Tern has officially unveiled the third generation of its HSD compact electric cargo bike, a model that has long carved out a distinct niche in the urban mobility landscape by offering substantial carrying capacity without the bulk of a full-size cargo bike. For the 2025 model year, the manufacturer has made a decisive move to bring the HSD closer to its larger sibling, the GSD, focusing on three fundamental pillars: a more robust frame that increases both size and payload, a significant upgrade to the electric drivetrain options, and the integration of advanced smart-system technology for security and convenience. The result is a machine that is not merely an update, but a redefinition of what a compact cargo e-bike can be.
Longer Wheelbase and Lower Center of Gravity Enhance Stability
The most critical change to the new Tern HSD is the comprehensive redesign of its frame geometry. Rather than simply carrying over the old design, Tern has applied the same engineering philosophy that made the GSD a benchmark for stability. The new geometry achieves two objectives simultaneously: it lowers the bike’s center of gravity and extends the wheelbase. These are not cosmetic tweaks; they are fundamental structural changes designed to counteract the dynamic forces at play when a short-wheelbase bike is heavily loaded. The result is a noticeable improvement in stability at speed and, more importantly, when maneuvering at low speeds or coming to a stop, which is precisely when a laden cargo bike is most difficult to control. While Tern has not released exact figures for the wheelbase extension, the overall length of the new HSD is confirmed at 174 centimeters. To put that into perspective, a conventional city e-bike like the Lemmo One Collab.Ride in size L measures just two centimeters shorter. Despite the lengthened frame, the folded dimensions remain remarkably similar to the previous model—166 cm in length, 42 cm in width, and 87 cm in height, compared to 165 cm, 39.5 cm, and 87 cm. This means existing owners who rely on storing the HSD in a car boot or a tight closet will find the new version equally stowable.
Higher Handlebars and a Sturdier Frame Expand Rider Capacity
The pursuit of a more comfortable and inclusive riding position has led to another key upgrade: a longer handlebar post. This simple change dramatically improves the ergonomics for taller riders, allowing them to achieve a relaxed, upright riding posture without resorting to unconventional adjustments to the Andros stem. By increasing the handlebar height, Tern has restored the stem’s primary function—fine-tuning the reach to the handlebars—rather than having it compensate for a lack of vertical adjustment.
This increase in height logically accompanies an increase in potential rider weight. To accommodate this, Tern has once again borrowed a critical feature from the GSD: a larger-diameter seat tube. This allows for the use of a sturdier, more robust seatpost, which in turn allows the manufacturer to raise the maximum rider weight from 120 kilograms to 130 kilograms. Consequently, the maximum permitted total weight for the bike (including cargo, rider, and accessories) has been increased from 180 kilograms to 190 kilograms. This shift moves the new HSD firmly away from the lighter, more urban-focused Tern Quick Haul and one significant step closer to the heavy-duty capability of the GSD. It is a clear positioning of the HSD as a serious cargo tool for larger riders or those who need to carry heavier loads.
The Kickstand Question: A Missed Opportunity for Maximum Utility
Given the emphasis on increasing load capacity, one detail stands out as a curious omission. The new Tern HSD retains the Ursus kickstand. While adequate for average loads, the Ursus is not designed for the kind of stability required when a bike is loaded to its new maximum rear-rack capacity of 80 kilograms. The Atlas kickstand, which is standard on the GSD, is a much more robust and stable solution, particularly when passengers are climbing on and off or when heavy cargo is being loaded and unloaded. For a bike that now aspires to carry as much as its larger sibling, retaining the lighter-duty kickstand feels like a compromise that undermines the safety and convenience of its primary use case.
Bosch Performance Line PX Powers the Top-Tier Model
The most anticipated update concerns the electric drive system, and Tern has not disappointed. The flagship model, the Tern HSD S9i, now features the Bosch Performance Line PX. This is a significant step up from the previous generation’s motor. With a peak torque of 90 Newton-meters, a peak power output of 700 watts, and assistance of up to 600 percent, the Performance Line PX is a powerhouse. It provides the kind of confident, effortless acceleration that is essential for a bike that may weigh 29 kilograms unloaded and can carry an additional 80 kilograms of cargo. The decision to use this motor, especially following the release of Bosch’s Performance Upgrade 2.0, makes perfect engineering sense. It ensures that the HSD S9i can tackle steep inclines without hesitation, making it a genuine all-rounder rather than a bike limited to flat urban terrain. At a price of 6,699 euros, the S9i is an investment, but the performance ceiling it offers is a compelling justification for riders who demand maximum capability.
