How to Safely Carry Passengers on the Tern GSD Gen 3 Family Cargo Bike

This article refers to GSD Gen 3 bikes only. If you have another Tern bike, check out the Passenger Guide overview. If you’d like to learn more about carrying cargo on the GSD Gen 3, click here.

What is the 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:

1. Seating: Purpose-built rear seating, chosen according to the passenger's needs
2. Handhold: Something for the passenger to hold on to, other than the bike itself
3. Foot support: Fixed platforms or dedicated foot pegs on both sides of the bike
4. Foot and leg protection: Something to prevent feet and legs from getting caught in the spinning wheel

What is the load capacity of the GSD Gen 3?

The GSD Gen 3 has a Max Gross Vehicle Weight of 210 kg (463 lb), allowing it to carry up to two kids or one adult passenger, with the rear rack supporting a maximum load of 100 kg (220 lb).

Do I need to add accessories for foot and leg protection when carrying passengers on the GSD Gen 3?

The GSD has an integrated wheel guard that provides foot and leg protection for passengers. This means additional accessories are not needed to provide protection.

Do I need a special kickstand to carry passengers on the GSD Gen 3?

The GSD Gen 3 features the upgraded Atlas Lockstand with remote unlocking and built-in foot extensions, making it easier to access the kickstand—even with fully loaded panniers. The extensions provide a wider stance, adding extra stability for smoother loading and unloading.

GSD Gen 3 Passenger Setups

Below are our recommended configurations.

1 young kid See the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations	2 young kids See the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Seating: 1 compatible child seat Optional: Clubhouse Gen 3 Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, and foot & leg protection.	Seating: 2 compatible child seats Optional: Clubhouse Gen 3 Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, and foot & leg protection.
1 young kid + 1 big kid Young kid: See the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations Big kid: Has outgrown the child seat and can sit unaided	1-2 big kids Big kid: Has outgrown the child seat and can sit unaided
Seating: 1 compatible child seat (rear) and Clubhouse Seat Pad OR Compatible Junior Child Seat (front) Handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3 Foot support: Stow Decks	Seating: Clubhouse Seat Pad(s) and Clubhouse Backrest Handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3 Foot support: Stow Decks

1 young kid + 1 older kid Young kid: See the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations Older kid: ≥ 36 kg (79 lb)	1-2 older kids Older kid: ≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
Seating: Thule Yepp 2 Maxi OR Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi (rear) and Sidekick Seat Pad (front) Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars Foot support: Stow Decks	Seating + Handhold: Captain's Chair Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars OR Sidekick Handle Foot support: Stow Decks

1 older kid or 1 adult ≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
Option 1 Seating + Handhold: Captain's Chair Foot support: Stow Decks	Option 2 Seating: Sidekick Seat Pad Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars OR Sidekick Handle Foot support: Stow Decks

 

All-Weather Riding

If you frequently carry young passengers in child seats or with the Clubhouse Gen 3 and need protection for sunny or rainy days, we recommend setting up a Clubhouse Fort!

With the Storm Shield

• Clubhouse Gen 3
• Storm Shield
• Storm Box
• Stow Decks

With the Sun and/or Rain Shield

• Clubhouse Gen 3
• Sun Shield—for hot summer days
• Rain Shield—for when the weather turns (Sun Shield required for installation)
• Storm Box
• Stow Decks

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)
Required accessories: Clubhouse Mini Soft Crate Mini Dog Roof Mini	Required accessories: Transporteur Rack RuffHouse

 

Other Useful Accessories For Passengers

Sidekick Seat Belt—Comfy and Cozy Ride

Even as your kids outgrow their child seats, the Sidekick Seat Belt ensures they remain snugly secured for any cycling adventure, thanks to its convenient airplane-style buckle.

What is ‘Max Gross Vehicle Weight’?

The ‘Max Gross Vehicle Weight’ (MGVW) is the maximum weight a bike has been designed to carry safely. 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 battery(ies)

**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 the 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.

Can I carry more than two kids on the GSD?

The GSD is built to carry up to two kids on the bike, as long as it's equipped with the proper seating. But don't worry—you won't have to choose between your kids! If you need to transport more than two, we suggest either getting a second kid-carrying bike for another adult to ride or attaching a trailer to the GSD using its dedicated trailer mount. The GSD’s trailer mount fits a range of trailer hitches. 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. 

Learn more about towing a trailer with the GSD Gen 3, including compatible trailer hitches.

How much passenger weight can I carry on the GSD?

To determine the maximum passenger weight you can carry on the GSD, use the formula above. The GSD Gen 3 has an MGVW of 210 kg (463 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, remember to subtract the trailer's weight and any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. 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.