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Which Bike Canopy Should I Get for My Tern Cargo E-Bike?

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When you’re riding your Tern GSD, Quick Haul Long, or Orox cargo eBike with kids aboard, you’ll want them to be comfortable no matter the weather. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, or snowy, having the right weather protection for your passenger setup can make all the difference. To help you keep your little passengers’ smiles rolling and the frowns away, we created three passenger accessories that provide essential coverage for cycling in all weather: Sun Shield, Rain Shield, and Storm Shield. 

But how do you choose the right one for your needs? Let’s break it down. 


What is the Sun Shield?

Sun shield equipped on Tern GSD cargo bike

Sun Shield equipped on a Tern GSD electric cargo bike

The Sun Shield is a lightweight, breathable bicycle sun canopy offering UPF 50-rated protection to keep your kids safe from harmful UV rays. It’s designed with side panels that roll up to allow maximum air flow and easy access to the passenger cabin, plus a mesh front that lets you keep an eye on all the fun happening inside. When removing the Sun Shield from your bike, the shock-corded canopy poles easily fold down for compact storage.

🔧 Required for installation

Any generation of the Clubhouse passenger rails
*Not compatible with Clubhouse Mini

What is the Rain Shield?

Rain Shield waterproof cover used over the Sun Shield on Tern GSD cargo bike

Rain Shield waterproof cover for the Sun Shield makes family biking in the rain still enjoyable for the kids

The Rain Shield is a waterproof bike cover add-on that easily snaps onto the Sun Shield, transforming the bike sun shade into an all-weather canopy to keep kids dry and comfy year-round. With a 12,000 mm waterproof rating, it handles everything from drizzles to heavy downpours. The large roll-up windows allow ventilation and easy access to the passenger seats. When the weather clears, simply fold the Rain Shield up and stash it in your pannier, ready for the next change in the forecast.

🔧 Required for installation

Any generation of the Clubhouse passenger rails,
installed with the Sun Shield 

What is the Storm Shield?

Storm Shield weather canopy on Tern GSD cargo bike

Storm Shield is an all-in-one bike weather canopy

The Storm Shield is an all-weather bike canopy that keeps kids comfortable in any weather. It shields them from rain and provides UV protection on sunny days, making it great for families in areas with harsh or unpredictable weather who prefer full-time weather coverage on their bikes. Like the other shields, it features large roll-up windows for ventilation and easy access for passengers.

🔧 Required for installation

Any generation of the Clubhouse passenger rails
*Not compatible with Clubhouse Mini

OR

Captain’s Chair + Sidekick Joyride Bars
*For riders approximately 170 - 190 cm (5’7” - 6’3”) tall 
(compatibility depends on seatpost height)

Which Shield should you choose?


Our Shields offer great protection and share these key features:

  • Designed specifically for two-passenger Tern electric cargo bikes, including the GSD, Quick Haul Long, and Orox.
  • Comfortably fits 1-2 kids (with or without child seats) up to 140 cm (4'7") tall—with plenty of space for helmets.
  • Forms the essential roof of our Clubhouse Fort all-weather passenger compartment. 
Clubhouse Fort built with Sun Shield plus Rain Shield

The Fort built with Sun Shield & Rain Shield

Clubhouse Fort built with Storm Shield

The Fort built with Storm Box

With head-to-toe coverage, Clubhouse Fort is our best weather protection for kid passengers

So, which Shield should you choose? Ask yourself the following key questions:

  1. What kind of weather do you ride in most often?

    Warm and sunny weather: When it’s hot and sunny, less is more. The lightweight and breezy Sun Shield provides maximum UV protection and airflow to ensure your kids stay cool and sheltered from the sun. For the occasional drizzles, keep the Rain Shield handy in your pannier—just snap it onto the Sun Shield for instant rain protection.

    Fickle or harsh weather: If you frequently experience the four seasons in a day and prefer always-on weather protection for your little passengers, the Storm Shield is the way to go. It shields against rain, snow, wind, and hail, while still providing UV protection and ventilation for those warmer days.
     

  2. Do you prefer a Shield that packs down small when not in use?

    When it comes to packability, the Sun Shield and Rain Shield are clear winners. The Sun Shield features reinforced aluminum poles with shock cords, letting it fold down into a neat little bundle. Meanwhile, the Rain Shield packs down to about the size of a rain poncho, making it effortless to stash or take on the go. 


And there you have it. No matter the forecast, we’ve got a Shield to keep your kids comfy and protected on the road. Here’s to happy pedaling in any weather!

For more information on carrying passengers, head over to our Passenger Guide. And if you’ve got extra little ones to carry, make sure to also check out our Child Seat Guide.

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