Tern doesn’t just make electric bikes, they design bikes as useful tools to help fit a bike into your everyday life. Some of their eBike models have overlap, so let’s dig into everything you should know about the Brand, the different Bike Families, and which bike may be for you.
With 7 eBike families in their 2025 lineup, Tern has something for nearly everyone: from city riders and car-free families to off-road adventurers and small businesses. I’ve sold, serviced, and worked with Tern for the past 8 years, and still love the brand as much as I did when I first test rode their eBike in 2017.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the full Tern eBike lineup as of August 2025 to help you decide which might be the right fit for your lifestyle.
There’s also a video version of this guide if you prefer to watch, and the best thing you can do while researching is take a test ride. If you’re local to Chapel Hill, NC, you can test ride most of these bikes with me at my Tern eBike Studio.
What All Tern eBikes Have in Common
Bosch-powered
Every Tern eBike uses a Bosch mid-drive motor and frame-mounted battery. That means certified UL-2849 safety, reliable service from Bosch dealers, and often interchangeable batteries across bikes in the same Bosch generation.
Rigorous testing
Tern holds its bikes to European safety standards—well beyond what most US eBikes and cargo bikes are subject to. If you’re hauling your kid or groceries at 20+ mph, this matters.
Daily-use ready
Integrated lights, durable tires, fenders, rear racks, and kickstands are all standard.
Space-saving design
All Tern eBikes can stand vertically for storage. Many have folding handlebars for easier storage or transport.
20” wheels (mostly)
Smaller wheels mean a lower center of gravity, better handling, and a one-size-fits-most fit. The exception is the Orox, which has larger off-road tires and two frame sizes.
Extensive accessories
When you start shopping for eBikes or cargo bikes, you'll realize there are a lot of great options, but Tern's accessory line really gives these models a huge advantage. Dog and kid carrying, super strong front rack options, passenger rain protection, great bag options, and more.
Before We Dive In, Let’s Talk Bike Lingo
-
MGVW – Max Gross Vehicle Weight: the combined weight of rider, passengers, cargo, accessories, and bike.
-
Cargo capacity – Most weight is carried on the rear rack, but all models can take a front rack (max 44 lb).
-
Rider weight – The maximum weight a rider can be.
-
Torque (Nm) – How much power the motor gives for climbing hills or carrying cargo.
-
Assistance level – The percentage the motor amplifies your pedaling effort.
-
Battery size (Wh) – Larger number = longer range. Some models allow dual batteries.
-
Bosch Smart System (BES3) vs. BES2 – BES3 is the latest with bigger batteries, connectivity, and security features.
Tern eBike Families
Vektron — Folding eBike (1 child in seat)
The only folding Bosch eBike in the US, and the one that first made me fall for Tern.
-
Fits: 4’10”–6’5”
-
MGVW: 275.6 lb
-
Rear Rack: 60 lb
-
Front Rack (optional): 44 lb
-
Battery: 400Wh
Vektron Models:
-
Q9 – Active Line Plus, 9-speed, 50Nm, 270% assist, 400Wh battery. This model is great for city life and general riding.
-
S10 – Performance Line, 10-speed, 65Nm, 300% assist, 500Wh battery. This model has a stronger motor, larger battery, and better brakes. Buy this if you want the best or have hills!
Best for: Travelers, shared households, or small-space living.
Popular Vektron Accessories:
RidePocket handlebar bag for your keys and wallet
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the road
Luggage Truss and Kanga rack to add front carrying capacity
NBD — “No Big Deal” eBike (1 child in seat)
Designed to be the easiest-to-ride eBike. I rode it through pregnancy and recommend it for cautious or petite riders.
-
Fits: 4’10”–6’3”
-
Step-through height: 15.4”
-
MGVW: 308.6 lb
-
Rear Rack: 60 lb
-
Front Rack: 44 lb
NBD eBike Models:
Buy the S5i for the most assistance, a larger battery, stronger brakes, and a belt drive.
Best for: Compact, easy riding with cargo or trailer capacity.
Read my Tern NBD eBIke Review
Popular NBD Accessories:
RidePocket handlebar bag for your keys and wallet
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the road
Hauler front rack to add front carrying capacity
Cargo Hold 28 panniers to carry groceries
Quick Haul — Compact City eBike (1 small kid)
Tern's most affordable eBike. This is a nimble, affordable city eBike with some cargo abilities.
-
Fits: 4’9”–6’5”
-
MGVW: 330.7 lb
-
Rear Rack: 110 lb
-
Battery: 400Wh
Tern Quick Haul eBike Models:
-
P8 – Class 1, 50Nm, 400Wh battery & 8-speed drivertrain
-
P9 Sport – Class 3, 65Nm, 500wh battery & 9-speed drivetrain
Best for: Flexible, light cargo trips. For dedicated kid-hauling, look at the HSD.
