QHL Passenger Guide

How to Safely Carry Passengers on the Tern Quick Haul Long

Updated on 

This article refers to the Quick Haul Long electric cargo bike for families.


Contents


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 carry passengers safely:

  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 Quick Haul Long’s load capacity?

  • The Quick Haul Long family cargo bike has a max gross vehicle weight of 190 kg (419 lb) and can carry up to two kids or one adult passenger.
  • The Quick Haul Long’s rear rack is rated to carry up to 90 kg (198 lb) of passengers or cargo.

Quick Haul Long Passenger Setups

Here 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

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  • 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

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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)

1 older kid or 1 adult

≥ 36 kg (79 lb)

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All-Weather Riding

If you frequently carry young passengers and want to protect them from all sorts of bad weather, we recommend setting up a Clubhouse Fort!

With the Storm Shield

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
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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)

Doghouse Mini rear rack-mounted pet carrier on the Tern Quick Haul Long cargo electric bike
RuffHouse front rack-mounted dog carrier for Tern electric cargo bikes

Required accessories:

Required accessories:

 

Other Useful Accessories for Carrying Passengers

Safe and Steady Loading

Lockstand Extensions

If you’re carrying a wiggly younger kid (or two!), we recommend using the Lockstand Extensions, which provide a wider stance and even more stability as you load and unload your passenger or stuff.

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Comfy and Cozy Ride

Sidekick Seat Belt

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.

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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.

 

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.

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*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 does the Max Gross Vehicle Weight 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 Quick Haul Long?

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To determine the maximum passenger weight you can carry on the Quick Haul Long, use the formula above. The Quick Haul Long has an MGVW of 190 kg (419 lb). From that, simply subtract the weight of the Quick Haul Long 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.

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