The Tern GSD ebike set out to be a car replacement from the outset in 2017, when it was first released. The Tern GSD R14 model is the new top-of-the range model featuring electronic Rohloff gears and carbon belt drive. It is the ultimate compact cargo bike especially with the 2021 platform updates. The GSD has a 200kg weight rating and the R14 model is powered by the Bosch Cargo Line motor. It comes with a 500Wh battery and is preconfigured to carry two batteries for 1,000Wh capacity. The new 2021 frame is slightly longer and is stiffer so it can carry more cargo and it handles even better. With Tern's excellent accessory range you can customise this amazing machine to be the ultimate transporter and everyday delight.  

Enormously Useful. Surprisingly Small.

The GSD is designed to carry two kids, a week’s worth of groceries, or 180 kg of cargo, but it’s only 180 cm long—the same length as a standard bike. With Tern’s best-in-class folding technology, it packs down small enough to fit in a VW Touran or an urban apartment. Plus, it adjusts to fit riders from 150 – 195 cm—so mom, dad and the kids can all share it.

A Utility Bike Designed to Fit Your Life.

Despite everything it can haul, the GSD is actually the same length as a regular bike, so it fits anywhere a standard bike can. But there are lots of places a standard bike doesn’t fit. That’s why we designed it to pack down to 1/3rd its volume in only 10 seconds. That means you can store your utility bike in your urban apartment, fit it in the elevator, or stash it in a train for weekend getaways.

Carries the Family

With room for up to two Thule Yepp Maxi child seats, plus grocery space to spare, the GSD lets you ditch the minivan. The low step-thru frame makes getting on and off much safer, and with an extra low center of gravity, the GSD is stable and steady.

Fits the Whole Family Too

Minivans don’t come in S, M, L & XL to fit the driver, so why do bicycles? The GSD is designed to be shared by a family. It adjusts to fit mom, dad or the kids—any rider from 150 – 195 cm. Best of all, thanks to Tern’s adjustable stem, and compact geometry, adjusting the bike only takes seconds.

Carry More

Despite its city-bike footprint, the GSD boasts cargo-bike capacity, with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 200 kg (440 lb). Build it up with Cargo Hold Panniers and the Shortbed and Transporteur racks, to carry industrial strength Eurocrates, a week of groceries or a family picnic plus the kitchen sink.

Bosch Motor and Battery

Riding with kids on the back, uphill? No problem. There’s a reason Bosch is the global leader in e-bike systems—and it’s not just their outstanding performance. We work with Bosch because they offer the best service network, remarkable testing, and next-level quality control.

Cargo Hold Panniers

Think of the Cargo Hold panniers as a trunk for your bike. Keep your lock, rain jacket, and tool kit inside so they’re always ready. And then load them up with a week’s worth of groceries, or a tent, balance bike, cooler and toys for a weekend trip to the park. Use the lid when it’s raining or roll it up and out of the way when you’ve got extra large stuff to carry.

Yepp, It'll Fit Two

Thule Yepp Maxi child seats are the best in the business. The GSD is designed to fit two, with plenty of foot clearance for the rider. No special adapters needed.

Note: The GSD fits two Thule Yepp Maxi seats, or one Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi seat.

Elevator Friendly

Cargo bikes are most useful in cities (high density of things to see, do and move), but they’re also harder to manage and store (small apartments and bike theft). Most people don’t have space for a cargo bike. We designed the GSD to fit small elevators, so you can keep it indoors. We even designed the rack to let the bike stand vertically, for compact and stable storage.

All Day Battery

The GSD is one of the few bikes equipped with Bosch’s latest Dual-Battery technology. You can connect up to two batteries for a range of over 250km. Tour from dusk to dawn, or commute for weeks on a single charge.

Friends Get Benefits

The GSD brings new meaning to “riding with a friend.” Our suite of ‘Sidekick’ accessories, including a KLICKfix seat cushion, retractable foot pegs, and an underseat handle, let two adults ride together in comfort. With Bosch power and an ultra-low center of gravity, you might not even notice your passenger.

See-and-Be-Seen Geometry

The GSD features a relaxed geometry that puts the rider in an upright, comfortable position. Swept back handlebars and ergonomic grips take a lot of stress off the neck, shoulders, and wrists. You’re also able to see (and be seen) over the tops of most cars, which is a great benefit in traffic. With Bosch power, comfort and performance can coexist.

Boosted Components

We use burly and dependable, cutting edge mountain bike technology to make the GSD superlatively strong. Magura 4 piston disc brakes, custom 62 mm Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires, Boost thru-axle hubs, and custom 36 mm wide double-joined rims, provide the rock-solid foundation for a bike spec’d to carry 180 kg.

Low and Steady

The GSD is engineered from the ground up for maximum stability, loaded and unloaded. We designed it with a 125 cm wheelbase—25% longer than standard ebikes—for confident and balanced handling. Thanks to small wheels, a low frame, and centrally mounted motor, the bike boasts an extremely low center of gravity. Altogether, the ride is a revelation.

