Piston® ION™

Piston® ION™

SKU: ION22B

The Piston ION e-bike rack is built tough and ready for adventure, delivering Kuat’s signature style without compromising on function. Purpose-built for today’s heavy e-bikes yet versatile enough for almost any ride, it carries up to two bikes with secure, hassle-free transport. RV and off-road rated*, the Piston ION is ideal for cargo e-bikes, e-MTB riders, road trip travel, and riders who go off the grid or around the block.

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$1,289.00
Description

The Kuat Piston ION is the e-bike rack built for adventure, engineered to handle today’s heaviest rides while delivering the style and innovation Küat is known for. Constructed from mostly aluminum, the ION blends premium materials and features, ensuring unmatched performance.  

Specifically designed for heavy e-bikes yet versatile enough to work with almost any bike, the ION carries up to two bikes at 100 lbs each with zero frame contact. A new Foot Pedal Lock and PedalPivot™ system make folding the rack up or down simple and intuitive, while the FastFit™ tool-free wheel chock system ensures quick adjustment for a wide range of wheel sizes.

The Piston ION isn’t limited to paved roads. It’s approved for RV use and off-road rated, so you can haul your e-mountain bikes deep into the backcountry or hit gravel routes with confidence. For RV setups, each tray supports up to 80 lbs per bike, while off-road use allows for 50 lbs per bike. With a 2” hitch-only design, adjustable wheel stabilizers for a secure bike fit, and fender compatibility, it adapts to the demands of riders.

Packed with premium details that elevate it beyond standard racks, the ION includes a semi-integrated 12mm high-strand cable lock, stainless steel barrel hitch lock, and an aluminum ramp for easy e-bike loading and unloading. Optional accessories like the ION Light Kit and License Plate Mount keep you visible on the road. Finished with a powder coat and backed by our No Worries Limited Warranty, the Piston ION is built to last as long as your adventures.

Perfect for: Cargo e-bikes, e-MTB riders, road trip travel, and riders who go off the grid or around the block.
Highlights
  • 100 lbs per tray maximum capacity
  • RV compatible with 2" chassis-mounted hitch (80 lbs per tray)
  • Off-Road compatible (50 lbs per tray)
  • E-Bike Ramp included
  • Accessory Light Kit available
  • Accessory License Plate Mount available
  • Fender compatible with Fender Strap Kit (2 straps included)
  • Hand-tight hitch cam system
  • PedalPivot™ easily folds rack up and down
  • No frame contact
  • Integrated front tire stabilizer
  • Stainless steel & automotive-grade hardware
  • No-fade powder coat
  • FastFit™ Wheel Chock System
  • Stainless steel barrel hitch lock
  • Semi-integrated high-strand 12mm cable lock
  • Patented Flatlock™ Hitch Cam
  • No Worries Limited Warranty
Vehicle & RV Compatibility

Dedicated 2" Rack 1

  • Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Vans
  • Flat-Towed Vehicles
  • Travel Trailers
  • Motorhomes
  • Fifth-Wheel

1 Must be a chassis mounted hitch receiver.

Always check the User Guide and specifications for any change in weight capacity dependent on use. Hitch extenders and adapters should not be used when mounting the rack to an RV. Please refer to Kuat’s RV & Off-road Limitations for more information.
Resources
View details

100 LBS.

Capacity Per Tray

80 LBS.

Per Tray on Chassis-Mounted RV Hitch

57"

Max Wheelbase
*changes with Fender Strap Kit
**Reduces with use of 32" wheels

18" - 32"

Wheel Size Range

4.8"

Max Tire Width
*with use of Strap Extender Kit

Specifications
Bike Fitment

Max Wheel Size: 18" to 32"

Max Wheelbase:

  • 18"–29" wheels: Up to 53"
  • 32" wheels: Up to 51"

Max Tire Width:

  • 18"–29" wheels: Up to 4.8"
  • 32" wheels: Up to 2.25"

Fendered Bikes:

  • Fender use reduces overall capacity and fitment
  • Compatibility varies based on fender design and tire size
  • See Fender Strap Kit for additional guidelines

Fitment Note:
Fitment can vary based on frame geometry, tire profile, rim width, and fender configuration. Some bikes within these guidelines may not fit. If your bike is outside of these guidelines, compatibility may not be supported. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help confirm compatibility.

CAPACITY

100 lbs. per tray

WEIGHT

68 lbs.

DIMENSIONS

Piston ION Product Dimensions

SHIPPING

88 lbs. (62" x 14" x 7")
BIKE RAMP INCLUDED

The lightweight all-aluminum ramp quickly hooks onto the ION tire arm joints and telescopes to the perfect length for easy bike loading on any terrain. When not in use, the ramp easily stows away in your trunk or truck bed for transport and storage.

100 LBS. CAPACITY

With 100 lbs per tray capacity and front and rear wheel stabilizers, the Piston ION is perfect for carrying heavy e-bikes with confidence and stability.

FENDER COMPATIBLE

Easily adjust the wheel chock with a quick slide to fit the correct wheel size when using fenders. For the best fit, position the wheel chock as close to the fenders as possible and secure with provided hook-and-loop tire strap. Always use the rear tire strap on the tray when carrying bikes with fenders.

RV & OFF ROAD APPROVED

Take your bikes beyond the pavement. The Piston ION™ is both RV and off-road ready and built to handle varied terrain while keeping your bikes secure. Weight capacity decreases to 80 lbs. per tray with approved RV use and 50 lbs. per tray for off-road use.*

See RV and Off-Road Limitations for more information.

