Brand

Tern

Tern is a Taiwanese brand that turned compact cargo bikes into a category. The GSD is the reference longtail for families; the HSD is a smaller utility bike for tight storage; the Quick Haul is a lower-cost entry; and the Orox is an off-road cargo bike. All use Bosch mid-drive systems, 20-inch wheels, vertical parking and an accessory system that covers child seats, passenger rails, racks and bags.

Tern sells through dealers, and its bikes are expensive before accessories. What you get is Bosch reliability, very high weight ratings, thoughtful details and a fit range that lets one bike serve a whole household. For families who will ride daily, Tern is the standard; for occasional use, a value longtail is the smarter buy.

GSD and HSD compact cargo bikesBosch Cargo Line systemsVertical parking and compact storageExtensive accessory system

Service notes

Tern cargo bikes use Bosch mid-drive systems serviced at Bosch-certified dealers
Weight ratings: GSD 200 kg (440 lb) and HSD 170 kg (374 lb) gross vehicle weight

Tern products we track

Cargo E-Bikes

Tern GSD S10 Cargo E-Bike

The Tern GSD is the bike other cargo bikes get compared to. It is a compact longtail on 20-inch wheels with a Bosch Cargo Line mid-drive, a 440 lb gross vehicle weight rating, dual-battery capability, and an accessory system that covers two child seats, passenger rails, panniers and front racks. It stands on its tail for storage and fits riders from about 4'10" to 6'5" on one frame. It is a premium bike sold through dealers, and the full family build costs as much as a used car. For families who will ride it every day and want dealer support, it is worth it; for occasional use, a value longtail is a better buy.

Best for: Daily car replacement for families · Two kids plus cargo · Households sharing one bike

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Compact E-Bikes

Tern HSD P9 Compact Utility E-Bike

The HSD is Tern's smaller utility bike: a short-wheelbase 20-inch bike with a Bosch mid-drive that still carries a child seat or a big load on its rear rack, folds its bars and stands upright for storage in a hallway or elevator. It fits riders from about 4'11" to 6'5" through a telescoping post and adjustable stem. It is the answer for city dwellers who need cargo capability but cannot store a longtail. It is dealer-sold and priced as a premium bike, and it is heavier than its size suggests. If space is your constraint and budget is not, it is hard to beat.

Best for: Apartments and tight storage · One child plus groceries · Shorter riders who find longtails unwieldy

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