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Orbit: The New Towbar Bike Rack for E-Bikes, Fat Bikes and Traditional Bicycles
At a glance: Introducing Orbit, Menabò's new range of foldable towbar-mounted bike racks. Available in two versions—Orbit 2 (2 bikes, €592,50) and Orbit 3 (3 bikes, €707,50)—Orbit offers a carrying capacity of up to 70 kg while weighing less than 15 kg. Designed for e-bikes, fat bikes and conventional bicycles, Orbit combines strength, compactness and ease of use with a quick-mount system, foot-operated tilting mechanism and integrated anti-theft protection.
Transporting a 25- or 30-kg e-bike on a car roof is not just inconvenient—it's a challenge that can discourage even the most enthusiastic cyclist. As the popularity of electrically assisted bicycles continues to grow, with e-bikes now accounting for more than 20% of all bicycle sales, the market has increasingly demanded a different approach. Cyclists needed a bike rack capable of handling heavier loads without compromising everyday convenience.
With Orbit, we have answered that need. After months of design, engineering and testing at our facilities in Reggio Emilia, we are proud to introduce our new range of foldable towbar-mounted bike racks: a robust, lightweight and compact system designed to transform the way bicycles are transported by car.
Why We Designed the Orbit Range
E-bikes have transformed cycling, but they have also introduced a practical challenge: how do you transport them safely without excessive effort? Traditional bike racks, often designed for bicycles weighing just 10–15 kg, quickly reach their limits when the load doubles or even triples.
Orbit is the result ofmore than 50 years of Menabò's experience in manufacturing Made in Italy automotive accessories. Our goal was to create a bike rack as robust as a professional-grade product, yet as simple and intuitive to use as an everyday accessory. The result is a high-strength steel frame and wheel trays that deliver an impressive carrying capacity of up to 70 kg, while keeping the total weight of the bike rack below 15 kg.
What Makes Orbit Different from Other Towbar Bike Racks?
Orbit combines five key innovations in a single product: a high-strength steel construction with a carrying capacity of up to 70 kg, a fully foldable design with integrated transport wheels, a quick-mount towbar attachment system, a foot-operated tilting mechanism for easy boot access, and an integrated dual anti-theft system.
Quick Mounting and Foot-Operated Tilting
Installing Orbit on the towbar takes just a few seconds thanks to its quick-lock lever. No tools are required: simply position the rack, close the lever, and fine-tune the fit using the supplied Allen key. An integrated anti-theft lock secures the bike rack to the towbar, providing added protection whenever the vehicle is left unattended.
The foot-operated tilting mechanism allows the entire rack to be tilted forward with a simple press of the foot, giving easy access to the boot without removing the bicycles. This makes loading luggage or retrieving items during a trip far more convenient.
The tilt angle can be easily adjusted to three positions—30°, 40° and up to 50°—allowing users to choose the configuration that provides the most comfortable access to the boot, depending on their vehicle.
Fully Foldable and Easy to Transport
When not in use, Orbit folds down completely into a compact package that requires very little storage space. Unlike many competing towbar bike racks, which remain bulky even when folded, Orbit is designed for maximum convenience. Integrated transport wheels allow the folded rack to be moved effortlessly, just like a trolley, making it easy to carry between the vehicle and the storage area, while also simplifying garage storage.
Orbit 2 or Orbit 3: Which One Is Right for Your Cycling Adventures?
The right choice depends on how many bicycles you usually transport. Orbit 2 is the ideal solution for solo riders and couples, while Orbit 3 is designed for families and groups travelling with three bikes. Both models share the same 70 kg maximum carrying capacity, along with the same quick-mount system, foot-operated tilting mechanism and integrated anti-theft protection.
Orbit 2: Perfect for Solo Riders and Couples
Orbit 2 carries up to 2 bicycles and is the most compact model in the range. Its greatest strength is the balance between load capacity and ease of handling. Priced at €592,50, with compact folded dimensions, it is the natural choice for cyclists looking for a bike rack that is both robust and easy to use.
One achievement we are particularly proud of is that Orbit 2 has been awarded independent TCS (Swiss Touring Club) certification, one of Europe's most respected testing organisations for automotive and mobility accessories. TCS bike rack tests assess safety, ease of use and build quality through demanding real-world evaluations, including emergency braking and high-speed avoidance manoeuvres.