Popular Quick Haul Accessories:
Glovebox for your keys and wallet
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the road
Hauler front rack to add front carrying capacity
Cargo Hold 37 panniers to carry groceries
HSD — “Haul Stuff Daily” eBike (1 kid or adult)
The most versatile Tern eBike—compact, full-suspension, and comfortable.
-
MGVW: 397 lb
-
Rear Rack: 132 lb
-
Battery: 545Wh (expandable)
HSD Gen 2 Models:
-
P10 – 10-speed derailleur
-
P5i – 5-speed hub + belt
-
S00 – Enviolo CVT hub + belt
-
S11 – Class 3, 11-speed derailleur
Best for: Daily riders who need comfort, kid-hauling, and cargo capacity in a compact footprint.
Tern HSD Gen 2 Product Guide and Parts List
Popular HSD Accessories:
RidePocket handlebar bag for your keys and wallet
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the road
Hauler front rack to add front carrying capacity
Cargo Hold 37 panniers to carry groceries
DuoStand center mounted kickstand for stability
WheelGuards for carrying passengers if you aren't using the panniers
Quick Haul Long — Longtail Cargo (2 kids or 1 adult)
A simpler, lighter version of the GSD.
-
Rear Rack: 198 lb
-
Motor: Bosch Cargo Line (85Nm)
-
Battery: 500Wh (single)
Tern Quick Haul Long Model:
Quick Haul Long D9 – 9-speed derailleur
Best for: Families wanting GSD-level cargo power at a lower cost and weight limit
Read my Quick Haul Long Review
Tern Quick Haul Long Product Guide & Parts List
Popular Quick Haul Long Accessories:
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the road
Hauler front rack to add front carrying capacity
Cargo Hold 52 panniers to carry groceries and backpacks
Clubhouse Gen 3 to add kid containment
You'll need a child seat or the Clubhouse Pads for the passengers to sit on
Stow Decks for holding passenger feet or supporting those large Cargo Hold bags
GSD — Flagship Cargo Bike (2 kids or 1 adult)
Tern’s ultimate cargo bike for heavy daily use.
-
Dual battery ready
-
Heavy-duty frame, suspension fork
-
Locking kickstand, ultra-stable under load
Tern GSD Models:
Best for: Families, businesses, and frequent heavy haulers.
Read my Tern GSD Gen 3 Review
Tern GSD Product Guides and Part Lists
Popular Tern GSD Accessories:
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the road
Transporteur front rack to add front carrying capacity
Cargo Hold 52 panniers to carry groceries and backpacks
Clubhouse Gen 3 to add kid containment
You'll need a child seat or the Clubhouse Pads for the passengers to sit on
Stow Decks for holding passenger feet or supporting those large Cargo Hold bags
Orox — Adventure Cargo Bike (2 kids or 1 adult)
For off-road, bikepacking, and all-terrain adventures.
-
Sizes: Medium & Large
-
Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX (85Nm)
-
Battery: Up to 2x (800Wh max)
-
Rear Rack: 2 passengers
Tern Orox Models:
Best for: Mountain towns, dirt trails, and adventure riders.
Read my Tern Orox Adventure Cargo Bike Review
Tern Orox Product Guide & Parts List
Popular Orox Accessories:
Slap Bag for holding my phone and keys on the handlebars
Tern Tool for quick adjustments on the trail, get a small extendable ratchet for being able to do everything
Cargo Hold 72 panniers for massive gear hauling
Stow Decks for holding passenger feet or supporting those large Cargo Hold bags
Frequently Asked Questions
Tern HSD vs Quick Haul
The HSD is a more stable and strong cargo bike with front suspension, a folding handlepost for storage, and a slightly more relaxed riding position.
The Quick Haul is a very capable eBike, but a stiffer ride due to the more leaned over position, putting your weight on the handlebars, and a lack of front suspension. It is also designed for carrying less weight.
Tern Quick Haul Long vs GSD
The Quick Haul Long and GSD share the same motor and accessories, but the ride and convenience factors are much different.
The GSD has a very stable and relaxed riding position. Folding handlepost and front suspension make it more comfortable and able to fit more rider heights. It boasts a higher weight capacity, comes with optional 2 batteries that work together, and features a locking kickstand that, in my opinion, is well worth the money for my kids' safety.
The Quick Haul Long is a brilliant bike that rides better than the competition and is the most affordable cargo bike with Bosch's Cargo Line motor and extensive Tern accessory line up.
Final Thoughts
Tern makes premium electric bikes to last for long-term investment. They are car replacements and life-changing. There’s a Tern eBike for nearly every type of rider, and I hope this guide helped you find your match.
📍 Local to Chapel Hill, NC? I have most of these available for test rides, Book an appointment here or DM me with questions.
0 comments