There’s only one thing more exciting than a ride in your Tesla: carrying your bike with you to enjoy the fresh air outside town.
But with many less-than-ideal options to carry your bike — roof racks that impact your range, trailer hitch racks that interfere with your rear sensors, trunk bike racks that damage your paint — how do you know what’s the best bike rack for Tesla Model 3?
After reviewing more than a dozen options, a handful of winners emerged.
Other "bloggers" and "influencers" will push the product that pays the most, not the one that help you the most. We find what has worked best for the Tesla community -- and recommend it. We may get compensated (and that keeps the lights on)... but if we don't, WHO CARES? If every Tesla owner is recommending it, we will too!
I’ve outlined the best bike rack for Tesla Model 3 for each category below:
At A Glance: Our Top 4 Picks for Bike Rack for Tesla Model 3
- Best Overall: Tesla’s (w/ Yakima’s Carrier)
- Best Hitch-Mounted Rack: EcoHitch (w/ Yakima’s Rack)
- Best for Tesla Model 3 (Roof): 1-Bike SeaSucker
- Best Tesla Model 3 Trunk Rack: Allen Sports’ 2-Bike
Tesla Model 3 Tow Hitch vs. Trunk vs. Roof Rack: Which One Is Best?
The best rack option for you will depend on multiple factors:
Bike capacity and weight
Is biking a hobby you enjoy by yourself, or do your family members and close friends share this hobby with you?
Do you have conventional mountain bikes, or have you electrified your hobby with an e-bike?
Most products reviewed and suggested in this article will have the capacity for two, three, and even five bikes.
However, bike weight varies wildly from conventional to electric bikes — the latter is often two to three times heavier.
As such, if you carry many heavy bikes, a tow-hitched bike rack will almost certainly be the safest option for you and your family.
The fewer and lighter the bikes you carry with you, however, the more your ideal option shifts to a roof- or a trunk-mounted bike rack (each with its own benefits).
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Tesla’s (w/ Yakima’s Carrier)
| CARRIER VIEW ON AMAZON →ROOF RACK CHECK BEST PRICE → |
Best Hitch-Mounted Rack  | EcoHitch (w/ Yakima’s Rack)
| RACK VIEW ON AMAZON →RECEIVER CHECK BEST PRICE → |
Best for Tesla Model 3 (Roof)  | 1-Bike SeaSucker
| 2-BIKE VIEW ON AMAZON →1-BIKE VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Best Tesla Model 3 Trunk Rack  | Allen Sports’ 2-Bike
| RACK VIEW ON AMAZON →PROTECTORS VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Aerodynamics, efficiency, and range
Racks in and of themselves have minimal impact on range and efficiency (±1-5%).
But let’s be clear:
There’s no way to completely eliminate the impact on efficiency when bikes are mounted in any of the alternatives discussed.
Generally speaking, the least efficient alternative system is a roof rack with a bike carrier.
Although apples-to-apples tests aren’t available (e.g., two bikes on the roof versus two bikes in the rear under similar circumstances), data suggests hitch- and trunk-mounted bike racks have less impact in range — likely due to lower airspeeds in the rear area.
To avoid frequent charging during long road trips, consider hitch- or trunk-mounted bike racks.
Safety
A locking system is advisable for road safety and the safety of your bike.
Unless stated otherwise, our recommendations come with a locking option to avoid cargo theft or to avoid people confusing your bike with E.T. if your bike flies off the roof. 😬
Versatility and convenience
Each option has a degree of versatility and convenience.
For easy loading and unloading, hitch racks tend to be the most convenient choice.
Trunk-mounted versions are versatile in that they can be used universally with other vehicles.
Conventional roof racks are more widely known and can carry bikes, cargo boxes, ski racks, and more, but they are often uniquely designed for one vehicle.
Meanwhile, suction roof racks can be easily mounted and used with any car.
Consider your use cases and whether you intend to change your vehicle soon so you can opt for flexible alternatives and reduce expenses later on.
Best Bike Rack for Tesla Model 3 Overall: Tesla’s (w/ Yakima’s Carrier)
The best bike rack for Tesla Model 3 overall comes from the original manufacturer, but it doesn’t come without downsides.
To start off, you’ll need a rooftop bike mount, possibly more than one if you want to carry multiple bikes.
In forum discussions, the Thule Circuit and Yakima Forklift are commonly recommended.
Yakima users have had a better experience overall as Thule, a long-established brand, appears to be on a declining quality trend over the last few years.
