Tern HSD

84/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
3.5 Hours
Maximum Range
69 Miles
Top Speed
20 mph
Watts
250 W
Torque
50 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
36V 11Ah, 36V 13.4Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Weight
56.5, 58.9 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Tern HSD. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

20 reasons to buy

  • The bike is adjustable to fit individuals 4’11” to 6’ 5”.
  • Experts agree this bike could easily replace a car in the city.
  • Tern uses quiet, reliable and powerful Bosch motors.
  • There are four modes of assistance for riding, plus walk assist.
  • The same key for the battery locks the wheel.
  • The quick release steerer tube, stem and handlebars collapse into the frame, making this bike compact for travel or vertical storage.
  • The Andros stem adjusts without a tool.
  • This bike can carry a passenger up to 130lb and a total payload of 375lb.
  • Yepp, Thule, and Bobike child seats are compatible with the Tern HSD.
  • The display shows speed, mode, battery life, trip distance, and the odometer.
  • The lightweight battery can be charged on or off the bike.
  • Higher end models of the Tern HSD have weather-resistant belt-drive systems.
  • Front and rear lights come as standard on the Tern HSD.
  • The Tern HSD can cover up to 70 miles on one battery charge.
  • The 20” wheels make for a low center of gravity and balanced load distribution.
  • The suspension fork set up with 2.5” Schwalbe tires absorbs shock, for a smooth ride.
  • The S+ model includes a Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post, helping better absorb the impact of the small wheels.
  • Automatic shifting for added comfort and safety, is part of the S+ build.
  • Experts state the internal hub on the Tern HSD S8i and S+ are easier to maintain compared to a derailleur.
  • There are points for attachment for a trailer hitch.

3 reasons not to buy

  • Automatic shifting on the S+ model of the Tern HSD does not register on descents.
  • The battery is hard to remove when a child seat is mounted on the bike or if you have large hands.
  • One cannot mount a second battery on the top tube to extend their travel range.

Bottom line

If you are looking for a versatile cargo bike that can fit almost anyone, while carrying a child and cargo, the Tern HSD may be for you. The Tern HSD has numerous accessories available to meet your cargo bike needs, as a commuter or parent. This bike is the type of bike that can replace a car, as it can smoothly and safely haul 374 lbs. The Tern HSD can go up to 20 mph with pedal assist. The seat post, handlebars, steerer tube and stem are all easy to adjust for vertical storage or transport in an SUV. Experts and users alike rave that the Tern HSD is worth the price.

Expert Reviews

83/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
80

Tern HSD S8i

Well, the HSD is, in most ways, a better bike than a standard large-wheeled city bike. It’s smaller and easier to store, it can carry more stuff, and it’s more adaptable to a range of rider sizes.

Visit full review

Review: Tern HSD Series

So many bike manufacturers think that the way to get more people on bikes is to make them bigger and plushier. That might make a bike more comfortable, but it’s a hassle to maneuver those giant things around. The HSD is comfortable without losing its convenience.

Visit full review
72
Radelbande

Tern HSD+ Test: Compactbike + Longtail = Midtail [German]

The Tern HSD is an interesting mix of longtail cargo bike and compact pedelec.

Visit full review
Electric Bike Review

Tern HSD S8i Review

The Tern HSD S8i is a high-quality midtail electric cargo bike that can stand vertically to save space!

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Cycle Volta

Tern HSD S8i Ebike Review

Mini yet mighty, the Tern HSD S8i is a versatile and comfortable cargo hauler.

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First Ride on the Tern HSD: A Big Little Cargo Utility Electric Bike

This little guy is rated for more weight than I probably ever need to haul and is a great example of a utilitarian e-bike that can serve as a second car for many city dwellers.

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Elektrobike

Tern HSD: Cargo E-bike in Mini-Format [German]

With the HSD, Tern brings a compact e-bike with plenty of storage space.

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Transport-Pedelec Tern HSD S8i in Test [German]

If the popular Tern GSD e-cargo bike is too bulky for you, you could make friends with the compact Tern HSD S8i version. The good driving characteristics have also been retained in the little brother.

Visit full review

User Ratings

80/100 based on 4 ratings
  • 5 star
    50%
  • 4 star
    25%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    25%
  • 1 star
    0%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#240 Best Electric
Bottom 30%
#18 Best Cargo
Bottom 20%
#4 Best Tern Bike
Bottom 30%
#454 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 40%

Bike Comparison

Tern HSD in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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