Which Bike Canopy Should I Get for My Tern Bike?

When you’re riding your Tern cargo bike 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 weather canopies—Sun Shield, Rain Shield, and Storm Shield—that provide essential coverage for cycling in all conditions and fit up to two kids. 

For families with one child, we also offer Mini versions of all three products, designed to provide the same protection in a more compact setup.

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

What is the Sun Shield?

Sun Shield mounted on a Tern GSD, fitting up to two kids.	Sun Shield Mini equipped on a Tern HSD, fitting one kid.

The Sun Shield is a lightweight, breathable bicycle sun canopy offering UPF 50-rated protection to keep your child protected from harmful UV rays. Designed to fit up to two kids, it features roll-up side panels for maximum airflow and easy access to the passenger cabin, plus a mesh front so you can keep an eye on the fun inside. The tail wing tucks away to allow your bike to roll and park vertically. When removed from your bike, the shock-corded canopy poles fold down easily for compact storage.

The Sun Shield Mini offers the same features and protection in a streamlined size designed to fit one child.

What is the Rain Shield?

Rain Shield installed over the Sun Shield on a Tern GSD, keeping up to two kids dry.	Rain Shield Mini installed over the Sun Shield Mini on a Tern HSD, keeping one kid dry.

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 up to 2 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.

The Rain Shield Mini is the smaller counterpart to the Rain Shield, designed to fit over the Sun Shield Mini and provide the same easy on-off rain protection and features for one passenger.

What is the Storm Shield?

Storm Shield all-weather bike canopy for 2 kids, equipped on a Tern GSD.	Storm Shield Mini all-weather bike canopy for 1 kid, equipped on a Tern Quick Haul.

The Storm Shield is an all-weather bike canopy that keeps up to 2 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. It’s also designed to remain compatible with your bike’s vertical rolling and parking.

The Storm Shield Mini is the compact version, offering the same all-season protection and features in a size designed for one child.

Which Shield should you choose?

Our Shields offer great protection and share these key features:

• Comfortably fits 1-2 kids (with or without child seats) up to 140 cm (4'7") tall—with plenty of space for helmets.
• Designed to work with Clubhouse or Clubhouse Mini's rear Flat Bar to support your bike’s vertical rolling and parking for convenient elevator rides and small-space storage.
• Forms the essential roof of our Clubhouse Fort and Clubhouse Fort Mini all-weather passenger compartment. Learn more here.
   

Clubhouse Fort built with Sun Shield & Rain Shield as the top canopy	Clubhouse Fort Mini built with Storm Shield Mini as the top canopy
With head-to-toe coverage, Clubhouse Fort (Mini) 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 (Mini) 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 (Mini) 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 (Mini) 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 (Mini) and Rain Shield (Mini) 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.