Choosing your first e-bike can be daunting. At Tern, we offer a range of e-bikes designed for comfort, versatility, and easy sharing among friends and family. While getting a new bike is super exciting, we recognize it can also feel overwhelming. To help you navigate this decision, we've created this beginner's guide to your Tern e-bike selection. Let us help you find the right bike for you.

Contents

Main Similarities and Differences

• Similarities
• Differences

Tern E-Bike Accessories

• Passenger Setups
• Cargo Setups

Tern E-Bike Lineup

• GSD: Our Most Popular E-Cargo Bike
• Quick Haul Long: Our Best-Value Compact E-Cargo Bike
• HSD: Our Most Comfortable E-Cargo Bike
• Quick Haul: Our Most Affordable E-Bike
• NBD: One of the Easiest E-Bikes to Ride
• Vektron: Our Folding E-Bike

Tern E-Bikes’ Basic Specs

More Information

Main Similarities and Differences

Similarities

• Safety First!

Our e-bikes feature the Bosch E-Bike System, which is certified to UL 2849 safety standards. This certification ensures protection against electrical, mechanical, and fire hazards. Regardless of which Tern e-bike you choose, you're guaranteed a safe and long-lasting ride.

• Space-Saving Design

Tern e-bikes are compact, fitting in spaces like car trunks, elevators, and public transport. All Tern e-bikes can be stored vertically, ideal for homes without dedicated bike storage. Fun fact: the Vektron can also be stored vertically when folded in half, taking up very minimal space.

• Customizable Functionality

Our e-bikes are compatible with a wide range of accessories, allowing you to tailor your ride to your needs, whether that's carrying passengers or cargo, having a seamless commute, or just enjoying your time outside on two wheels.

• Expert Support

Tern partners with independent bike dealers all over the world to ensure you’re always taken care of. From routine maintenance to getting you back on the road, they’re there to help you—whether you’re under warranty or not.

Your dealer is also available to offer personalized tips to enhance your riding experience, such as recommending the best accessory setup for your specific needs. They can help you find alternative parts that match your requirements, such as a suspension seatpost for added comfort or studded tires for winter riding.

Differences

• How much “bike” do you need?

Some determining factors to keep in mind before purchasing (one of) our electric bikes include what you’re going to use your bike for, and how much ‘bike power’ you will need to accomplish those tasks.

For serious hauling, our e-cargo bikes like the GSD, Quick Haul Long, HSD, and Quick Haul are up to the task. However, if you're looking for something more compact without heavy-duty carrying capacity, consider the NBD or Vektron. These options offer a balance of convenience and functionality for everyday riders.

Tern E-Bike Accessories

Did we already mention that our accessories can be mixed and matched across different e-bikes? With so many options, you'll definitely find the best setup for you. Here are just a few examples of passenger and cargo configurations you can consider.

Passenger Setups

Date night on wheels Pick up your +1 in style! The Captain’s Chair has space for an adult, and you can leave your bag (and gifts) on the Transporteur Rack in the front.	Two kids, one smooth ride—rain or shine Keep your kids dry and their nagging out with the Clubhouse Fort or Clubhouse Fort Mini compartment for our cargo bikes.
Quality time with your sidekick Enjoy the park with Junior—pack some snacks in the WeatherTop Bag or Cooler, and stuff a tarp and toys in the Cargo Hold 28 Panniers for a great afternoon.	Pets are passengers, too! Don't leave your four-legged friends behind! Our Soft Crate Mini and Clubhouse Mini let your dog tag along on your rides while doubling as a handy shopping crate. Add the Dog Roof Mini to turn it into a Doghouse Mini.

Cargo Setups

Expand your cargo space... with a trailer If your front and rear racks are occupied, why not attach a trailer with the Tail Hitch L for extra room?	Tow an extra ride! If you can tow a trailer, you can certainly tow an extra bike, too. We have the Bike Tow Kit to help with just that!
Carefree moving and delivery The waterproof Storm Box and Storm Box Mini easily fit big houseplants or multiple packages, ideal for moving and small business deliveries.	No trailer? No worries. Carrying oversized cargo is no problem for the GSD. The Sidekick Doublewide Decks and the Lockstand QuadStruts are there to support you.

