Using Child Seats on the Tern GSD Gen 1

This article refers to Tern GSD Gen 1 electric cargo bikes. If you'd like to use child seats on other Tern cargo bikes, click here.

If you want to carry young children on your GSD electric cargo bike, you'll need a child seat or two. This article will discuss child seat compatibility and offer guidelines for safe child seat use.

Contents

• I want to use child seats without passenger rails—which ones fit the GSD?
  • If you only need one seat
    • For other child seats, check compatibility
  • If you need two seats
• Can I use child seats with the Clubhouse Gen 1, Clubhouse+, or Clubhouse Gen 3?
• Can I put a child seat somewhere other than the rear rack?
• Can I use panniers with child seats installed?
• What options do I have for weather-proofing my passenger cabin?
• What else should I know about using child seats safely?

I want to use child seats without passenger rails—which ones fit the GSD?

Several rear rack-mounted child seats work well with the GSD cargo eBike. Which is right for your family depends on a few different factors, including your desired child seat setup, rider size, and passenger size.

If you only need one seat

If you only need one child seat and can place the seat in the rear position, you can choose pretty much any compatible seat you like, as heel clearance won't be an issue (but keep in mind that if your family grows and you need to add a second child seat, the first seat you choose may limit your options).

Child seat models including Thule Yepp Maxi (version 1), Yepp Nexxt Maxi, and Yepp 2 Maxi, as well as Hamax Caress, Bobike GO Maxi, and Urban Iki rear seat (carrier mounting) will work great for younger kids, while the Qibbel Junior 6+ and the Polisport Guppy Junior can be used for older kids.

Different seats offer different features (e.g., suspension, reclining), so you may want to have your child test out a few to see which best suits your needs.

Note: When installing the Thule Yepp Maxi (version 1) or Nexxt Maxi seats on the GSD, you do not need to use an adapter.

For other child seats, check compatibility

If you have a different child seat model you prefer, check the manufacturer’s guidelines and the GSD rear rack specs below for compatibility before purchasing. Whichever child seat you decide to purchase, ensure that it comes with the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, and foot & leg protection.

If you need two seats

If you need two child seats, the Thule Yepp Maxi (version 1) is a convenient choice for many because it offers plenty of heel clearance for riders of all sizes.

However, if you're a small-footed rider carrying a very young passenger in the front child seat, the Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi or Yepp 2 Maxi may also work—check with your local dealer for assistance. You'll want to test out these seats on your GSD before purchasing to make sure your heel doesn't strike the leg supports or the passenger's foot when pedaling (if you are sharing the bike, make sure all riders participate in testing).

Can I use child seats with the Clubhouse Gen 1, Clubhouse+, or Clubhouse Gen 3?

You may be wondering if you can use child seats together with the Clubhouse Gen 1, Clubhouse+, or Clubhouse Gen 3 passenger rails. When the Clubhouse Gen 1 is installed, you can use one GSD-compatible child seat in the front position only. With the Clubhouse+, the included Child Seat Expansion Bar allows you to either use one child seat in the rear position, or two Thule Yepp Maxi (version 1) child seats.

The Clubhouse Gen 3 will work with any child seat that fits the GSD if you only need one child seat. Swap out the Flat Bar for the included Child Seat Expansion Bar to make room for two child seats—Thule Yepp Maxi (version 1) and Urban Iki rear seats are both compatible, while Bobike GO Maxi and Thule Yepp 2 Maxi and Yepp Nexxt Maxi are also compatible if you’re a small-footed rider.

Again, you'll want to test out these seats on your GSD before purchasing to make sure there’s enough heel clearance to ride safely.

Can I put a child seat somewhere other than the rear rack?

No, we don't recommend using child seats that attach to places other than the rear rack (e.g., handlepost- or seatpost-mounted seats).

We haven't tested these types of seats with the GSD, and they may pose safety risks. Please see this article for more information.

Can I use panniers with child seats installed?

Yes! We have a couple of pannier options if you want to carry your stuff along with your little ones. The Cargo Hold Panniers, Cargo Hold 28 Pannier, Cargo Hold 37 Panniers, and Cargo Hold 52 Panniers can all be used with one or two-seat setups. It depends on which panniers you’d like to use and the model of your child seat(s). Some setups may also require a Pannier Adapter or two—check with your dealer if you’re interested in using panniers with child seats.

What options do I have for weather-proofing my passenger cabin?

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 that'll keep them safely covered—even well after they have outgrown their child seats. 
 

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. 

What else should I know about using child seats safely?

• Check your local regulations to make sure carrying passengers on a bike is legal in your area.
• We recommend using child seats that conform to EN 14344 standards to carry your child.
• Children in child seats (or on any other form of seating) should never be left unattended on the bike, even if it is on the kickstand. Wriggling children can upset the balance of the bike, and a fall may result in serious injuries.
• Ensure that the combined weight of the bike (including battery), rider, passenger(s), accessories, and cargo does not exceed the GSD’s maximum gross vehicle weight of 200 kg (441 lb).
• Do not exceed the GSD's 100 kg (220 lb) rear rack load capacity.
• We recommend that all rear passengers, including those riding in child seats, wear helmets.