Automobile Bicycle Racks in UK | What fits, What’s legal & what should you choose

Whether for commuting, getting some fitness in, or weekend trips to the countryside, cycling is on the rise in the UK. However, unless you live right on a trail, chances are you’ll need a way to transport your bike. That is where automobile bicycle racks come in.

Carried in the boot, Roof Racks, Tow Bar Solutions – There are plenty of variations available in the market. But one question UK drivers often have is: “Will all car bike racks fit all vehicles?” And, “Is it illegal to drive with a bike rack in the UK?”

In this guide, we will explain everything you might want to know that will help you select a car bike rack that meets your specifications while being legal, doesn’t cause damage to your vehicle, and meets all other requirements.

Why do you even need a bike rack? 

Bike racks allow for the transport of one or multiple bikes in a safe manner and do not require one to cram bikes into the boot or fold the backseats. This is important for those who: 

• Are going on a biking holiday.

• Want to hit the trails outside town.

• Are helping someone else relocate their gear.

It is not only about comfort; it is also about safety for your car and bike. For your bike, sitting in the back seat of your car may be a short term solution, but cramming it into the back seat of your car is neither safe nor a good long term plan. 

Do All Car Bike Racks Fit All Cars?

This is one of the most asked questions of all time:

Do all car bike racks fit all cars? 

Fast answer: No 

Bike racks do not fit all cars. Although some designs are made to be adaptable, a lot of racks are manufactured with particular car models in mind. Consider the following:

• Boot mounted racks nearly always fit best with hatchbacks or saloons with standard boots. They can’t fit on SUVs or cars with spoilers.

• Roof racks need to have roof bars, which isn’t the case in most vehicles. 

• Tow bar mounted racks require a tow bar, which many standard cars in the UK do not come with unless added afterward.

Some racks are more universal, but even with them it is important to check if they are compatible with the make and model of their vehicle. Most manufacturers have fit guides that allow you to enter your car’s details to see which options work, so it is smart to use those.

Do All Cars Use the Same Bike Rack?  

That flows perfectly into the next question: 

“Are bike racks universal for cars?”  

This one, you guessed it, is also partially no. “Universal fit“ bike racks do exist, especially in the trunk-mounted style. These types of bike carriers usually have some flexible straps and arms meant to accommodate multiple cars. But universal fit does not always mean best. There are situations when:  

• It can also be loose or too tight.

• It can exert some forces on the window or paint causing scratches on the surface.

• Might cover parts of the registration or rear lamps which can be dangerous.

With all of the above in mind, while certain racks claim to be universal, it’s always better to look for something that has been tested and reviewed with your specific vehicle in mind.

Is It Illegal to Drive with a Bike Rack in the UK?  

That’s the big one:  

“Is it unlawful to ride around the UK with a bike rack?”  

Straight answer: it’s not illegal but the law has some very clear guidelines which must be abiding. Here are some of the most important aspects:  

Blocking the registration number or lamps is prohibited.

If your rack or the bike blocks the rear light or number plate on your bike, you will need to fit a lighting board along with a number plate at the back of the rack. They can be powered by plugging into the car’s tow bar socket or 12V access port.

The bike must be firmly secured.

A poorly fitted bike is quite dangerous. Fines or losing points on your license is a possibility if your bike happens to fall off and cause an accident.

You must not exceed the weight limits.

Every bike rack has a maximum weight limit, as do your tow bar and roof bars and so check the manufacturer’s guidelines, and do not guess.

Rear view visibility is important.

You must still be able to look behind you and use your rearview mirror, or side mirrors. Rear visibility to check is often overlooked but is crucial to safety. Some setups such as boot mounted car racks on smaller cars greatly reduce visibility.

Ignoring these rules can not only get you into legal trouble, but can also endanger other road users so always double check your setup before heading out.

Different Kinds of Bicycle Racks for Cars in the UK

Now that we covered the legal parts, let’s discuss preferences. This is a list of different types of car bike racks that can be found in the UK:

Boot-Mounted Racks

These tend to be the most common and cheapest options in the UK. They use straps and rubber feet to attach to the boot of the car and usually carry 1-3 bikes.

Pros:

Low cost and easy to store.

Require neither a roof bar nor a tow bar.

Cons:

They can cover the number plate or rear lights.

Can damage the car’s paint if improperly fitted.

Some shapes of boots are incompatible.

Tow Bar Racks

This is generally the most safe and practical choice if you already possess a tow bar on your vehicle. These racks fit into the tow bar socket, often featuring lights.

Pros:

Highly stable.

Bikes are easy to load (no lifting overhead).

Car paint is intact.

Cons:

Tow bar must be installed.

A bit pricey.

May interfere with rear parking sensors or overhead cameras.

Roof Racks 

While the rear-installed bike holders protrude from the rear, they do ensure that the boot and the number plate are visible, the height limitations that they impose are a drawback. 

Pros: 

Full boot access.

No hindrance to rear visibility.

Cons:  

More challenging to load, particularly heavy bicycles.  

Impacts fuel efficiency.  

May strike height barriers in parking garages.  

How Do I Select a Bicycle Rack for My Vehicle?  

So, you’ve made up your mind on purchasing a rack, my question for you is:  

“What factors should I consider in choosing a bicycle rack for my vehicle?”  

Follow the steps below to help make your decisions easier:  

1. What type of vehicle do you use?  

Hatchbacks tend to put on boot racks.  

SUVs may require roof or tow bar solutions.  

Vehicles with spoilers require careful head fitting.  

2. Do you have roof bars or a tow bar?  

If yes, you have more secure options. If no, be sure to include the added cost to install these.  

3. How many bicycles are you planning to transport?  

Some racks only carry one or two. If you plan on family rides or group rides, you’ll want a rack designed to support three or more bikes.  

4. How physically capable are you?  

If raising a bike to shoulder height is difficult, a boot or tow-bar option is probably better than a roof rack.  

5. How frequently will you need it?  

If it’s just for the occasional road trip, a standard boot mounted rack will suffice. For frequent travel, consider something more secure and durable.

Bike Racks for Cars – Guidelines and Recommendations

Let’s take a look at the bike rack brands that are popular within the UK:

Thule – Produces roof and tow-bar racks.

Saris – Produces more intuitive boot-mounted racks.

Halfords – Produces their own branded version, which is often more economical.

Pendle – A UK brand popularized among serious cyclists.

Make sure to read the most updated reviews and product descriptions before making a purchase.

Bike Rack Safety Tips

Check that all straps and bolts are secure before driving.

Remove the bike rack when it is not in use as it decreases fuel economy and increases the likelihood of thievery.

Place padding between the bikes to reduce scratching.

Always use a lock, especially for roadside stops. It ensures better security.

Conclusion

Bike racks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. As with anything, they vary heavily in their features. You now have answers:

“Do all car bike racks fit all cars?” – No, they must be checked for compatibility.

“Is it illegal to drive with a bike rack in the UK?” – Not if visibility and safety standards are adhered to.

“Are bike racks universal for cars?” – Only some of them, but these too need a thorough examination.

“What’s the best bike rack for my car?” – Look first at what car you have, how you use it, and how many bikes you have.  

Cycling should always be a fun activity, and you can make it more enjoyable by properly arranging a trip to your preferred trail, park, or road, using the right bike rack.