Tern E-Bike Lineup

We have six electric bike platforms to choose from, each with its own characteristics.

GSD: Our Most Popular E-Cargo Bike

The GSD is a multifunctional e-cargo bike designed to grow with your family and Gets Stuff Done. 💪✨ Suitable for daily school runs, commutes, and errands, it's also ideal for adventure seekers planning bikepacking or camping trips. With the option to add a second battery for longer journeys, the GSD offers an expandable range.

Its travel-friendly design, featuring a folding handlepost and stem, allows for easy transport in cars or other vehicles. Boasting a max gross vehicle weight of 200 kg (441 lb), the GSD can carry two children, one adult passenger, or tons of cargo. Consider it as an eco-friendly alternative to a second car.

Quick Haul Long: Our Best-Value Compact E-Cargo Bike

The Quick Haul Long is also an adaptable e-cargo bike made to meet your family’s changing needs, delivering a premium experience without the bells and whistles of a GSD.

Whether you're starting a family or expecting another child, customize the Quick Haul Long into the best vehicle for your family. Choose from our passenger-carrying accessories to transport up to two kids, or give your +1 a lift when it’s just the two of you. Transport your kids year-round, enjoy a fun ride with your spouse on date night, and run errands efficiently.

The Quick Haul Long will show you how life is better by bike!

HSD: Our Most Comfortable E-Cargo Bike

The HSD delivers performance in a slightly smaller package than the GSD. It's exactly what you need for city cruising, family adventures, or Hauling Stuff Daily—ready to tackle any journey with ease.

This multi-use e-bike comes with a robust cargo setup, ideal for hauling groceries or gear. It's also great for bringing company along—you can add a child seat with panniers, or opt for a seat pad or Captain's Chair for older kids or adults.

The HSD Gen 2 takes things up a notch with the Bosch Smart System. It offers a customized ride experience, a more powerful motor, and enhanced security features. For those interested in a cargo bike but hesitant about larger models, the HSD strikes an ideal balance of capability and manageability.

Quick Haul: Our Most Affordable E-Bike

The Quick Haul is the go-to choice for those seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly e-cargo bike for everyday convenience.

More compact than the Quick Haul Long but just as practical, the Quick Haul effortlessly handles your daily commutes and even assists with small moves. Its shorter frame and sporty riding position ensure easy maneuverability, while still accommodating a child seat and panniers.

It's versatile enough for various tasks and easy to share with family and friends—including your furry companions. For those who appreciate simplicity and practicality in their e-bike, the Quick Haul is the right fit.

NBD: One of the Easiest E-Bikes to Ride

Every day is a New Bike Day with the NBD. Whether you're a cycling newbie or a seasoned expert, it’s here to make your rides a breeze. It's not only comfy for leisurely cruises but also ready to help your parents rediscover their pedaling pizzazz.

With its low stepover and stable ride, you'll feel like a pro in no time. From coffee breaks to park adventures and quick shopping trips, the NBD is ready to roll with you through all of life's daily adventures. Pedal with ease, and ride with confidence.

Vektron: Our Folding E-Bike

Built for commuting, the Vektron offers a balanced and solid ride. You’ll feel as though you’re gliding through the city streets.

With its powerful Bosch motor, the Vektron will help you get over the final hill to reach your destination. It folds small, and it’s super easy to bring (or roll) it onto buses or trains. If you’re a true city dweller, then the Vektron might be just what you're looking for. It'll take you from your front door to the train station, and right up to your office—a true urban companion.

Tern E-Bikes’ Basic Specs

So, what do you think about our lineup? If you’re curious about what it is that keeps our electric bikes rolling, here’s a quick overview of their basic specs.

More Information

We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed choice. Since we can't cover all the benefits of each Tern e-bike here, we encourage you to visit your nearest Tern dealer for a test ride. This will give you the best sense of how the bike performs and the opportunity to ask questions.

In the meantime, if you want to learn more about our safety features and the Bosch E-Bike System, be sure to check out our electric bike safety articles. You can also visit our e-bike overview page and use the "Compare" feature (located just below each bike icon) to create a comparison list of up to five bikes.

But if you're looking for something that can take you off-road, check out the Orox.

Happy shopping!