Blog

May 25, 2023

Tern launches the new HSD compact cargo bike

When the HSD first launch in 2019 it proved transformative, helped replace car

When the HSD first launch in 2019 it proved transformative, helped replace car trips with bike trips for families and businesses around the world. Today Tern launches the new HSD – still mighty yet mini – but now completely re-worked and upgraded, featuring the new Bosch Smart System.

Fans of the original HSD compact cargo bike will be pleased to hear that the new HSD retains the originals compact size and convenient features, but is now stronger and smarter.

"The HSD is for people who want the hauling capacity of a cargo bike, in a package that is much easier to ride and easier to handle," stated Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. "This new generation HSD adds improvements based on feedback we’ve collected from riders and our own team over the last 4 years. Plus, the new Bosch Smart System is a fantastic upgrade in pure power and also electronic smarts."

Just the right amount of bike

Traditional cargo bikes are heavy and bulky. Typical city e-bikes, on the other hand, are easy to ride and handle but offer very limited carrying capacity. Riders who want all the benefits of a cargo bike in an easy-to-ride, compact package will find that the HSD is just right—shorter than a regular city e-bike, yet capable of hauling a hefty max gross vehicle weight of 180 kg (397 lb).

Stronger and more powerful

To handle all that weight, the HSD frame is now 15% stiffer at the head tube and 39% stiffer at the bottom bracket. The rear rack has also been upgraded, and now carries up to 80 kg (176 lb), offering space to comfortably fit an adult passenger. All of these improvements mean a smoother ride and better handling when carrying heavy loads.

The HSD also features Bosch's latest Performance Line motor, which delivers up to 50% more torque in comparison to previous HSD models—for easier climbing up hills, even when fully loaded.

Smarter, and connected

With Bosch's new Smart System the rider's smartphone becomes the hub to control all aspects of the HSD—from electronic locking and unlocking, to tuning motor performance, to location tracking, to over-the-air firmware updates. The eBike Flow app also makes it possible to track fitness data like calories, heart rate and watts, map cycling routes, and integrate with other apps like Strava and Komoot.

HSD S-Class models also include the Bosch Connect Module for enhanced security features like motion sensors, a high decibel alarm, push notifications, and GPS location tracking. Tailored to Life's Needs In addition to all the upgrades, the HSD retains all of the convenient features Tern cargo bikes are known for:

Tested for Safety

To ensure a reliable ride day after day, the Tern HSD is designed to exceed the already demanding German standard for cargo bikes (DIN 79010:2020-02). The frame, fork, and structural components have been rigorously tested for durability and strength at EFBE Prüftechnik—one of Europe's leading bicycle testing labs—using a custom testing protocol that builds upon this standard but adds even stricter requirements. And to ensure peace of mind for the rider, the bike's Bosch motor system has also been tested and certified to the UL 2849 safety standard for protection against potential fire hazards.

"Safety is so critically important with cargo bikes, especially if you are using them to carry your kids," stated Hon. "Yet there are no mandatory cargo bike test standards—and we see lots of brands claiming really high loading weights. The best thing out there right now is the German Cargo Bike standard, and that's why we’ve worked with EFBE to create custom tests for our bikes that are based on that new standard."

Pricing & Availability

The new HSD models start at $4,299/€4,699 (regional prices may vary). Production has already started and bikes will begin to arrive in bike shops in Europe this summer and in North America this fall, with other markets following later in the year.

UK and Ireland distribution

One Generation Ahead (OGA) is now the distributor for the UK and Ireland. This brings the UK & Ireland in line with other European nations – OGA already handles Tern distribution in a number of countries, including France, Italy, Finland and Sweden.

"We’re looking forward to servicing dealers in the UK and Ireland and making this transition (taking over from Moore Large) smooth and easy," comments Luigi Barbavara, OGA Managing Director.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 01233 770700.