Tern’s all-new HSD compact cargo bike focuses on families

Tern has unveiled the new HSD, the compact cargo bike designed for urban families who want to carry a passenger or everyday cargo without giving up the familiar size and easy handling of a regular bike.

The updated HSD makes cargo biking easier with improved handling under load, automatic shifting and more powerful Bosch drive systems, all while remaining shorter than a regular bike, the firm said.

Available to the UK trade via OGA, the new HSD features a completely re-engineered frame, with cargo-optimised geometry, a longer wheelbase and a lower centre of gravity for stable, predictable handling, even under full load. A rider can comfortably carry a child, an adult passenger, a furry friend (no judgement) or heavy cargo thanks to a beefed-up 190 kg (419 lb) Max Gross Vehicle Weight and a best-in-class 80 kg (176 lb)-rated rear rack.

HSD’s frame and fork have been tested to EN 17860 at 190 kg.

“Cargo bikes are incredibly useful for replacing short car trips,” said Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. “But a lot of cargo bikes are heavy, huge, and hard to handle. HSD was our challenge to design a heavy-hauling cargo bike, but to make it as easy to ride as a regular bike. We love hearing stories about how HSD has changed people’s transport patterns, and we’re super excited to bring this new HSD – packed with improvements – to market.

“Cargo bikes are subject to a lot of strong forces and are built to carry the people and things that matter most. EN 17860 was developed specifically for cargo bikes. Every cargo bike should be third-party tested to this standard at its claimed max gross vehicle weight.”

HSD models get all-new Bosch Gen 5 drive systems that are lighter, quieter and more powerful. Certain US models get boosted to Class III, 28 mph for pedal assistance. Recent Bosch software updates include Battery Lock, and Report as Stolen for additional theft deterrence. The Bosch electrical system is certified to UL 2849, “the industry’s gold standard for eBike safety”.

Inclusive Sizing

Riders from petite to XXL are supported by the new HSD, with the fit ranging from 150–205 cm (4’11″–6’9″) and up to 130 kg (286 lb). For petite riders, the frame stepover height has been lowered, while for big and tall riders, the frame and components have been beefed up and extended.

Designed for urban families, HSD’s compact size and vertical parking reduces its storage footprint to “about the size of a potted plant”, while Vertical Roll makes it easy to navigate hallways and lifts. And with FlatFold technology, a pair of HSDs slips easily into the back of a small SUV for weekend adventures.

The bike also heralds the arrival of automatic shifting: Select HSD models feature Bosch eShift, electronic shifting that delivers smoother gear changes while enabling advanced shifting features.

HSD S9i pairs Bosch eShift with a German-made 3X3 NINE internal gear hub. Its wide 554% gear range makes climbing hills easier and combined with a Gates belt drive, the sealed gearbox delivers reliable shifting in all weather conditions. Automatic downshifting at stops selects an easier gear before every restart, making city riding smoother and less stressful.

HSD P10e pairs Bosch eShift with a TRP drivetrain that delivers smooth, wireless shifts. There’s even an Automatic mode – just set the cadence, and the bike will handle the shifts – ideal for stop-and-go city traffic. Automatic shifting is especially helpful for riders new to cargo biking, allowing them to focus on the road, their passenger, and their surroundings instead of thinking about the next shift.

The new HSD line-up includes four new models, and pricing starts at $4,999 / €4,899 / £4,300. Bikes will begin arriving at bike shops in Europe and North America late this summer, with other markets following by the end of the year. Pricing and model availability may vary by market.