The Tern Orox comes in two builds: R14 and S12, each in two sizes (M and L).
The Orox is compatible with two batteries.
The R14's range impresses testers. One covers 65.9 miles and 3,881 feet of elevation in cold-weather riding.
Reviewers relish the responsive Bosch Performance CX motor's impressive power.
The Orox easily climbs steep inclines in testing, even when fully loaded.
Tests show the Orox proves capable off-road and in snowy winter conditions.
The Orox is sold with 27.5" x 4” tires and is compatible with 29" x 3” and 26" x 5” setups.
Both the Schwalbe Johnny Watts and Vee Snowball 4" tires deliver "exceptional" traction and comfort.
Experts praise the stopping power of the Magura MT5 hydraulic brakes.
Reviewers enjoy the comfortable, stable ride.
Testers appreciate reduced maintenance needs of the R14's belt drive and hub gearing.
The Orox can be stored vertically, with the rear end doubling as a stand.
The frame and the fork include several mounting points for accessories.
Long-term reviewers praise the durability of the Atlas X cargo wheels.
The rear rack has a high weight capacity (220lb) and space for two small passengers.
The battery is mounted in a frame bag that insulates it and adds room for cargo.
Reviewers commend the stability of the two-legged kickstand.
The Bosch and Tern apps offer remote locking, OTA updates, route mapping, and GPS navigation; security features (GPS tracking and alarm) cost extra.

4 reasons not to buy

At 81lb or 83lb with just one battery, the Tern Orox is heavy.
The bike's length and fat tires mean it won't fit standard vehicle racks.
Some reviewers find the 800mm handlebar too wide, especially for smaller riders.
An expert thinks a dropper post should be included, given the price and off-road chops.

Bottom line

The Tern Orox is a fat-tire cargo e-bike available in two builds, each with two frame sizes. The R14 features a 14-speed Rohloff internal hub, Gates Carbon belt drive, and 22.2Ah battery; the S12 has a 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and 19.2Ah battery. The cargo functionality, performance, and feature-rich design impress experts who praise the motor, stopping power, generous riding range, and comfortable, stable ride. The Orox is very expensive, and it's probably more bike than most cargo e-bike buyers need. However, it's a solid option for those who want an off-road and bikepacking-capable cargo machine.

Expert Reviews

84/100 based on 4 scored reviews (6 reviews in total)

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Electric Bike Report

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Tern Orox S12 Review | Pack It In, Pack It Out, Pack It All

Level 1 expert

What really stood out was the Orox S12’s versatility. With its impressive cargo capacity and range of accessories, this bike could adapt to all sorts of jobs–from grocery runs to long-haul bikepacking adventures.

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BikeRadar

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