Tern revamps its HSD compact electric cargo bike

Many companies use the annual Eurobike as a stage for their new launches. This year, Tern has already revealed its big secret in advance – a completely revised version of its most compact cargo bike, the HSD. It looks rock-solid and could inspire especially those who have always had a soft spot for the small-format transporter.

The HSD first saw the light of day a good four years ago. The motto “Haul Stuff Daily” was quickly transformed by Tern into a catchy three-letter abbreviation, placed on 20-inch wheels and rolled out as a small cargo packhorse for everyday use. The manufacturer is still sticking to this concept. With two decisive changes. The horse has more muscle and can handle even heavier loads in future. At the same time, a new drive from Bosch’s Smart System gives it a good run for its money.

Tern HSD ebike can be combined with the Dog House Mini for transporting a dog, among other accessories — New Tern HSD e-cargo bike

Working on the heart of the bicycle

At first glance you can see that Tern has slightly changed the aluminium frame of the HSD. Above the bottom bracket, an additional frame tube has always connected the down tube to the seat tube. This tube has now become a wider construction that splits in two from the seat tube and is extended to both seat stays. This gives the frame additional stability, which is noticeable both when carrying loads and when riding loaded. For example, the maximum permitted total weight of the bike has increased by ten kilograms to 180 kilograms. A maximum of 120 kilograms of this may be borne by you as the rider.

The higher total weight allows the manufacturer to mount an improved rear rack. You can now carry loads weighing a maximum of 80 kilograms on the revised Atlas H Rack. That is 20 kilograms more than before. It also opens up the option for adults to sit on a bench compatible with the HSD. All in all, you should always briefly check in your head whether the total weight is compatible with the maximum permitted 180 kilograms. But for a bike that measures just 165 centimetres in length, that’s still an impressive mark.

One adult can ride on the seat bench of the Tern HSD ebike — One adult can ride on the seat bench of the Tern HSD.

Atlas H Rack rear rack on the Tern HSD ebike with a load capacity of 80 kg — Atlas H Rack rear rack with a load capacity of 80 kg

Where there is light, there is of course also shadow. Given the compactness of the bike, there seems to be no room for attaching a second battery to the frame. At least that is not mentioned in the information we have.

More modern and powerful

The second big plus point of the new HSD is that it is equipped with a drive system from Bosch’s Smart System cosmos. This is not so much due to the associated smart solutions such as updates over the air or similar. Not everyone is necessarily a fan of that. It’s more about the integrated Performance Line motor. Yes, it was also in the earlier HSD models. However, it was in an older, less powerful development stage. This only offered 65 Newton metres of torque and a maximum of 300 per cent motor assistance on top of your own muscle power. The current unit provides a much more powerful boost with 75 Newton metres and 340 percent assistance. This, in turn, fits in very well with the aforementioned increased load that you can move with the Tern HSD.

Tern HSD ebike featuring Bosch Performance Line motor — Bosch Performance Line motor

Classic Tern qualities

Apart from these two fundamental cuts, Tern has been rather restrained in revising the model with further changes. From our point of view, this is an understandable and good decision. After all, the bike has sophisticated details that have proven to be excellent solutions in practice so far:

Vertical placement on the ends of the rear carrier for space-saving parking and carrying in lifts
By folding down the handlepost and lowering the seat post, the HSD can be practically reduced to a size of 165 × 39.5 × 87 cm
Andros stem for changing the handlebar position without tools
Combo-mount on the head tube allows attaching various front racks and baskets with a maximum load of 20 kg
Suspension fork with 70 millimetre travel from SR Suntour, specially made for Tern, withstanding high loads in the long term

When parked vertically, the Tern HSD ebike takes up little space and fits into many lifts, for example. — When parked vertically, the bike takes up little space and fits into many offices, for example.

Tern HSD ebike featuring Bosch Kiox 300 display and Bosch LED Remote control unit — Andros stem with typical two large levers

SR Suntour suspension fork with 70 mm travel on the Tern HSD ebike — SR Suntour suspension fork with 70 mm travel

With the seat post retracted and the handlebars folded down, the Tern HSD ebike fits comfortably into many a car boot — With the seat post retracted and the handlepost folded down, the HSD fits comfortably into many a car boot.

Combo Mount on the head tube of the Tern HSD ebike for attaching numerous accessories — Combo Mount on the head tube for attaching numerous accessories

Clearer differentiation of the models

Tern has slimmed down the variety within the model range. Of the previous four equipment variants, only three remain. The model with the Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub gear has been dropped. The reason is simple: it is not approved by the manufacturer for such high loads. In future, Tern will field the HSD S00 as the top model. It is driven by a stepless automatic gear system from Enviolo. Appropriately, it is the heavy duty version. It comes with a headlight with high beam that illuminates the road with 700 lumens. This means you can confidently ride off the road in the dark. The additional brake light function of the tail light ensures more safety in road traffic.

Ignis front headlight with additional high beam on the Tern HSD ebike — Ignis headlight with additional high beam

Cane Creek suspension seat post on the Tern HSD ebike — Suspension seatpost exclusive to Tern HSD S00

Tail light with brake light function on the Tern HSD ebike — Tail light featuring brake light function

There are also differences regarding the e-drive. Both the Kiox 300 display and the Bosch ConnectModule are only found on the Tern HSD S00. Above all, the increased theft protection and GPS tracking could persuade some people to want to invest the 5,899 euros for this compact e-cargo bike.

Tern HSD S00 ebike in Darkblue colour — Tern HSD S00 in Darkblue colour

The Bosch ConnectModule is not standard equipment on the two cheaper models, the Tern HSD P5i and the Tern HSD P10. Instead of the Kiox 300, there is the wireless Intuvia 100 display. The lighting system is also simpler and does not include either the high beam or the brake light. Furthermore, the brakes go down a quality level. Simpler hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano replace the Magura MT4 found on the HSD S00. The only difference between the HSD P5i and HSD P10 is the gearing and the associated price. With the Tern HSD P5i you get a Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub gear and end up paying 4,999 euros. If you prefer derailleur gears, you can choose the Tern HSD P10 with Shimano Deore 10-speed derailleur gears for 300 euros less.

Tern HSD P5i ebike in Seabreeze colour — Tern HSD P5i in Seabreeze colour

Tern HSD P10 ebike in Bluegreen colour — Tern HSD P10 in Bluegreen colour

In contrast, all models have the Bosch Powerpack with a capacity of 545 watt hours in common. According to Tern, the battery gives you a range of between 51 kilometres and 121 kilometres. Depending on the load, riding style and terrain, this should comfortably cover distances from daily errands during the week to longer tours.

Still enormously versatile

It’s quite possible that you’ll use the new Tern HSD for these two applications – and even more. Basically, there are no limits. As in the past, Tern has put a lot of emphasis on the fact that as many accessories from the range as possible can be used on the HSD. From a family taxi to a mini transporter, you can do a lot with your bike. Here is a list of the accessories with which the new HSD is currently compatible: