People considering buying a large-wheeled kickbike (kickbike, kick scooter) often first wonder about practical questions: How do you transport a large kickbike by car? Will it fit on the back seat of my car? Do you need a roof rack or a rack that attaches to the tow hitch?
The good news is that transporting a kickbike is often much easier than its size might suggest. In many cars, you can transport it inside the car without separate transport racks. If there is not enough interior space, there are also options that can be installed outside the car.
Often the easiest option: transport the kickbike inside the car
In many passenger cars, especially estate cars and other cars with somewhat larger luggage compartments, a large-wheeled kickbike can be transported inside the car. Often, the key is removing the front wheel.
Removing the front wheel significantly shortens the kickbike's overall length, allowing the frame to be placed, for example, in the rear footwell. This is a very easy way to take your kickbike with you. Transporting the kickbike inside the car also keeps it protected from the weather and road spray.
If your car allows you to fold the rear seatbacks down partially or completely, transportation is of course even easier. In that case, the car does not necessarily need to be an estate car; a shorter car model will also be sufficient.
Shorter models with slightly smaller wheels, such as Kostka Hill Fun, can easily be transported in a car even without removing the front wheel.
Removing the front wheel is a quick process
Removing the front wheel does not need to be considered a difficult disassembly and reassembly job. It involves just a few simple steps, and once you have done it a few times, it becomes quick and easy.
There is one thing worth remembering, especially with models equipped with disc brakes: Do not squeeze the brake lever when the front wheel is removed.
When the brake disc is not between the brake pads, squeezing the brake lever can cause the brake pads to move too close together. After that, reinstalling the brake disc can be considerably more difficult, and the brake pads must first be separated again. If the lever gets pressed down, it is not a catastrophe—but it does mean a small, annoying extra task before your ride or training session can begin. Trust us—you will probably make this mistake once and learn from it.
What if the kickbike does not fit inside the car?
If the rear storage area is too small, or you need the interior space for passengers, dogs, a dog crate, and luggage, the Scooter can also be transported outside the car.
In practice, there are two options:
- a rack mounted on the car’s roof
- a rack mounted on the tow hitch or car’s tailgate
Both have their advantages. Let’s take a closer look at them next.
Scooter on the roof of the car
If the car already has roof bars, transporting it on the roof can be a very convenient option.
A Scooter can be secured to a suitable bicycle transport rack on the roof of the car. However, it is important to remember that a Scooter is not a bicycle: the shape of its deck and frame affects what kind of rack will work.
For a roof-mounted rack, you should check at least the following:
- the Scooter’s dimensions and weight
- how the Scooter’s frame and deck fit on the rack
- so that the Scooter can be securely fastened by its frame and wheels.
When transporting it on the roof, also remember that the car’s overall height will increase. Be especially careful in parking garages, car washes, and under low canopies, for example. Trust us—if you make a mistake, you’ll remember it even better next time.
Scooter rack at the rear of the car
If you transport a Scooter frequently, a rack mounted on the tow hitch or the car’s tailgate may be the best solution. The load is considerably lower than on the roof, making it much easier to lift the Scooter onto the rack.
When using a rack mounted at the rear of the car, always check that neither the Scooter nor the rack obscures the car’s taillights or license plate. If necessary, use an auxiliary light panel and/or license plate designed for the rack.
Does a Scooter fit on a standard bike rack?
It may well fit—but this is precisely where you need to be careful. Not all bike racks are suitable for a scooter. The reason lies in the scooter’s design. If the rack is designed for placing bicycle wheels on top of rails, and the rail—the support bar beneath the wheels—is strongly curved or shaped, the scooter’s deck may come into contact with the rail before the wheels are properly seated in the rail groove. A regular bicycle does not have a deck like this.
That is why, for a scooter, you should look for a rack with straight or only very gently curved wheel rails. Or use a V-shaped bike rack, discussed below.
Installing on a V-shaped bike rack
A traditional V-shaped rack is a relatively safe choice for a Scooter. The Scooter can be placed in it upside down, with the footboard facing upward. In this case, the Scooter effectively hangs from its footboard on top of the rack.
Another option is to place the Scooter diagonally in a V-shaped rack, at an angle. This way, the frame rests on the rack.
Before driving, make sure that the Scooter is securely placed on the particular rack and cannot hit the car while driving or sit too low, where it could hit the ground when driving over a speed bump or other uneven terrain.
The pros and cons of different transport methods at a glance
🚗 Scooter inside the car
A simple solution if space allows.
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- No need to purchase a rack
- The Scooter is protected from the weather and road spray
- Easy and quick
– Takes up space inside the car
– It is a good idea to protect the car seat from dirt
🚙 Scooter on the roof of the car
A good option if the car has roof racks.
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- The car’s cargo area and rear seats remain free
- Well suited to regular transport
- The Scooter does not take up space inside the car
– The Scooter must be lifted onto the roof
– The overall height of the car increases
– The compatibility of the rack and Scooter must be checked with regard to the wheel trays and frame mount
🚗 Scooter on a rear rack
A convenient option for frequent transport.
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- Easy to load at a low height
- The car’s interior remains free
– Requires a tow bar and a rack or a rack mounted on the tailgate
– The compatibility of the rack and Scooter must be checked with regard to the frame mount and any wheel tray
– The visibility of the rear lights and license plate must be taken into account
Take the Scooter along and hit the road!
The size of a Scooter with large tires may initially make it seem difficult to transport by car. In practice, however, there are alternative ways to transport it.
Removing the front wheel makes the Scooter considerably shorter, and in many cars it can then be transported inside the vehicle quite effortlessly. If there is not enough interior space, the Scooter can also be transported on the roof of the car or on a rack attached to the tow bar, provided that the rack model is suitable.
If you use a bike rack, the most important thing is to check that the Scooter fits properly on the rack and can be secured firmly. Particular attention should be paid to the shape of any wheel tray on the rack: a strongly curved wheel tray may catch on the Scooter’s footboard and thus prevent compatibility.
Once you have found a suitable way to transport it, the Scooter is easy to take along to the cottage, on the trails, to events, and to new riding areas!