Testers find the Vektron Q9 folds quickly and easily, one saying it takes less than 30 seconds with practice.
A tester calls the Vektron Q9 an excellent climber, praising its ability to handle steep gradients while carrying cargo.
At 16.5” x 33.9” x 27”, the folded Q9 is compact for a folding e-bike with 20” wheels.
A reviewer appreciates the Vektron Q9’s maneuverability for navigating busy traffic.
The Schwalbe Big Apple 2.15” tires have puncture protection, and a tester says they help iron out small potholes and smoother off-road trails.
A reviewer finds the Shimano hydraulic disc brakes extremely effective.
The brake levers are reach adjustable.
One expert appreciates how the low gears allow the rider to spin up steep climbs.
The Andros stem allows riders to adjust handlebar height and reach without tools.
The adjustable stem and telescopic seatpost provide a wide stated height range of 4’10” to 6’5”.
The 60lb-capacity Atlas V-Rack fits Thule Yepp Maxi and Dash seats without adapters and doubles as a stand for the folded bike.
The Vektron Q9 comes with fenders, lights, and bungee cords.
The 4A fast charger produces quick charging times.
Tern provides an above-average five-year warranty on the frame.
In testing, a 176lb reviewer gets 30 to 35 miles of range on a hilly route from the modest 11Ah battery.

3 reasons not to buy

A reviewer says the magnet that holds the folded halves together is too weak.
The Vektron Q9’s 275lb payload capacity is slightly below average for folding e-bikes.
One tester complains of rattling fenders.

Bottom line

The Tern Vektron Q9 is a folding e-bike with 20” wheels, a 396Wh battery, and a Bosch Active Line Plus motor with 50Nm of torque. Experts praise the comfortable ride, highlighting the traditional bike feel and bump-smoothing Schwalbe Big Apple 2.15” tires. The Vektron Q9’s adjustable stem and seatpost, compact folding dimensions, climbing ability, and battery range also impress. Complaints are minor, though the Vektron Q9 may be slightly too heavy for multi-modal commuting. Overall, reviewers deem the Vektron Q9 a solid option in the folding e-bike segment.

Expert Reviews

86/100 based on 3 scored reviews (4 reviews in total)

Apply to become an expert

Electric Bike Review

Level 3 expert

Tern Vektron Q9 Review

Level 3 expert

At the end of the day, you can tell there was a lot of time and thoughtfulness put into the design and I really like the additional features.

Visit full review

Cycling Electric

Level 3 expert

Tern Vektron Q9 Review

Level 3 expert

All in all, the Q9 is a hugely versatile machine that is tremendously strong, practical and heavy-load capable, so much so that it can be considered a replacement for a good amount of car journeys.

Visit full review

eBikeTips

Level 5 expert

Review: Tern Vektron Q9

Level 5 expert

Most of the time I was riding the Vektron I didn’t think of it as a folding bike, but just as a bike… It’s really well-considered, and the build and componentry quality is high. If you’re looking for a versatile bike, this is one for the list.

Visit full review

Cycling UK

Level 3 expert

Bike Test: Folding E-Bikes

Level 3 expert

If you’re going to be carrying significant loads or taking on really steep hills with any appreciable load at all, it has to be the Tern. The fact that the Tern folds is a bonus…

Visit full review

Apply to become an expert