According to some bike mount shoppers, Yakima dealers may not be aware that their products fit the Tesla Model 3.
Nonetheless, many users have found a great fit with Yakima’s Forklift, High Speed, and High Road bike mount models (see image above).
The roof rack itself has proven to be very efficient:
But as discussed, with bikes, you’re likely to experience a lower range with roof racks than with rear-mounted racks.
For instance, the What Drives You YouTube channel tested his Tesla Model 3 for efficiency with four bikes mounted on a hitch rack:
Well, 266 Wh/mi is still efficient, resulting in 190 miles versus 220 miles of range in a Model 3 with 50 kWh of usable energy.
Some non-Tesla EVs consume more energy without racks or bikes!
On the flip side, Tesla Motors Club user house9 tested a 47% energy consumption increase (236 Wh/mi to 348 Wh/mi) with Tesla’s roof rack, Yakima’s High Road bike carrier, and two bikes @ up to 77mph.
This setup would translate into a whopping 145 miles (!) versus 220 miles in a 50 kWh Model 3.
Although temperature conditions and average speeds may differ, 15% higher consumption with four bikes in the rear versus 47% higher consumption with two bikes on the roof is clearly a big difference.
And the final punch in the gut? Risk of cracked glass.
This happens more often with non-Tesla conventional roof racks, of which I suggested none because reviews are filled with reports of cracked glass.
Whether due to poor installation or glass imperfections, there’s still risk, and your glass may experience cracks with Tesla’s rack.
Finally, the maximum weight according to the Model 3’s Roof Rack manual is 150 pounds.
With the 18 pounds the rack weighs, I’d be careful going even close to 100 pounds — or the equivalent of three adult-size mountain bikes — just to be safe.
If you need to carry three bikes or more, everything points to the next option on this list as the best bike rack for Tesla Model 3.
Pros
Fits: All Model 3 years & trims
✅ Engineered by Tesla
✅ Efficient design
✅ Compatible with ski racks, cargo boxes, and bike carriers
Cons
❌ Expensive
❌ Greater range decrease than rear-mounted bike racks
❌ Risk of cracked glass
❌ Involved installation and loading/unloading
❌ Requires a bike carrier to work properly
These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
Best Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack: EcoHitch (w/ Yakima’s Rack)
Many owners can’t stand the idea of risking paint or glass damage… Their Tesla is their baby.
In such a case, a hitch bike rack may be the most suitable option.
With 300 pounds in rated tongue weight and 2,000 pounds in rated towing weight, you’ll be able to carry more (and heavier) bikes.
For e-bike owners, this is the way to go.
The installation, although doable, will certainly intimidate non-DIYers.
Make sure to order a 2″ receiver, as this is the standard for most accessories and consider professional help if you’re not up for the challenge of installing the receiver yourself.
Similar to Tesla’s, you’ll need an additional hitch bike rack. Thule and Yakima top the list of recommended brands again.
With Thule’s declining reputation and higher prices, however, I’d look into Yakima first. (It offers a reasonably-priced hitch rack in 2-, 4- and 5-bike variants.)
Loading and unloading your bike(s) will be super convenient. For shorter and older Model 3 owners, this may be an important factor.
Keep in mind that, in reverse, you won’t be able to summon your vehicle as it will think it’s about to hit something.
The rack may also cover the license plate, which might be a big deal in some cities (though this isn’t an issue if you have a front license plate).
Regarding efficiency…
As shown above, What Drives You tested 266 Wh/mi with a 4-bike loaded hitch (a 15% increase in energy consumption over a 230 Wh/mi bare test).
In another test, the data came in at 291 Wh/mi (or a 27% increase). This would imply 170 to 190 miles versus 220 miles for a 50 kWh Model 3.
Although more efficient than roof bike racks (with data suggesting increases in energy consumption of as much as 45% with 2 bikes), at high speeds and/or lower temperatures, 300+ Wh/mi is expected with this hitch setup.
Plan for the worst and assume a 25%–30% lower range for road trips.
Pros
Fits: All Model 3 years and trims. Available for the Model Y too.
✅ Easiest loading and unloading
✅ No risk of paint or glass damage
✅ Higher weight capacity (300 pounds). Ideal for e-bikes
✅ “Stealth” hitch not visible when installed
✅ Less impact in range compared to roof alternatives
Cons
❌ Expensive
❌ May interfere with rear sensors and license plate
❌ Requires a hitch bike rack to work properly
❌ Involved installation
Best Bike Rack for Tesla Model 3 (Roof): 1-Bike SeaSucker
SeaSucker sets out to counter the downsides of conventional roof racks.