Orbit 3: Designed for Families and Groups
Orbit 3 carries up to 3 bicycles while maintaining the same 70 kg carrying capacity. Priced at €707,50, it is the ideal solution for families who want to take everyone's bikes on holiday, or for groups of friends heading out on cycling adventures together.
Which Bicycles Is Orbit Compatible With?
Orbit is designed to accommodate a wide variety of bicycles, including e-bikes, fat bikes, mountain bikes and traditional bicycles. Its versatile frame-holding arm securely grips a broad range of frame shapes and sizes, including both conventional and irregular frame designs, ensuring safe and stable transport regardless of the type of bike.
For particularly heavy e-bikes, a dedicated loading ramp is also available as an optional accessory. It allows bicycles to be rolled onto the platform instead of being lifted, making loading significantly easier when handling bikes weighing 25–30 kg.
How to Transport Your Bikes Safely: Installing and Using Orbit
Installing Orbit is quick and intuitive—you'll learn the process the first time and be able to repeat it in just a few seconds. Simply place the coupling head onto the towbar, close the quick-lock lever, and secure the rack using the integrated lock. The bicycles are then fastened to the wheel trays and held firmly in place by the frame-holding arms. When you need access to the boot, simply press the foot-operated tilt pedal. Once your journey is over, Orbit folds down completely, and its integrated transport wheels make it easy to move and store. Whether you keep it in the garage, a storage room, or even in the car's boot, finding space for Orbit is never a problem.
All Menabò bike racks are certified in accordance with European standards and come equipped with a 13-pin electrical connector for the rear lighting system, including a reversing light, ensuring full compliance and safe operation on the road.
Orbit Is Now Available: Find the Model That's Right for You
With the Orbit range, we continue our long-standing mission of making bicycle transport safe, practical and accessible. Whether you're a solo cyclist looking for the perfect bike rack for weekend rides or a family planning cycling holidays together, the Menabò range of car bike racks offers the right solution for every adventure. Choose Orbit 2 for €592,50 or Orbit 3 for €707,50, and order directly from our online shop with shipping available throughout Europe.
FAQ
How Much Does the Orbit Bike Rack Weigh and How Many Bicycles Can It Carry?
The Orbit bike rack weighs less than 18 kg, making it lightweight and easy to handle despite its robust steel construction. Orbit 2 carries up to 2 bicycles, while Orbit 3 accommodates up to 3 bicycles. Both models offer a maximum carrying capacity of 70 kg, making them ideal for transporting even heavy e-bikes safely and securely.
Is the Orbit Bike Rack Compatible with Electric Bikes?
Yes. Orbit has been specifically designed to meet the demands of modern cycling and is fully compatible with electric bikes (e-bikes), fat bikes, mountain bikes and conventional bicycles. Its versatile frame-holding arm securely accommodates both standard and irregularly shaped frames, ensuring a safe and stable fit for a wide range of bicycle designs.
Has Orbit 2 Received Any Independent Certification?
Yes. Orbit 2 has successfully passed the independent tests conducted by the TCS(Swiss Touring Club), one of Europe's most respected organisations for evaluating automotive and mobility accessories. The TCS assessment includes rigorous real-world testing of safety, build quality and ease of use, with evaluations such as emergency braking and high-speed avoidance manoeuvres to verify product performance under demanding driving conditions.
Can I Access the Boot with the Bicycles Mounted on Orbit?
Yes. Thanks to its foot-operated tilting mechanism, Orbit allows easy access to the vehicle's boot without removing the bicycles. With a simple press of the foot pedal, the entire bike rack tilts forward, providing convenient access to the luggage compartment. For even greater flexibility, the tilt mechanism can be adjusted to three positions—30°, 40° and up to 50°—allowing you to choose the angle that offers the best access for your vehicle.
What Accessories Are Available for the Orbit Bike Rack?
A range of dedicated accessories is available for Orbit to enhance convenience and security. These include a loading ramp that makes it easier to roll heavy e-bikes onto the platform without lifting them, and an overhanging load warning panel, ensuring compliance with road regulations when transporting bicycles that extend beyond the vehicle.
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