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Bike racks: what are the rules in Luxembourg and Europe?
Perhaps this summer you’ll be one of the many holidaymakers travelling with your bicycle attached to your car. Whether it’s on the roof, strapped to the tailgate or on a towbar, does your bike rack comply with Luxembourg regulations? What about the countries you plan to visit? In this article, we take a look at the applicable regulations for travelling with peace of mind.
Don’t have a bike rack yet?
Before diving into the regulations, you may be wondering which model is best suited to your bicycles, your car, your journey and your budget. A complex question for a non-specialist.
The three main types of bike rack
- Roof bike rack: as the name suggests, this is fitted to the roof bars. The advantage is that it does not obstruct access to the boot. However, it increases the height of the vehicle (watch out for underground car parks!) and can impair aerodynamics.
- The boot-mounted bike rack: this is attached to the rear of the vehicle, using straps on the tailgate. Easy to install, it allows loading from ground level. But once fitted, it prevents the boot from opening and can damage the bodywork.
- The tow bar bike rack: this offers great stability and a high load capacity, making it ideal for transporting several bicycles. This model retains access to the boot, but is often more expensive. It is also the only recommended solution for electric bikes.
Maximum load
Each bike rack is normally stamped with a plate indicating the maximum permissible load. Be careful to differentiate between total maximum load and maximum load per bike. This last piece of information is mainly applicable to electric bikes, for which we have written a dedicated section.
When you buy your bike rack, check that it can carry the weight of your bicycles. Increasing number of bike racks are adapted to electric bikes, with limits of up to 30 kg per bike. Most of these are models suspended via the towbar. If the battery on your electric bike is removable, remember to remove it to lighten the load.
General legal provisions
The highway codes of the various countries do not always contain rules specifically for bike racks. Remember, however, that the use of a bike rack does not allow you to derogate from the general traffic and safety rules.
Before setting off, we strongly advise you to find out about the regulations specific to each country, so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are a few details about our neighbouring countries.
The Luxembourg Highway Code, without mentioning bike racks, stipulates, for example, that the load of a vehicle may not obscure the lights, reflectors or number plate. If this was the case with your bike rack, it should include a complete light bar and a plate holder for mounting a reproduction of the number plate.
Beware of the cheapest bike racks, which sometimes omit these features. This could lead not only to financial penalties, but also to your bicycles being seized, thereby jeopardising the chance for you to enjoy your holiday.
What happens to your bicycles if they are stolen or involved in an accident?
If you have comprehensive car insurance, your bike rack will be covered as an accessory for up to €2,000. In other words, its full value.
However, the bicycles themselves are not covered by your comprehensive insurance (unless they are in your car and invisible from the outside, which would be odd if you had a bicycle rack). You should take out the leisure goods cover, available from Foyer with mozaïk.
Insure your bicycles against theft
That said, don’t forget preventive measures: remove removable accessories (speedo/trip computer, battery, etc.), use an anti-theft device when stopping and use monitored car parks.
Special case of electric bikes
Not all bike racks are suitable for electrically assisted bicycles (EABs). Their weight, which is often greater than that of a conventional bicycle because of the battery and motor, may require a reinforced bike rack. Some manufacturers offer special bike racks that can carry up to 30 kg per bicycle. If you are carrying several electric bikes, also check the total maximum load capacity.
Also remember to remove the battery from the bike before transport, both to lighten the load and to protect it from bad weather or theft during stops. Store it away from direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures could damage it.
Conclusion
In short, although the rules vary in the details, most European countries require adequate signage, duplicated lighting if necessary, and appropriate driving. The main differences concern authorised sizes and specific requirements, such as the reflective sign in Italy. It is therefore vital to find out about the rules in each country before travelling in Europe with a bike rack.
The Foyer team wishes you an excellent summer and lots of fun when out and about!
