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.
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 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: Captain's Chair OR Sidekick Seat Pad
- 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
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 must be less than the MGVW for safe riding.
*Bicycle = weight of the bike plus batteries/**Rider(s) = weight of the cyclist and any passengers
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?
The GSD has a MGVW of 200 kg. Simply subtract your weight, the weight of the GSD, any installed accessories, and the weight of all of the things you are carrying. The total passenger weight must be less than the remaining number.
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.