moped.
Is it hard to steer?
The best surfboard racks for bikes are designed to not affect your steering ability. You should be good to go. Even with larger boards you should be fine, although I would avoid abrupt maneuvers.
How do I attach surfboard bike racks?
Most best surfboard bike racks have easy-to-use quick release pins that make attaching and detaching a breeze. However, each rack mounts in a slightly different way so consult the instructions provided with your bike rack.
Will surfboard racks be dangerous or blow me over in the wind?
Hardly, the best surfboard bike racks are designed to safely and securely carry your surfboards. They’re built with quality materials that keep the boards secure even in high winds or surprise potholes on bumpy roads. Yes, if it’s extremely windy it may be a bit more difficult to control the bike, but generally you’ll be fine.
Are surfboard racks compatible with all types of bikes and eBikes?
Most surfboard racks are designed to be compatible with a wide range of bikes and eBikes. However, it’s essential to verify the compatibility of a specific rack with your bike or eBike before making a purchase. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with a professional if you’re unsure.