This is what I'd like to have on the back of my cars for transporting e-bikes, e-trikes and e-scooters

http://www.etrailer.c...

I checked out the BEST custom trailer hitch shop in the KW area which is


Maurice's Welding
76 Woolwich St N
Breslau, ON N0B 1M0
(519) 648-3472

They have the most experience, the best prices and the best quality.

Because of the weight, they recommend a hitch that is rated for 3,500Lbs. I know I can't tow anything this heavy with a little Toyota Yaris. It's because of the tongue weight that requires a heavy duty hitch. They quoted me a price of $400.00 which includes the hitch, installation, all wiring, and a 2 inch square, removable tongue with a 1 7/8 ball.

If you ever switch vehicles, they charge $40.00 to remove the old hitch (they're all welded on) and give you back the $40.00 plus 1/2 the value of your original hitch towards the purchase of the new hitch. Customers drive there from Hamilton and Toronto to take advantage of their great sales and service.

I was thinking of getting a hitch/carrier for my car for my scooter-style e-bike - to transfer it when I'm out of town. This was the only post I saw on this. Anyone done this? have contacts? prices?

Thanks for any guidance.

I bought one of these Canadian made motocross bike carriers to haul my Metro A2B. Works great. http://www.bosstrucka...

Just one question guys.... is it legal for us to cover or there's a motor bike or what not in front of our car plates that hinder visibility of the same?

Technically, I imagine it is illegal, but like many laws it's up to the discretion of the police as to whether you're hassled about it. My A2B is similar to a regular bike in that it has an open (albeit stocky) frame and wire spoke wheels which allow considerable, but not completely full, visibility of the plate depending on the viewing angle. You see vehicles with rear carriers holding 1 to 4 regular bikes all the time. Depending on the actual location of your plates, a scooter style ebike could block your plate's view entirely. I see vehicles on the road with illegal tinted plate covers, or plates where the colour on the plate numbers has almost disappeared, leaving completely white plates. It's probably a matter of luck (or your attitude if stopped by the police) as to whether you'd be fined for obstructing the view of your plates. If it's a huge concern, you could always mount your plates onto the carrier or put them in your rear window when using the carrier. I imagine you could even buy trailer plates for your carrier if money isn't a concern. Or you could risk it and see what happens. You may never be hassled about it, and if you are, being polite and pleading ignorance will likely get you off with a warning.

Here is the section of the Highway Traffic Act. It is clearly illegal to obstruct the plate. There is another section where it states the number plate must also be lit at night (1/2 hour before and after sunset).

Number plates, further violations
No other numbers to be exposed
13. (1) No number other than that upon the number plate furnished by the Ministry shall be exposed on any part of a motor vehicle or trailer in such a position or manner as to confuse the identity of the number plate. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 13 (1).
Number plate to be kept clean
(2) Every number plate shall be kept free from dirt and obstruction and shall be affixed so that the entire number plate, including the numbers, is plainly visible at all times, and the view of the number plate shall not be obscured or obstructed by spare tires, bumper bars, any part of the vehicle, any attachments to the vehicle or the load carried. 1994, c. 27, s. 138 (7).
Obstruction prohibited
(3) The number plates shall not be obstructed by any device that prevents the entire number plates including the numbers from being accurately photographed using a photo-radar system. 1993, c. 31, s. 2 (5).
Same
(3.0.1) The number plates shall not be obstructed by any device that prevents the entire number plates including the numbers from being accurately photographed using a red light camera system. 1998, c. 38, s. 2 (1).
Same
(3.1) The number plates shall not be obstructed by any device or material that prevents the entire number plates including the numbers from being identified by an electronic toll system. 1996, c. 1, Sched. E, s. 2 (1).
Offence
(4) Every person who contravenes subsection (2), (3), (3.0.1) or (3.1) is guilty of an offence. 1993, c. 31, s. 2 (5); 1996, c. 1, Sched. E, s. 2 (2); 1998, c. 38, s. 2 (2).

I do not know the fines for this. The obvious solution would be to display your plates in a position that is not obstructed. Those faded and rusted plates are also illegal.

Yes, those rusted and faded plates are also illegal, yet they didn't become rusted or faded overnight ... Which would mean that unless the owners of such plates were paying fine after fine for months or years of breaking the clearly-written law, the police haven't done anything about it.

We use to use a hit mounted rack that we purchased at Costco of all places. The same ramp is also available from Discount Ramps. We no longer use the rack as we were only able to transport 2 scooters at a time (1 inside the van and one on the rack). We now have a custom trailer so we no longer use the rack and can deliver more than 2 bikes at a time.

Overall was very pleased with it. You will however need to make sure that have a class III or IV hitch as anything smaller won't work. Easy to install and quick to tie down. We found that using 4 ratchet tie downs are the way to go. Downside to this rack is it's heavy and awkward, but not a deal breaker. We just found it awkward to carry around to put in storage when not being used. If an aluminum version is available I would suggest spending the few extra $$$ if it's something you will use frequently.

The discount ramps site shows more pictures and has a video of the rack.

Costco Link


Discount Ramps Link


Also the rack did cover our rear plate and we never had any issues with the Police. One of our customers uses his to travel to his cottage in NY State and never heard anything back from him either from the cops on the other side of the boarder.


hope this helps

If one were to move the plate to a position outside the bike, it would suffice during the day. For a lit license plate one would have to run a wire and light from the car, or even a LED light and battery should suffice as long as it illuminates the plate sufficiently. I am not sure if there is a specified brightness for a license plate bulb.

that carrier doesn't look long enough for our scooters

i used a cargo carrier for luggage. less than half that price with free shipping

http://www.trailerhit...