This article refers to Tern GSD Gen 2 family cargo bikes. If you'd like to carry passengers on the GSD Gen 1 or Gen 3, click here for our complete list of Passenger Guides.
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
What to know about the Tern GSD Gen 2
- The GSD Gen 2 cargo bike 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 Integrated Lower Decks that can be used for foot support, but owners can extend the width of the decks by installing the Sidekick Wide Decks.
Passenger setups
1 young kid
See the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 1 compatible child seat
- The Clubhouse Gen 3/Clubhouse+ can be used with the child seat to provide extra support.
- 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 the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 2 compatible child seats—learn more here
- The Clubhouse Gen 3/Clubhouse+ can be used with the child seat to provide extra support.
- 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 the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Big kid: Has outgrown the child seat and can sit unaided
- Seating: Child seat (rear)
- Seating + Handhold: Clubhouse+ w/ included seat pad OR Compatible Junior Child Seat
OR
- Seating: Child seat (rear), Clubhouse Seat Pad OR Compatible Junior Child Seat
- Handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
1-2 big kids
Big kid: Has outgrown the child seat and can sit unaided
- Seating + Handhold: Clubhouse+ (w/ included seat pads and backrest)
OR
- Seating: Clubhouse Seat Pad(s) and Clubhouse Backrest
- Handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
1 young kid + 1 older kid
Young kid: See the child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Older kid: ≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
- Seating: Child seat (rear), Sidekick Seat Pad (front)
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
1-2 older kid(s) or 1 adult
≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
- Seating + Handhold: Captain's Chair
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars (older kid) OR Sidekick Flat Bars (adult)
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
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 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 or Clubhouse+
- Sun Shield—for hot summer days
- Rain Shield—for when the weather turns (Sun Shield required for installation)
- Storm Box
- Sidekick Wide Decks
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) |
| 
|
Required accessories: | Required accessories: |
Other Useful Accessories for Carrying Passengers
Safe and Steady Loading
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.
Comfy and Cozy Ride
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.
Can I carry more than two kids on the GSD?
The GSD cargo electric bike is designed to carry up to two kids on the bike itself, with the appropriate seating arrangement. But that doesn’t mean you face the daunting task of picking your two favorite kids and leaving the rest behind! If you want to carry more than two kids, we recommend getting a second kid-hauling bike that another adult can ride, or attaching a trailer for hauling kids to your GSD via the bike’s dedicated trailer mount.
The GSD’s trailer mount fits a range of trailer hitches (learn more about compatible trailer hitches here). However, some lower deck accessories, such as the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers and the Storm Box, cover the GSD’s existing trailer mounting points. That’s why we created the Tail Hitch L to shift the mounting points further back, so your options for cargo and passenger configurations remain open—bring everything you need and leave no family behind!
Learn more about towing a trailer with the GSD Gen 2.
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 + Trailer*** must be less than the MGVW for safe riding.
*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 is the Max Gross Vehicle Weight important?
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?
To determine the maximum passenger weight you can carry on the GSD, use the formula above. The GSD Gen 2 cargo bike has an MGVW of 200 kg (440 lb). From that, simply subtract the weight of the bike and any installed accessories, the weight of the rider, and the weight of all the cargo being carried.
If you are towing a trailer, don't forget to also subtract the weight of the trailer and any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Please note that 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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