The four builds offer chain or belt drive, hub or external gearing, and different battery sizes.
The bike can carry a 287lb rider. The rear rack fits two kids’ seats and supports 220lb.
With an easy-to-adjust Andros stem and telescopic seatpost, the GSD is quickly adapted for different riders.
This bike has dual-battery capacity. The batteries can be charged simultaneously on the bike using one charger.
In testing, the Bosch Cargo Line motor proves a capable hill-climber with the bike fully loaded.
Reviewers enjoy the comfort of the upright position and smooth ride.
An expert says it’s easy to get used to riding the GSD, unlike some cargo e-bikes, which require time to adapt.
This bike's agility surprises experts.
Experts say the stable and predictable handling instils a feeling of safety.
The GSD Gen 3 is compact for a longtail cargo e-bike at 76” long.
The handlebars fold and the bike stands upright on the rack for tidier storage.
Bosch’s ABS works well, according to an expert who fails to get the front wheel to lose traction.
Experts praise the extensive range and overall quality of Tern’s accessories.
The bike has a cafe lock and optional geotracking and alarm features (subscription required).
The “neat, clear” Kiox 300 display shows battery level as a percentage.
The “bright” headlight has a “well-distributed” beam.
This bike has passed DIN 79010 cargo e-bike-specific safety standard testing.
The GSD Gen 3 has fenders, a wheel guard, a full chain guard, footrests, and a USB-C port for charging devices.
Tests show that the kickstand is very stable, and it has a remote lock on the handlebars.

7 reasons not to buy

Testers complain that the foldable footpegs rattle over bumps.
Adding accessories quickly inflates the GSD Gen 3’s already hefty price tag. Competitors offer similar functionality for significantly less.
Two reviewers say the ABS cabling is messy.
A reviewer weighs the unladen GSD S10 at over 100lb when fully equipped with accessories.
Regular braking feel isn’t as smooth as it would be without ABS.
Two testers of the GSD S10 (504Wh) find the range underwhelming.
Disappointingly for premium-priced products, the Tern store lacks clear and detailed specifications.

Bottom line

Tern’s GSD Gen 3 is, in the view of several testers, the best longtail cargo electric bike on the market. This “exemplary” e-bike appears to deliver an intuitive and satisfying user experience through thoughtful design and component choice, and an extensive catalogue of accessories. A feeling of safety while riding is highlighted by experts who attribute it to the stable, predictable handling, ABS braking, and overall solid build. This ride feel is also backed up by cargo e-bike-specific safety certification. Cheaper options with similar functionality exist, but experts agree the gold-standard GSD Gen 3 justifies its price tag.

Expert Reviews

91/100 based on 5 scored reviews

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eBikeTips

Level 5 expert

Review: Tern GSD S10 (Gen 3)

Level 5 expert

For me, the build quality, motor choice and accessories ecosystem of the GSD still has it at the top of the pile, and the new third generation bike is the best one ever.

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Cycling Electric

Level 3 expert

Tern GSD S10 Gen 3 Review, 2025

Level 3 expert

Let’s not pretend it doesn’t have a premium price tag, but there is good reason; there’s very little this bike cannot do when it comes to replacing car trips, so if that’s your brief and you can afford it, this bike is for you.

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Wired

Level 1 expert

Review: Tern GSD S10 Electric Cargo Bike (3rd Gen)

Level 1 expert

This may be a little hard to swallow: The bike costs $7,000, and that’s just the starting point. You will need another battery, and I guarantee you are going to want accessories…

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Transition Vélo

Level 3 expert

Review – Tern GSD Gen 3: The Longtail Cargo Bike That Does It All [French]

Level 3 expert

With the GSD Gen 3, Tern delivers an electric cargo bike that is powerful, compact and remarkably stable. Capable of replacing a car for everyday use, it excels in terms of build quality, multiple configuration options and exemplary performance in all conditions.

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Weelz!

Level 1 expert

[Review] Tern GSD Gen 3: The Controlled Evolution of a Flagship Model [French]

Level 1 expert

It is one of the most advanced longtail bikes we have ever ridden. What’s really interesting… is the natural alternation between riding a cargo bike when it’s loaded and the feeling of riding a conventional bike when it’s empty.

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