Tern has unveiled an all-new version of its popular HSD compact cargo e-bike, bringing a long list of upgrades to one of the industry’s most respected family haulers. The new model keeps the same compact footprint that made the HSD so appealing in dense urban environments, but adds more carrying capacity, improved handling, Bosch’s latest drive systems, and new automatic shifting options.
For anyone familiar with Tern, the company has built a reputation for producing some of the highest-quality compact cargo e-bikes on the market. These aren’t bikes designed to be replaced every few years. They’re engineered to withstand years of daily commuting, grocery hauling, school drop-offs, and just about everything else city life can throw at them.
That durability isn’t just marketing, either. Tern’s cargo bikes have become a common sight in New York City’s commercial delivery fleets, where they’ve racked up over 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers). In those delivery fleets, the bikes are ridden for entire workdays, day after day.
If a bike is capable of surviving years of 12-hour commercial shifts hauling packages through Manhattan streets, there’s a good chance it’ll provide an exceptionally long service life for the average family using it for commuting and carrying kids. In fact, the longest-serving bikes in the fleet had over 30,000 miles (48,000 km) on them last year, so who knows how far they’ve gone now.
Suffice it to say that Tern knows how to build quality cargo bikes, and so the new HSD launch is likely to draw some well-deserved attention.
The redesigned HSD features an entirely new frame with cargo-specific geometry, a longer wheelbase, and a lower center of gravity intended to improve stability when loaded. Maximum gross vehicle weight climbs to 419 lb (190 kg), while the Atlas H rear rack can now support an impressive 176 lb (80 kg), enough for an adult passenger, growing kids, or plenty of cargo.
And when it comes to cargo ratings, Tern is one of those ‘underpromise and overdeliver’ companies, going far beyond industry-standard tests.
Despite those heavy-hauling capabilities, the HSD remains remarkably compact. At just 68.5 inches (174 cm) long, it’s still shorter than many conventional bicycles and retains Tern’s signature space-saving features.
The bike can be parked vertically to minimize storage space, rolled upright through hallways and elevators, or partially folded to fit two bikes into the back of a small SUV.
Power comes from Bosch’s latest fifth-generation Smart System motors, which are lighter, quieter, and more powerful than previous generations.
Select US models receive Bosch’s Performance Sport motor with up to 90 Nm of torque and Class 3 speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist.
Riders also gain access to Bosch’s latest anti-theft software features, including Battery Lock and Report as Stolen.
One of the biggest upgrades is the introduction of Bosch eShift technology on select models. Buyers can choose between a 3X3 NINE internal gear hub paired with a Gates carbon belt drive or TRP’s wireless electronic drivetrain with fully automatic shifting.
For newer riders – or anyone carrying precious cargo – automatic shifting removes one more distraction from navigating city traffic. It also makes the bike even easier to use, bringing it one step closer to replacing the family SUV.
The HSD is also designed to fit nearly everyone in the household. Riders from 4’11” to 6’9” can quickly adjust the cockpit without tools, making it easy to share the bike between partners or family members.
Meanwhile, an expanded accessory ecosystem includes updated child-carrying systems, weather enclosures, passenger accessories, pet carriers, and new waterproof storage options that allow owners to tailor the bike for almost any transportation task.
The new HSD lineup includes four models starting at $4,999 and increasing from there for the fancier models with higher performance and added features. The bikes are expected to begin arriving at North American and European dealers later this summer.
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