Aug 22, 2025
Road Trips with Emma 3.0 and Shark 3.0: How We Travel Together
One of the greatest joys of owning an ebike is the freedom to explore farther, faster, and with less effort. But if you ride an Emma 3.0 or a Shark 3.0, you’ll also know that sometimes the best trails, coastal roads, or mountain paths are hours away by car. That’s when learning how to safely transport your ebike becomes part of the adventure itself.
Emma & Shark’s Favorite Kind of Weekend
Emma 3.0 and Shark 3.0 aren’t content with just city streets. Emma loves winding rides through small beach towns, while Shark craves rugged mountain paths and forest trails. But before either of them can get to their playground, there’s one big question: How do we get them there safely, without stress, and without scratching up the car or the bikes?
Why Hitch Racks Are the Best Choice
We’ve tried the alternatives—lifting bikes into a trunk or wrestling them onto a roof rack—and let’s just say: never again. Ebikes like Emma and Shark are quite heavy, and lifting them above your shoulders is not fun. A hitch-mounted rack changes the game:
✅ Designed to handle the weight of ebikes.
✅ Low loading height—roll them on instead of lifting.
✅ Sturdy frame clamps that keep the bikes stable even on bumpy highways.
✅ Locks for extra peace of mind.
The one we use (and trust every trip) is the RollRoad Hitch-Mounted Aluminum E-Bike Carrier—lightweight, strong, and purpose-built for heavy ebikes. You can check it out here:
https://roll-road.com/products/hitch-mounted-aluminum-e-bike-carrier
A Quick Note on Step-Through Frames Like Emma’s
If your bike doesn’t have a top tube (like Emma 3.0), don’t worry—it’s still rack-friendly. The solution is a top tube adapter bar, which attaches between the seat post and the handlebars. This gives Emma a “virtual” top tube so the rack can hold her securely. It takes less than a minute to clip on, and then you’re ready to roll.
Road Trip Prep: Emma & Shark’s Checklist
Transporting an ebike isn’t complicated if you follow a simple routine:
1.Remove accessories – lights, mirrors, water bottles, and bags can get damaged or fall off on the highway.
2.Take the batteries inside – this reduces weight on the rack and keeps them safe from extreme heat or cold.
3.Secure with straps – even though racks are sturdy, an extra bungee or Velcro strap keeps things rock solid.
4.Weather protection – if rain is in the forecast, consider a rack cover to keep dust and water away.
5.Bring locks – quick stops at coffee shops or overnight parking lots are safer when your ebike is locked down.
A Few Extra Tips We’ve Learned
1.Weight Distribution Matters: If you’re carrying two ebikes, load the heavier one (usually Emma!) closest to the car. This keeps the setup more stable.
2.Check Hitch Tightness: Every trip, double-check that the hitch pin and rack bolts are tight. Vibration can loosen them over long drives.
3.Mind the Rear Lights: Some racks or covers can block tail lights—if that happens, consider adding a small auxiliary light bar.
4.Practice Loading at Home: The first time you use the rack shouldn’t be the morning of your road trip. Try it out in your driveway first—it makes future trips smoother.
Final Thoughts
Transporting an ebike doesn’t need to feel complicated. With a solid hitch rack, a top tube adapter for step-through frames, and a little pre-trip checklist, Emma 3.0 and Shark 3.0 are always ready for the next adventure. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the destination. It’s about the ride, the freedom, and the trusty travel companions who make every road trip unforgettable.
