Tern

Tern Bicycles

Founded: 2011
Country: Taiwan
Range: Electric bikes, cargo bikes, and folding bikes
Price Segment: Mid to high price range
Reputation: Innovative brand with a strong focus on sustainability and quality
Appearance: High-quality construction, modern and functional design
Overall Quality: Excellent, with multiple design awards as proof
Lifespan: Long lifespan, supported by positive customer reviews and few long-term complaints
Customer Service: Good
After-sales Service: Good

Who or What is Tern?

Tern Bicycles was founded in 2011 by Florence Shen and Joshua Hon in Taiwan. Since then, the company has grown into a leading player in the market for electric bikes, cargo bikes, and folding bikes. Particularly popular is the longtail bike, the GSD 10 from Tern, but their folding bikes also attract a lot of attention.

Tern’s headquarters is in Taipei, Taiwan, with branches in the United States, China, Finland, and the United Kingdom, enhancing their global reach.

What Makes Tern Bikes Good or Unique?

Tern is expensive, but you get a lot in return. Reliable electric components from Bosch, as well as exceptional build quality, make Tern bikes built to last and have minimal issues. Their designs address niche problems, aiming to perfect mobility with bikes.

• Innovative Design and Functionality: The bikes are designed with a focus on ease of use, durability, and versatility. For example, models like the HSD and Vektron combine compact folding capabilities with powerful electric assistance, making them ideal for urban use.
• Sustainability and Quality: Tern bikes are built to last, using high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The company has won multiple design awards, confirming the quality and reliability of their products.
• Wide Niche Range: Tern offers a wide range of (e)bikes, from compact folding bikes like the BYB and Verge to robust cargo bikes like the GSD and HSD. They cater to niche markets and do not sell ‘regular’ electric bikes.
• Customer Focus and Service: Tern has a strong reputation for customer service and after-sales support. Their extensive network of dealers and service centers worldwide ensures that customers receive quick and effective assistance with repairs and maintenance.

Our articles about Tern

Tern Electric Bikes in 2024

Tern’s range includes various types of e-bikes, including cargo bikes and folding bikes, designed to meet the needs of diverse user groups. Models like the GSD, the new Orox, HSD, NBD, Quick Haul, Vektron, BYB, Verge, Link, and Eclipse testify to Tern’s commitment to versatility and ease of use.

Innovation and Sustainability Hand in Hand

The HSD and Vektron models are central to Tern’s lineup, praised for their compactness, efficient electric support, and practical features such as integrated racks and lighting. These bikes are ideal for urban commuters and those looking for a convenient, foldable e-bike.

The HSD models, focused on simplicity and ease of maintenance, and the Vektron series, known for affordability and compact foldability, emphasize Tern’s goal of accessibility without compromising functionality or quality.

Affordability Meets Quality

Tern positions itself in the mid to high price segment, reflecting its focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability. The price range varies significantly across different models and series, ensuring a quality option is available for every budget.

Within Tern’s range, you will usually find two or more versions of the same product. There are options to customize the bike to your use, and accessories can also be purchased.

The Verge series, for example, offers a mix of speed and portability with prices ranging from $900 to $1,500, while the Link series provides more affordable options, ranging from $450 to $800. Looking further, we see the GSD 10, a top-range longtail, priced at around 8000 euros (with accessories) in the highest price segment.

Tern’s Electric Range

Tern Bicycles is known for its innovative range of electric bikes, which include folding bikes and cargo bikes as well as compact city bikes. Their lineup for 2023-2024 features models that excel in transporting both people and goods, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, ease of use, and riding comfort.

Tern Electric Longtails

Tern GSD S10

The GSD S10 is designed for heavy loads and long distances. Equipped with a Bosch Cargo Line motor, a dual battery system, and a Shimano Deore 1×10-speed gear system, this model offers a range of up to 195 km. It features 20″ wheels and a robust construction, ideal for family transport and heavy cargo.

Tern GSD R14

The pinnacle of Tern’s cargo bikes, featuring a Rohloff Speedhub, electronic shifting, and a Gates CDX Belt Drive. The GSD R14 offers unmatched versatility and is suitable for heavy loads with a range of up to 206 km.

Tern Orox S12 and R14

The Tern Orox is designed for adventure and versatility, with the S12 featuring a Shimano 12-speed drivetrain and the R14 using a Rohloff 14-speed internal hub. Both models are equipped with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and can be fitted with a dual battery for a range of up to 200 km.

Tern Midtails

Tern Quick Haul P9

The Quick Haul P9 offers versatility and practical applicability, ideal for city rides. The model features a Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor and a Shimano Alivio 9-speed gear system, and can handle heavy loads thanks to its low center of gravity.

Tern Quick Haul D8

With a Bosch Active Line Plus motor and a Shimano Altus 8-speed gear system, the Quick Haul D8 provides a reliable and affordable option for urban riders. It has a load capacity of 50 kg on the rear rack and optionally 20 kg on the front rack.