And with the exception of the lack of a locking system and limited bike quantity, they invented a creative solution.
Rather than attaching the rack to the roof, SeaSucker’s bike rack is “sucked into” it.
This suction mechanism is the same one Tesla uses in its production to install the glass in the first place!
The risk of cracking is far, far lower due to the softer material in contact with the glass.
No metal clips or screws. No additional bike carrier. No risk of paint damage. It’s truly a great solution.
What about the high impact on efficiency, you ask?
That’s the ultimate kicker:
This bike rack doesn’t have to be placed in the front section of the roof.
Forum users are able to use the product by positioning one end in the trunk and another on the roof, as follows:
The further back you place your bike, the lower the airspeed and the fewer miles you lose in range.
Users report satisfaction over many years of ownership, and many YouTubers have positive reviews of the product:
The rack is priced similarly to Tesla’s roof rack, but you can use SeaSucker for multiple vehicles (either those you own today or those you purchase in the future).
As such, the total cost over the long run will be lower.
It might take some time to create confidence in the product, but customers report 80 mph multi-day trips without issues.
Elon Musk himself admits the safety of the suction mechanism at high speeds.
You may also consider the one-bike version of this brand if you’ll only carry one bike at all times.
SeaSucker would certainly earn the best overall spot if there weren’t any Tesla-made racks.
Should you opt for this rack, follow the instructions extremely carefully.
Keep the vacuum cups protected with their plastic shells when not in use, clean the surfaces in contact thoroughly, and double-check the suction status of the cup every time you stop to charge during a trip.
Pros:
Fits: Universally
✅ Substantially less prone to glass damage than conventional roof racks
✅ Easy to install or remove to use in multiple vehicles
✅ Available in 1-bike and 2-bike variants. Click here for 1-bike variant.
✅ Held through suction. No metal clips or screws.
✅ Can be placed closer to the rear area for less wind drag and range loss
✅ No interference with rear sensors or license plate
Cons
❌ Limited bike quantity
❌ Not lockable
❌ Somewhat expensive for many.
Best Tesla Model 3 Trunk Bike Rack: Allen Sports’ 2-Bike
Trunk-mounted bike racks offer the best of both worlds, lower range impact than roof racks and lower cost than hitch racks, while also having multi-bike capacity and a universal fit.
Among the many different brands that exist, Allen Sports comes out as the overall winner in terms of ease of installation, proven product quality, and value for money.
The manufacturer lists the compatible car models here.
While Tesla as a brand isn’t on their compatibility list, customers have taken the risk and reported that the 102DN model does fit the Tesla Model 3 well.
Enough convincing evidence of compatibility with the Model S, Model Y, or other Tesla models wasn’t found, however.
Consider that a small number of customers reported pain damage on their trunk lids.
Be especially cautious if your car is equipped with a power liftgate or pneumatic struts. You may even end up damaging your rear glass by opening the trunk with the bikes on.
To counter the damage, I suggest you add some scratch protectors to your shopping list.
After budgeting for both products, this option still costs 8–10 times less than the recommendations above.
Multiple users say it took them less than 15 minutes to install the rack.
And in case you share your biking hobby with the people you have trips with, there’s a three-bike version from the same brand (103DN-R) with identical mounting and attachment structure — that way, you’re confident it’ll fit your Model 3 too.
I can’t confidently point to any four-bike variant from this brand that fits the Model 3. If you happen to know one, please comment down below.
With nearly 15,000 ratings and a 4.5-star average, this may be the best bike rack for Tesla Model 3 price-conscious owners.
Pros
Fits: Universally
✅ Easy to install
✅ 1/10th the cost of alternatives
✅ Easy to install or remove to use in multiple vehicles
✅ Available in 2- and 3-bike variants. Click here for the 3-bike variant.
Cons
❌ Prone to trunk paint damage unless installed with scratch protectors
❌ May interfere with rear sensors and license plate
❌ Limited weight capacity (70–100 pounds)
Saris Bones for Tesla Model 3 Owners: Good Product, Bad Fit
Many Tesla owners have wondered if any products from Saris Bones, a well-renowned brand, can fit their vehicles.
Overall, Saris Bones’ customers review the product favorably. They loved how easy it was to install. Just attach two bolts and you’re done.
