Tern and its Mighty Mini: Unveiling the HSD Compact Cargo Bike

Urban mobility brand Tern’s latest entry is the HSD compact e-cargo bike. Originally introduced in 2019, the updated Tern HSD model released in 2023 retains its compact size but now boasts of being “stronger and smarter.”

Designed to address the needs of urban commuters and cargo enthusiasts, the Tern HSD stands out by offering a shorter frame compared to traditional cargo bikes, making it more maneuverable in crowded city environments. However, despite its compact design, the HSD is capable of carrying a maximum gross vehicle weight of 397 pounds, making it an ideal choice for transporting heavy loads. Tern reports that the frame has been significantly strengthened to increase stiffness by 15% at the headtube and 39% at the bottom bracket, ensuring a smoother ride and improved handling.

Rack ‘Em Up

One of the notable enhancements to the HSD is the rear rack, which now has an increased weight capacity of up to 176 pounds. This allows for the convenient transport of sizable cargo and even provides ample space to accommodate an adult passenger comfortably. The HSD has been engineered to combine the practicality of a cargo bike with the agility and convenience of a compact city e-bike.

The new Tern HSD

Powering the Tern HSD is Bosch’s latest Performance Line motor, which delivers up to 50% more torque compared to the previous HSD model. This significant power boost ensures that riders can conquer uphill climbs with ease, even when the bike is fully loaded. Additionally, Tern has integrated Bosch’s new Smart System into the HSD, revolutionizing the way riders interact with their e-bike. By utilizing the rider’s smartphone as a central control hub, the Smart System enables functions such as electronic locking and unlocking, motor performance tuning, location tracking, and over-the-air firmware updates. The eBike Flow app, compatible with the HSD, allows riders to track fitness data, including calories burned, heart rate, and watts generated. It also offers features such as mapping cycling routes and seamless integration with popular fitness apps like Strava and Komoot.

Tern HSD Security

In terms of security, the HSD S-Class models come equipped with the Bosch ConnectModule, offering advanced safety features. This includes motion sensors, a high decibel alarm, push notifications, and GPS location tracking, providing peace of mind for riders concerned about the security of their bike.

The HSD compact e-cargo bike is available at a starting price of $4,299, with variations in price according to regional markets. Production has already commenced, and the bikes are set to arrive in European bike shops during the summer, followed by availability in North America during the fall. Additional markets will receive the HSD later in the year.

With its impressive hauling capacity, compact size, and smart features, Tern’s HSD aims to revolutionize urban transportation, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional cars and vans. The HSD caters to the needs of families, businesses, and individuals looking for a versatile and eco-friendly solution for their commuting and cargo-carrying needs.