Electric City Bikes

Tern NBD P8i

The NBD P8i features an ultra-low step-through and a low center of gravity for better balance and maneuverability. Equipped with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor and a Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal hub, this bike offers comfort and reliability for city rides.

Electric Folding Bikes

Tern Vektron S10

The Vektron S10 is perfect for commuters needing a compact and powerful folding bike. It features a Bosch Performance Line motor and a 400 Wh battery, with a smooth folding mechanism ideal for public transport.

Tern Vektron Q9

The Vektron Q9 offers a comfortable ride with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor and a Shimano Alivio 9-speed derailleur. The model is easy to fold and transport, making it ideal for city rides.

Tern Verge X11

The Verge X11 is designed for speed and performance, with 451 wheels, a SRAM Force 1 crankset, and T-Tuned™ geometry. The model offers a comfortable and stable ride even at high speeds.

Tern Verge P10

The Verge P10 combines speed and comfort, with 451 wheels and an aerodynamic T-Tuned™ geometry. It is ideal for riders looking for a fast and compact folding bike.

Tern Node D8

The Node D8 offers the comfort of a full-size bike with the convenience of a folding bike. The model has 24″ wheels and a robust frame, ensuring a comfortable ride in the city.

History of Tern Bicycles

Tern Bicycles is a brand that has quickly become a major player in the folding and electric bike market. Founded in 2011 by Florence Shen and Joshua Hon, Tern has rapidly evolved into a company known for its innovation, sustainability, and quality.

With its headquarters in Taiwan and a global presence, including offices in the United States, Northern Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom, Tern’s mission is to provide sustainable transportation solutions that transform the way people live and move.

Tern’s bikes are designed with city dwellers and commuters in mind, with about half of their range consisting of electric bikes. These e-bikes are praised for their lightweight, compactness, and the integration of high-quality components such as Bosch drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. The lineup ranges from cargo bikes that reduce the need for cars to endurance folding models suitable for complex commuting.

Tern’s journey began with a vision to transform the way people move by pushing the boundaries of traditional bike designs. Their innovative approach has earned them several design awards.

Timeline of Tern Bicycles

• 2011: Tern founded by Florence Shen and Joshua Hon in Taipei, Taiwan.
• 2012: Launch of the first series of folding bikes, including the popular Verge and Link models.
• 2013: Tern receives the Eurobike Award for the design of their folding bikes.
• 2015: Introduction of the Vektron, a compact electric folding bike with a Bosch motor.
• 2017: Launch of the GSD, a powerful cargo bike designed for heavy loads.
• 2018: Tern receives the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award for their innovative bike designs (Wikipedia).
• 2019: Introduction of the HSD, a compact and versatile electric bike (Tern Bicycles).
• 2020: Launch of the BYB, the smallest folding bike in their range ).
• 2021: Tern celebrates their 10th anniversary and introduces improvements to existing models.
• 2022: Introduction of the updated HSD S11 with advanced Bosch Performance Line Sport motor and Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain.
• 2023: Launch of the Tern GSD S10 and S00 models, featuring enhanced transmission systems and higher load capacities, making these models even more suitable for heavy urban logistics.
• 2024: Introduction of the Tern Orox, a robust electric bike with Bosch Performance Line CX motor, suitable for both urban commuting and off-road use.

Tern Warranty and After-Sales Service

Tern Bicycles offers a warranty that is focused on the original purchaser of their bikes, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty terms vary slightly based on the type of road for which the bike model is designed:

1. Basic Warranty: For most parts of the bike, such as the frame, stem, and fork, Tern offers a five-year warranty. Tern or BioLogic-branded parts and components are covered by a one-year warranty. Parts or components from other manufacturers are covered under the warranty terms of that specific manufacturer.
2. Extended 10-Year Warranty: When you register for Tern Care within 30 days of purchase, the warranty on the frame, stem, and fork is extended to 10 years. This offer is available only to the original purchaser and the bike must have been assembled by an authorized Tern dealer at the time of purchase.

Specific conditions and exclusions apply, including damage from misuse, normal wear and tear, commercial use, and modifications not in line with Tern’s product specifications or intentions. The owner is responsible for following maintenance schedules and ceasing use of the bike if a product defect is discovered. Warranty claims must be submitted through an authorized Tern dealer or exclusive distributor, and proof of purchase is required.

Contacting Tern

To get in touch with Tern Bicycles for support or warranty claims, you can visit their support page: Tern Support.

Here you will find specific instructions for submitting a claim, information on registering your bike for Tern Care, and details on finding an authorized dealer. For direct communication, you might consider reaching out through their social media channels, which can be found on their website.

Unfortunately, direct contact information such as an email address or phone number is not explicitly listed, but many of your questions can be answered or redirected through the support page.