FOOT PEDAL LOCK

The ION foot pedal features a new Foot Pedal Lock. Simply spin the knob clockwise to engage or disengage (red showing means disengaged). Ensure the Foot Pedal Lock is fully engaged when loaded and in use.

Patented Flatlock™ Hitch Cam

The Piston ION uses our patented Flatlock Hitch Cam System, delivering a solid, wobble-free fit in your hitch receiver. It has a convenient hand-tightening knob for a fast, simple, and secure installation. No tools needed.

BIKE RAMP INCLUDED

The lightweight all-aluminum ramp quickly hooks onto the ION tire arm joints and telescopes to the perfect length for easy bike loading on any terrain. When not in use, the ramp easily stows away in your trunk or truck bed for transport and storage.

100 LBS. CAPACITY

With 100 lbs per tray capacity and front and rear wheel stabilizers, the Piston ION is perfect for carrying heavy e-bikes with confidence and stability.

FENDER COMPATIBLE

Easily adjust the wheel chock with a quick slide to fit the correct wheel size when using fenders. For the best fit, position the wheel chock as close to the fenders as possible and secure with provided hook-and-loop tire strap. Always use the rear tire strap on the tray when carrying bikes with fenders.

RV & OFF ROAD APPROVED

Take your bikes beyond the pavement. The Piston ION™ is both RV and off-road ready and built to handle varied terrain while keeping your bikes secure. Weight capacity decreases to 80 lbs. per tray with approved RV use and 50 lbs. per tray for off-road use.*

See RV and Off-Road Limitations for more information.

FOOT PEDAL LOCK

The ION foot pedal features a new Foot Pedal Lock. Simply spin the knob clockwise to engage or disengage (red showing means disengaged). Ensure the Foot Pedal Lock is fully engaged when loaded and in use.

Patented Flatlock™ Hitch Cam

The Piston ION uses our patented Flatlock Hitch Cam System, delivering a solid, wobble-free fit in your hitch receiver. It has a convenient hand-tightening knob for a fast, simple, and secure installation. No tools needed.

INCLUDED BIKE RAMP

The lightweight all-aluminum ramp quickly hooks onto the ION tire arm joints and telescopes to the perfect length for easy bike loading on any terrain.

Accessory Light Kit

Light up your Piston ION for added visibility and road awareness with the Piston ION LED Light Kit. 

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Piston ION FAQs

Can the ION hold smaller, lighter bikes, or only e-bikes?

The ION rack is perfect for all kinds of bikes! Just because it can hold up to 100 lbs per tray doesn’t mean it can’t hold lighter bikes too! Feel free to transport your lightweight road bike, gravel bike, or kids’ bike with wheels as small as 18” on the ION with peace of mind.
What’s the best way to load and unload a bike using the ramp?

We have a great video demonstrating this - check it out!

I noticed that the ION references something called the “Foot Pedal Lock” on the foot pedal. Do I have to use this every time I use the rack?

Yes, you must ensure this Foot Pedal Lock is fully engaged every time you use the rack. This is a safety mechanism; failure to use it properly could void your Limited No-Worries Warranty.
Does the ION have Add-On capability to carry more than two bikes?

No, the ION is a dedicated two-bike rack that cannot accommodate additional bikes.
The weight capacity says 100 lbs per tray, but if I only use one of the trays, can I carry a bike weighing over 100 lbs?

No. Whether you are carrying one or two bikes, or if you are carrying them in the front or rear position, the weight capacity is the same: no more than 100 lbs per tray.
When should I use the Rear Tire Strap Kit?

The Rear Tire Strap Kit is located on the tray and is used to secure the rear tire to the tray for extra stability. You should use this each time you are carrying a bike that is over 70 lbs in weight, has a wheelbase over 53 inches, has fenders, or you are using the ION rack on an RV or in an off-road situation. Please see the Piston ION User Guide for more information.

General FAQ

No Worries Limited Warranty

Let’s face it, we all have enough to worry about. Your Kuat product shouldn’t be one of those things. All of our products are backed by our No Worries Limited Warranty. Many products are backed with a lifetime limited warranty. Read our full warranty terms for more details.

So, 'no worries' if something goes wrong. We’ve got your back!
Future Forest Initiative

Working together with organizations like Veritree, Kuat plants trees in selected regions across the United States and beyond. All racks symbolize the effort with Future Forest Initiative, so adventurers know their gear isn’t just helping them get outside and do more, but actively contributing to a healthier future for our forests. It’s a tradition and responsibility Kuat Racks is proud to stand behind.
Product Support

Need help with your Kuat product? We've got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions — Quick answers to common questions about setup, compatibility, and care.

Product Guides — Download installation manuals and user guides for your specific rack.

Register Your Product — Register your rack to stay up to date and streamline future support.

Warranty Claims — File a claim under our No Worries Limited Warranty.

Find Parts — Browse replacement parts and add-ons for your rack. Order replacement locks, keys, or match your key code across products.

Contact Us — Reach our team directly for anything else. Phone: 1-877-822-5828 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm CST
Product Registration

Product Registration is quick, and it makes your life easier down the road. Registering your Kuat rack links your product to your profile so we can fast-track warranty claims, get you the right replacement parts, and keep you in the loop on product updates and the occasional surprise from our team.

Your rack is covered under our No Worries Limited Warranty — registering just makes sure we can take care of you faster when you need us.
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