Westfalia Bikelander – Solid and intuitive

Westfalia sent us the Bikelander for our hitch rack group test. During the test, it impressed us with its solid functionality and easy handling. But how does the rack fare when loading and securing ebikes? We’ll tell you what to keep in mind when buying this rack.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best hitch rack for eMTBs – 5 models in our group test.

The Westfalia Bikelander comes fully pre-assembled and since it’s foldable, it’s nice and compact. Mounting it to the tow hitch is simple and self-explanatory. If you’re unsure, you can refer to the user manual and the tutorial on their website. The first time you put it on the tow hitch, you may have to readjust it so that the rack is firmly attached and properly aligned. Only then should you secure the rack with the lever. Folding out the rails and the lights can be done in a single movement. The U-bar gets pushed up and then secured with two adjusting screws. Since the rack can be folded or unfolded while attached to the hitch, it’s easy for one person to mount or remove.

According to Westfalia, the Bikelander that we tested is designed for tires up to 60 mm wide. Converted, this corresponds to 2.35″, so 2.4″ should just fit. The Thule EasyFold XT 2 and the Uebler i21 have significantly wider rails. According to Westfalia, the latest model of the Bikelander comes equipped with wider rails that can accommodate 2.75″ tires, so tire width should be a non-issue with the newer model. But if you run into trouble with tire fit, we recommend deflating them slightly to allow them to conform to the rails. The clamps for securing the frames are removable and can be used flexibly. They’re rubberised on the inside, which protects the frame. However, there are some bikes that aren’t compatible with this rack because the clamps can’t grab any of the frame tubes. The rack can be tipped by 87° with one hand, making it easy to reach the contents of your boot. If you’ve got very wide eMTB handlebars, you’ll have to be careful that the handlebar of the outermost bike doesn’t hit the ground when you tip the rack.

Westfalia offer a wide range of accessories and add-ons. For example, you can transform the Westfalia Bikelander into a 3-bike rack with the help of an extension rail. Of course, you must keep an eye on the total load. The third bike can’t weigh more than 20 kg. Another option is a cargo box or carrier platform. Both offer a lot of additional carrying capacity for your car.

Conclusion

The Bikelander can be folded up to a compact size, mounted quickly and it’s intuitive to use. The user manual and online tutorial are particularly helpful for newcomers. Loading your ebikes is quick and they’re held securely in place. Both the rack and the clamps are lockable. Although the clamps can be opened wide and are adjustable, there are some eMTB models they don’t work with. For modern eMTBs with wide tires, we recommend buying the latest model with wider rails.

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You can find out more about at westfalia-automotive.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best hitch rack for eMTBs – 5 models in our group test.

All hitch racks in test: Atera Strada E-Bike ML (Click for review) | EAL EUFAB Premium TG (Click for review) | Thule Easyfold XT2 (Click for review) | Uebler i21 (Click for review) | Westfalia Bikelander

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Words: Susanne Feddersen, Manne Schmitt Photos: Manne Schmitt, Robin Schmitt