Tern cargo bikes enlisted to help tackle Europe wildfires

Tern Bicycles has donated Quick Haul electric cargo bikes to International Disaster Response Germany (@fire) for reconnaissance and rapid-response operations during wildfires and in other disaster-affected areas.

According to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2025 was the European Union’s worst wildfire year on record. Through April of this year, 81,610 hectares had already been affected by fires, 35% above the 20-year average.

The donation was made through Tern’s philanthropic Good Werx programme, where Tern donates at least 1% of net profits each year to organisations advancing positive social and environmental change.

“As wildfires become larger and more complex, having a broader range of response tools gives our teams more flexibility in the field,” said Florian Jerge, Team Leader @fire. “Adding small, nimble vehicles that can carry essential equipment is especially helpful when scouting locations that are difficult to access.”

Wildfire conditions can shift rapidly and without warning. Roads that are accessible one moment may become blocked by smoke, debris, or fallen trees only minutes later, making reconnaissance and rapid situational awareness especially important. Quick Haul P9 cargo bikes can support @fire responders conducting field assessments in areas where larger vehicles may struggle to operate. Fitted with a set of panniers, the bikes can carry radios, first-aid supplies, flashlights, water and other essential field gear while traversing terrain more quickly.

Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain, added: “Wildfires are one of the most visible consequences of climate change, and @fire’s volunteers are doing important work under increasingly difficult conditions,”. “Our cargo bikes are designed and tested to safely carry heavy loads in challenging conditions, and we’re encouraged to see organisations like @fire explore how they can support disaster-response operations.”

Compact and easy to transport, the Quick Haul can be rapidly deployed by van, trailer or even helicopter into disaster-affected areas with damaged or limited infrastructure.

Founded in 2002, @fire is a non-profit, non-governmental relief organisation providing rapid emergency aid internationally following natural disasters. Responders are specially trained in wildland firefighting and urban search and rescue. All work is carried out on a voluntary basis and is financed entirely by donations.