How to Safely Carry Passengers on the GSD Gen 2
This article refers to GSD Gen 2 bikes. If you'd like to carry passengers on the GSD Gen 1, click here.
To read it in other languages, click here.
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).
Tern Passenger System
The Tern Passenger System is a framework for Tern bicycles 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
Things to know about the GSD
- The GSD has a max. gross vehicle weight of 200 kg (440 lb) and can carry up to two kids or one adult passenger.
- The GSD has an integrated wheel guard and integrated chain guard that provide foot and leg protection for passengers. This means accessories are not needed to provide protection.
- The GSD has an Integrated Lower Deck that can be used for foot support, but owners can extend the width of the deck by installing the Sidekick Wide Deck.
Passenger setups
1 young kid
See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 1 compatible child seat
- The Clubhouse+ can be used with the child seat to provide extra protection.
- Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, foot and leg protection.
2 young kids
See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 2 Thule Yepp Maxi (version 1) seats
- The Clubhouse+ can be used with the two child seats to provide extra protection.
- Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, foot and leg protection.
1 young kid + 1 big kid
Young kid: See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Big kid: 18+ kg
- Seating: Child seat (rear), Clubhouse+ Seat Pad (front) OR Compatible Junior Child Seat (front)
- Handhold: Clubhouse+
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Deck OR Integrated Lower Deck
1-2 big kids
18+ kg
- Seating and Handhold: Clubhouse+
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Deck OR Integrated Lower Deck
1 young kid + 1 older kid
Young kid: See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Older kid: 33+ kg
- Seating: Child seat (rear), Sidekick Seat Pad (front)
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Deck OR Integrated Lower Deck
1-2 older kid(s) or 1 adult
26+ kg
- Seating + Handhold: Captain's Chair
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars (older kid) OR Sidekick Bars (adult)
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Deck OR Integrated Lower Deck
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're regularly carrying young passengers on child seats or on the Clubhouse+ and need a solution for bad weather days, we recommend building the Clubhouse Fort.
Clubhouse Fort
Can I carry more than two kids on the GSD?
The GSD is designed to carry up to two kids on the bike itself, with the appropriate seating arrangement. But that doesn’t mean you face the daunting task of picking your two favorite kids and leaving the rest behind! If you want to carry more than two kids, we recommend getting a second kid-hauling bike that another adult can ride, or attaching a trailer for hauling kids to your GSD via the bike’s dedicated trailer mount.
The GSD’s trailer mount fits a range of trailer hitches (learn more about compatible trailer hitches here). However, some lower deck accessories such as the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers and the Storm Box cover the GSD’s existing trailer mounting points. That’s why we created the Tail Hitch L to shift the mounting points further back, so your options for cargo and passenger configurations remain open—bring everything you need and leave no family behind!
Learn more about trailer towing here.
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 weight of the bike plus battery(ies)
**Rider(s) = Refers to weight of the cyclist and any passengers
***Trailer = Refers to 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 does this matter?
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 has an MGVW of 200 kg (440 lb). From that, simply subtract the weight of the GSD 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.
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.