Safety First (Second and Third)

Cycling is safer when you move at the speed of city traffic. Fast acceleration is a given with a Bosch Performance motor combined with smaller wheels. We’ve developed custom, virtually flat-proof, Schwalbe tires to give sure-footed stability on even the nastiest roads. Add super-bright LED lights, reflective decals, and a see-and-be-seen riding position, and you have a bike optimized for safety.

Stable Standing

Parents know that loading kids on and off a bike is tricky business. That’s where the German-made Hebie kickstand comes in. It supports up to 80 kg, with two widely spaced legs for super stable support. So go ahead, breathe easy and use both hands to load (and lock) your precious cargo.

Sell the RV

The GSD is an awesome touring machine. It’s got room for six Ortlieb bags (4 on the rear rack and 2 on the front), and a range of up to 250km. A bit of careful packing lets you bring a full touring load, together with a little passenger. That means two GSDs let a family of four tour the world, no bike trailer required.

Tern HSD vs. GSD: How to Choose

If you’re thinking of buying a Tern e-bike, you may be wondering: Should you get a GSD or an HSD?

For some people, the answer is obvious. For others, the decision might be a little more nuanced. This article will discuss some of the factors you should consider in choosing between the two bikes.

Choose the GSD for Maximum Hauling Ability

One of the first questions you’ll need to answer when deciding which e-bike to buy is, “What do you need to carry on the bike?”

The GSD has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 200 kg (440 lbs), while the HSD has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 170 kg (374 lbs). The GSD can carry two kids or one adult on the back rack, while the HSD can carry one kid or one small adult (up to 60 kg).

We’ve noticed a few people asking, “Since the GSD can carry more than the HSD, why would I want an HSD?”

And that question highlights an important truth: If you know for sure you’ll need the GSD’s extra cargo capacity, then your decision is made. Parents who need to use the bike to drop two kids off at school each day need a GSD. So does anyone who plans to use the bike to haul extra-heavy loads.

But for folks with fewer than two kids who are looking for a versatile bike for everyday transportation needs, there are some scenarios where it makes sense to consider the HSD. 

Here are a few of them:

You’re Extra Small

The HSD is 10 cm shorter than a GSD, so smaller riders may find it easier to handle—especially with a load on the back rack. It takes less strength and leverage to lift the HSD over curbs and park it vertically, compared to the GSD.

You’re Extra Tall

The HSD’s cockpit is adjustable to fit riders from 150 - 195 cm (4’11 “- 6’5”), and very tall riders may find it more comfortable than the GSD. 

The HSD’s slack seat tube angle means that the higher you put the seat, the longer the cockpit is, which gives extra-tall riders some much-needed space. Even folks on the tall end of the rider height range should be able to enjoy a comfy, upright riding position on the HSD.

You’re Looking for a Cushier Ride

All HSD models have front-fork suspension, which makes riding on bumpy roads much more comfortable. The S+ also has a suspension seatpost, which makes an already-comfy ride even cushier.

The HSD also offers a fully upright riding position across all rider heights. Many riders find an upright riding position more relaxing, and it also makes it easier to see over traffic.

You Have a Small Living Space

The HSD is 10 cm shorter than the GSD. Its ultra-compact size is a big advantage for people with small living spaces, such as city apartments. The HSD is even easier to vertically park and takes up less space overall than the GSD. This is especially handy if you need to take the bike inside small elevators regularly.

You Want to Transport the Bike by Car

The HSD and the GSD both fold flat for storage and transport, but the HSD is easier to fit inside a car. As long as you have a small SUV and can fold the back seats down, transporting the HSD by car should be very do-able. This is a big deal because bike racks strong enough to carry an e-bike are quite pricey.

As you can see, the HSD offers some serious advantages for people who don’t need the GSD’s heavy-hauling abilities. So are there any downsides? Just one.

No Dual Battery Option on the HSD

The GSD has a dual-battery option, which can extend the bike’s range to over 250 km (155 mi). The HSD only has room for one battery and has a range of 42 - 110 km (26 - 69 mi). So if you know you’ll want to ride extra-long distances without charging, the GSD may be a better fit.

• 200 kg Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
• Bosch® Cargo Line Motor provides up to 85 Nm of torque and 400% support
• Bosch battery system (500 Wh) for a range of up to 130 km. Optional extra battery available
• Rohloff® Speedhub features a 526% gear range, electronic shifting, and automatic downshifting
• Gates® CDX Belt Drive is silent, smooth, and virtually maintenance-free
• Adjustable cockpit comfortably fits riders 150 – 195 cm
• Super tough Atlas Lockstand™ auto-locks when engaged—just press a button on the handlebars to unlock
• Heavy-duty frame-integrated rear rack and integrated lower decks
• Cane Creek® Thudbuster ST Suspension Seatpost for an extra-cushy ride
• Always-on RearStop™ Brake Light helps you safely signal stops
• Ultra-bright Ignis™ Headlight ensures 24/7 visibility, no matter the weather
• Powerful and responsive Magura® MT5 eSTOP 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Integrated Abus® Wheel Lock, keyed-alike with the battery
• Upgraded Atlas Wheels™ with custom CNC machined hubs for extra strength and durability
• Wide range of cargo- and passenger-carrying accessories
• Fits two Thule® Yepp Maxi seats, no adapters needed