First Look: Tern HSD Gen 2 Electric Cargo Bike
Back in 2019, the Tern HSD helped reinvent what a capable e-bike is. I owned a cargo bike shop at the time and this little bike allowed me to drop all non-cargo bike brands because I finally had a bike that was capable but wasn’t a huge bulky cargo bike. I tagged it the “crossover of electric bikes“.
Since the launch of the HSD, a refreshed Gen 2 GSD was released, I went to work for Tern, and Bosch got smarter with their “eBike smart system“. Finally, Tern was able to launch the HSD Gen 2 back in June. I was on maternity leave but did my best to summarize everything that was different, new, and exciting with the HSD Gen 2.
I’ve had the good fortune of riding the HSD S00 and P5i Gen2 for a few weeks. I have a lot of thoughts on the new HSD design, new accessories, and the new Bosch eBike smart system.
13 Things You Should Know About the Tern HSD Gen 2
What’s all the fuss about the Bosch eBike Smart System?
Bosch has had their Bosch eBike System 2 (BES2) out for a while. The Tern Vektron and the Riese & Muller Load were the first products I remember trying with this e-bike system back in 2016/2017. Since then, all the PowerPack frame batteries and chargers I’ve been using are pretty interchangeable. The exceptions are PowerTube or PowerPack rack batteries, but they still use the same 4A or 2A Bosch BES2 chargers. There has been refinement of the motors and a few new display options like the Kiox and Nyon, but for the most part, from a mechanic’s standpoint, the reliable Bosch system and available parts have been steadfast for 7 or so years.
Now, we have the Bosch smart system or the Bosch eBike System 3 (BES3). I’m dedicating as much time as possible to getting to know this new system as intimately as possible, and I hope to put out more dedicated content because while it is familiar, it is very different. You can read my initial thoughts on the Bosch System 2 vs System 3 here.
Well, is it worth it?
I obviously mean the whole setup of the new HSD Gen 2 and the new Bosch eBike smart system when I say, “Is it worth it?”
There is some initial sticker shock looking at the price of cargo bikes (and electric bikes and computers and iPhones…) You are either comparing them to the price of a normal bike, or you are potentially comparing them to the price of an HSD that you purchased 2-3 years ago.
Here’s what I can say about it…
Built to Last
This hopefully is the same note for any quality cargo or electric bike you are looking at. There are many major brands coming out with great-looking cargo and electric bikes with Bosch. If they have a solid warranty and have partnered with Bosch, hopefully, they are designed to be a car replacement in your life.
It’s Nicer
Simple I know, but it is stiffer, has a higher max torque, higher rear rack capacity, and higher max gross vehicle weight capacity, with the new Bosch eBike smart system is pretty nice with eBike Lock and eBike Alarm options. Is that enough to justify the price difference between the first generation and the second?
Testing Matters, a lot.
Comparing the HSD to other short-tail “1-passenger” cargo bikes, for me it comes down to testing.
Now, I can’t speak for all brands here but I can speak for Tern and Bosch that the frame and fork have been put through insane EFBE testing. Meeting this testing costs money, but it also means that after you hit that same pothole on your morning commute after 3-5 years with a growing human on the back (that started at 30 pounds and is now 110 pounds), you won’t develop a hairline crack on the seatpost or headtube that you don’t notice because you never find the time to clean and inspect your bike.
As a mom, and as a loud cheerleader for the bikes for transportation movement, I don’t take this lightly. UL-2849 tested e-bike systems cost more. Bikes with UL 2849 testing and additional frame testing sometimes cost a lot more. But you know what? I can sleep at night knowing bikes I recommended that are in your garage or living room or that you are putting your most important cargo on, are the safest possible. I can’t influence the street design where you live, but I can hopefully help you pick a bike that has been tested to the levels I would trust my own child or wife on.
The Bosch eBike smart system is Smarter
Is the new Bosch eBike smart system worth the price of entry? Here are some of the things I am appreciating:
- Every smart system bike has a built-in eBike Lock which makes the e-bike system not work if your smartphone or Kiox display is not synced.
- Optional eBike Alarm will integrate GPS tracking and alarm into the motor.
- Larger PowerPack frame batteries. The HSD models all come with 545Wh. There is also a 725Wh and 800Wh that fit
- Smartphone integration for e-bike updates is very handy. I love that I don’t need to get Bosch diagnostics for the most recent updates.
Conclusion
The HSD Gen 2 has pushed the HSD family further into the dedicated cargo bike category. It will replace car trips, and maybe even a car for some. The market demand for this type of bike in North America is only going to grow exponentially every year. Towns and cities are building safer infrastructure, incentives are becoming more readily available, and financing options from places like Spring Bank in NYC.
Is the HSD (or any good quality) cargo bike worth it? It really depends on you, your lifestyle, and what you prioritize in life. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