The other three models available in Germanyaaa—the Tern HSD P00, the P5i, and the P10e—are equipped with the current Bosch Performance Line motor. While more modest in its specifications, with 75 Nm of torque, 600 watts of peak power, and 340% assistance, it is more than adequate for flatter terrain and moderate loads. All models retain the Bosch PowerPack 545 battery, which offers a practical real-world range of 50 kilometers or more under demanding daily conditions. The pairing of this battery with the mid-drive motors is a sensible choice, providing a balance of range, weight, and cost.
Bosch Smart System Brings Advanced Theft Deterrence
Regardless of the motor choice, all new HSD models benefit from the integration of Bosch’s Smart System. This electronic ecosystem moves beyond simple motor management to offer a suite of features that significantly enhance security. The Battery Lock feature electronically disables the battery if it is stolen, rendering it unusable and removing the incentive for theft. The eBike Lock allows the rider to electronically secure the bike simply by removing the Bosch Kiox 300 display. Furthermore, the eBike Alarm, when paired with the optional Bosch ConnectModule GPS tracker, emits an audible alert to deter thieves while simultaneously providing long-term tracking capabilities that greatly assist in recovery. For a bike that carries a premium price tag, these anti-theft measures are not just a convenience; they are a fundamental safety net that protects the owner’s investment.
The 3X3 Nine Hub Gear: A Maintenance-Free Drivetrain
The most compelling feature of the top-of-the-range HSD S9i is found in the rear wheel: the 3X3 Nine hub gear system. This is the first time Tern has used this innovative gear hub, and it offers a transformative advantage. With a staggering gear ratio range of 554 percent, it provides the same low gears for climbing as a traditional derailleur system, but without the exposed, vulnerable mechanism. The true value, however, lies in its promise of a lifetime of use without a single service. The 3X3 Nine is designed to be maintenance-free for the life of the bike, eliminating the most common point of failure on a bicycle gear system. When combined with the Gates carbon belt drive, the rider is left with a drivetrain that requires virtually no attention. To add to the convenience, the system works seamlessly with Bosch eShift, allowing for automatic, electronic gear shifts. The rider simply sets a preferred cadence in the Bosch eBike Flow app, and the bike handles the rest. The S9i also benefits from a suspension seatpost, a more robust suspension fork with larger stanchions, and top-tier Magura MT4 brakes, making it a truly premium package.
Model Range: Matching Drivetrain to Budget and Use Case
For buyers who are intrigued by the HSD platform but want to manage costs, Tern offers a carefully tiered lineup. The Tern HSD P00, priced at 5,399 euros, offers an Enviolo Heavy Duty continuously variable transmission. While it provides stepless gear changes, its range of 380 percent is noticeably narrower than the 3X3 Nine’s 554 percent. The shift is controlled by a twist grip, which some riders find intuitive but others may find less precise.
The Tern HSD P5i drops the price further to 4,999 euros, but comes with a more limited 5-speed hub gear offering a range of just 268 percent. This model, along with the P00, replaces the premium Kiox 300 display and LED remote with the simpler Bosch Purion 200. For riders who prioritize automatic shifting and electronic convenience, the Tern HSD P10e presents an interesting alternative. Also priced at 4,999 euros, it uses Bosch eShift technology, but paired with a TRP rear derailleur and a Shimano Linkglide 10-speed cassette. This derailleur system offers a gear range of 354 percent, which is a middle ground between the two hub-gear options. The trade-off is that the rider must accept the periodic maintenance required by a traditional derailleur and chain system.
The new Tern HSD range is a carefully considered evolution of a successful concept. The third generation does not merely refine the formula; it expands the bike’s capabilities to a level that challenges the line between compact and full-size cargo bikes. The engineering focus on stability, the significant increase in payload, and the integration of a near-frictionless, high-performance drivetrain on the S9i model all point to a bike that is designed to be a primary transportation tool for a wider range of users. Whether it is the ultimate choice for an individual will depend on budget and the specific demands of their daily route, but one thing is clear: the new Tern HSD sets a new benchmark for what a compact e-cargo bike can achieve.