It sways and fits loose for a few customers, but it largely depends on the body shape of the car you own; it works great with some and disappoints others.
Customers also repeatedly admired the company’s customer service. They are friendly, reply quickly, and give satisfactory answers.
Though this item went great with other cars, will it be a similar case with Tesla?
What Does the Tesla Community Say About Saris Bones?
Saris has a great reputation in the bike rack industry. However, I found many Model 3 owners disappointed that it didn’t fit their cars.
A few owners who did try the Saris Bones racks had a tough time maneuvering around after mounting them on.
Here’s a post by a Model 3 owner that gives some valuable insights:
I drove three bikes about 40 miles, to and from our destination today. I want to say that I wouldn’t recommend this solution for a few reasons.
GolanB
The first is that it simply doesn’t feel safe: I drove carefully at or slightly under the speed limit, avoiding potholes and imperfections in the road because I felt that the straps would pop off. It happened once en route when we hit a seam between new and old asphalt and I had to pull over and reattach a weight-bearing strap.
The second issue is definitely the risk to the paint.
Finally, placing the bikes behind the car disrupted the sensors, including the rear camera and ultrasonic sensors. It didn’t confuse autopilot, but I was getting constant pop-up messages about ELDA being disabled and false proximity detections.
All things considered, though Saris Bones is a great bike rack lineup, I wouldn’t recommend using it with the Model 3.
If you decide to go with it, do share your experience with us in the comments.
On the other hand, there are other great racks available on the market that work great with the Model 3 and have been tested and verified by hundreds of Tesla owners.
As evidenced by the community’s experiences, Saris Bones is definitely not for the Tesla Model 3.
It’s a great product, but it’s just not a great fit.
Pros
✅ Well-built products
✅ Easy installation
✅ Great customer service
✅ Available in 2-bikes, 3-bikes, and 4-bikes versions
Cons
❌ A few owners complained that the hitch fits loose
❌ No evidence of it working well with the Model 3
Frequent Buyer Concerns
Is it possible to fit the car in a Supercharger with bikes loaded on the rack?
Yes.
Even five-bike variants should allow you to plug the Supercharger’s cable.
As such, for bike racks, I wouldn’t be concerned about having to unload your cargo to supercharge.
Only in the unusual case of a large trailer such a maneuver may be necessary.
Does Autopilot and Full-Self Driving (FSD) still work with a bike rack on?
As discussed, rear racks will interfere with your rear sensors. Your Model 3 will think it’s about to hit an object in reverse.
Autopilot and FSD can still be turned on, though — although I would suggest that you be more cautious than usual.
For roof racks, interference with Tesla’s sensor suite isn’t a concern.
Can you fit a bike in the back of a Tesla?
It depends on the Tesla model you have, the size of the bike, and whether it can be folded.
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have relatively small trunks, so it may be difficult to fit a full-size bike in the trunk without disassembling it first. The Tesla Model S and Model X, on the other hand, have larger trunks and a hatchback design, so they may be able to accommodate a full-size bike with the seats folded down.
It’s a good idea to measure the bike and compare its dimensions to the interior space of the Tesla to see if it will fit.
Ultimately, however, you’ll want to make sure the bike is properly secured so that it does not move around during transportation. Using a bike rack that attaches to the roof, the hitch, or the trunk of the car is the best way to securely attach your bike.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Tesla Model 3 Bike Rack?
Typically, I would recommend going with the original manufacturer’s option without hesitation, and in this case, I did consider Tesla to be the best overall choice.
However, after considering the needs of most users, the versatility that the SeaSucker 1-Bike Mini Bomber offers makes it a compelling option. It can be used with multiple vehicles, it doesn’t obstruct sensors or license plates, and its impact on range can be minimized by positioning it closer to the rear of the car.
Its suction mechanism is vetted by Elon, making it a safe and versatile option overall. SeaSucker is the rack I’d select given the potential for glass damage that some people have experienced with Tesla’s roof rack.
If you don’t transport bikes that often and want a more cost-effective option, then I highly recommend the AllenSports bike rack.
Zac Ludicrous
Mechanical engineer by profession. TSLA shareholder before the hype. EV enthusiast all day long. Zac enjoys learning about the future of battery technology, autonomy, and EVs. He considers Tesla Model 3 the most important vehicle of the 21st century -- and is in a quest to improve the ownership experience of every Model 3 owner he possibly can.These 5 rare tips can save you so much time and stress – and few owners know about them (even after years of ownership). Sign up below to learn more. It's free!
