How to Safely Carry Passengers on the Tern GSD Gen 1 Cargo eBike
Heads up!
This article mentions third-party child seats that are not manufactured by Tern. Please note that child seat designs might change, and that their manufacturers may choose to maintain the same product name even after the design has changed.
For your safety, always consult with your bike dealer, or with the child seat manufacturer or reseller, to make sure you have the right seats to safely carry your kid(s).
This article refers to GSD Gen 1 cargo ebikes. If you'd like to carry passengers on the GSD Gen 2 or Gen 3, click here for our complete list of Passenger Guides.
Tern Passenger System
The Tern Passenger System is a framework that includes all our passenger-carrying accessories, and always requires four elements in order to safely carry passengers:
- Seating: Purpose-built rear seating, chosen according to the passenger's needs
- Handhold: Something for the passenger to hold on to, other than the bike itself
- Foot support: Fixed platforms or dedicated foot pegs on both sides of the bike
- Foot and leg protection: Something to prevent feet and legs from getting caught in the spinning wheel
The GSD has a max. gross vehicle weight* of 200 kg (440 lb) and can carry up to two kids or one adult passenger.
Passenger setups
1-2 young kids
See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
1 compatible child seat; 2 Thule Yepp Maxi seats*
*Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, and foot and leg protection.
1-2 big kids
Big kid: Has outgrown the child seat and can sit unaided
- Seating and handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3 (with Clubhouse Seat Pad(s) + Clubhouse Backrest) OR Clubhouse Gen 1 (with included seat pads)
- Foot support: Sidekick Lower Deck
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick Wheel Guard L OR Cargo Hold 52 Panniers
1 young kid + 1 older kid
Young kid: See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Older kid: ≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
- Seating: Thule Yepp Maxi seat (rear), Sidekick Seat Pad (front)
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars
- Foot support: Sidekick Lower Deck OR Sidekick Foot Pegs
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick Wheel Guard L OR Cargo Hold 52 Panniers
1 older kid OR 1 adult
≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
- Seating: Captain's Chair OR Sidekick Seat Pad
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars (older kid) OR Sidekick Flat Bars (adult)
- Foot support: Sidekick Lower Deck OR Sidekick Foot Pegs
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick Wheel Guard L OR Cargo Hold 52 Panniers
Note: Children can vary widely in maturity and physical development. These passenger weight guidelines represent our recommendations and you should adapt them as needed for the safety of your child. Please ensure your passenger setup is within the weight limits described below. As always, please follow local regulations regarding passengers and safety equipment.
All-Weather Riding
If you frequently carry young passengers and want to keep them dry and comfortable in all sorts of bad weather, we recommend building a weather protection system on your bike.
A few accessories (each sold separately) are essential for building the weather protection system:
- Storm Shield (or Sun Shield combined with Rain Shield)
- Cargo Hold 52 Panniers
- Clubhouse Gen 3 OR Clubhouse Gen 1
- Sidekick Lower Deck
The Clubhouse and Sidekick Lower Deck provide the necessary foundation for securing and supporting the upper and lower deck portions of your weather-protected passenger cabin, while the Storm Shield (or Sun Shield plus Rain Shield) all-weather canopy offers your kids protection against UV rays and shelters them from the cold and rain. The Cargo Hold 52 Panniers act as a waterproof compartment that keeps your kids’ legs dry.
Pet Passenger
For many of us, the dog is part of the family. If you’re looking for a specially-designed solution to carry your buddy, we recommend the following setups:
Doghouse Mini | RuffHouse |
|---|---|
Rear pet carrier for small to medium-size dogs, up to 13.5 kg (30 lb) | Front pet carrier for small dogs up to 7 kg (15 lb) |
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Required accessories: | Required accessories: |
What is Max Gross Vehicle Weight?
Max Gross Vehicle Weight (MGVW) is the maximum weight that a bike has been designed to safely carry. This means the weight of the Bicycle* + Accessories + Rider(s)** + Cargo + Trailer*** must be less than the MGVW for safe riding.
*Bicycle = Refers to the weight of the bike plus batteries
**Rider(s) = Refers to the weight of the cyclist and any passengers
***Trailer = Refers to the weight of the trailer with no braking system AND weight of any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Trailers with a braking system should not be included in the MGVW calculation.
Why is the Max Gross Vehicle Weight important?
It comes down to safety. By adhering to the bike's MGVW guidelines, riders can feel confident that the bike can safely handle the total weight in all riding conditions.
How much passenger weight can I carry on a GSD?
To determine the maximum passenger weight you can carry on the GSD, use the formula above. The GSD Gen 1 electric cargo bike has an MGVW of 200 kg (440 lb). From that, simply subtract the weight of the bike and any installed accessories, the weight of the rider, and the weight of all the cargo being carried.
If you are towing a trailer, don't forget to also subtract the weight of the trailer and any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Please note that trailers with an independent braking system should not be included in the MGVW calculation. Learn more about towing a trailer with the GSD Gen 1.
Friendly Reminders
- Most riders can comfortably carry 80% of their weight. Determine if you are comfortable carrying that much weight.
- Check your local regulations to make sure carrying passengers on a bike is legal in your area.
- Helmets are cool! Rider and passenger(s) are advised to wear an approved helmet.
- Do not leave children unattended on the bike, even if it is on the kickstand.
Note: This article on child seats, along with other guides and how-to articles on this site, is intended to serve only as a helpful resource for Tern bicycle owners. They are for informational and educational purposes only and should be used at your own risk. Consult with your authorized Tern dealer for professional advice and assistance specific to your bicycle.
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