The Tern HSD - 3,000 miles later

What I’ve learned, loved, and lamented about my electric cargo bike purchase

3000 miles!

When looking for an electric cargo bike several years ago, I knew I wanted a Tern.

I had done the research. Blog posts and videos from the likes of TheBikeShopGirl, Propel Bikes, and my local bike shop The New Wheel had convinced me that anyone who was serious about an electric cargo bike being their primary mode of transportation should get a Tern.

For me, it was the combination of the small footprint, Bosch battery system, and massive ecosystem of accessories that made the Tern brand a no-brainer. It felt like a purchase that could grow and adapt with my needs over time. The only real question was which Tern model should I get. The HSD or the GSD?

The HSD vs. GSD Dilemma

If you’re unfamiliar with the Tern lineup, the HSD (Haul Stuff Daily) is their smaller electric cargo bike. It has a shorter rear rack and it is designed to haul one child or small adult on the back. The GSD (Get Stuff Done) offers similar geometry but with a longer rear rack and heavier weight support to haul two children or potentially one large adult on the back.

At the time of purchase, we had one child and were on the fence about the possibility of a second child. The smaller, lighter HSD felt like the better option. When not hauling children or groceries, it could act as a very normal-sized or even compact adult bicycle. The adjustable seat and handlebars made it versatile enough to easily swap between Nina and me with little hassle. It felt like a smart purchase that could meet the needs of our family for years.

And now as I recently watched the odometer pass 3,000 miles, I am pleased to report that it has met and exceeded our expectations.

Image courtesy of Tern

Of course, we now have a second child and part of me wishes that we just went with the GSD from the get-go, but oh well. While Tern may not advocate for it, we’ve actually had no trouble fitting our 6-year-old and 2-year-old together (albeit snugly) in the clubhouse mini attachment on the rear rack.

Death by a Thousand Short Trips

Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about hitting 3,000 miles is that the vast majority of the trips on the HSD have been under a mile. Next month we’ll have had the bike for 3 years. And that means it has been used virtually every day for school drop-offs and pickups. It’s been the perfect vehicle for the roughly half-mile trek back and forth.

Other errands throughout the week rarely see the bike traveling more than 3 miles round trip on any given day. So we’re not talking about leisurely recreation rides through the countryside. We’re talking about the daily wear and tear of short-range errands—the exact trips that take a heavy toll and build up taxing miles on an automobile. All avoided thanks to the HSD.

Maintenance & The Ecosystem

Maintenance has been relatively minimal. I think I’ve only had two trips to the bike shop in 3 years. And they were only for routine things. A replacement chain (although I do slightly regret not opting for the HSD model with the Gates Carbon Belt Drive) and upgraded tires after 2,000 miles.

Otherwise, the bike has been absolutely rock solid. All I’ve needed to do was put air in the tires for the most part—ensuring the rear tire is sitting right at 65 PSI keeps it rolling perfectly. It dependably powers up and has been a joy to ride at all pedal-assist levels. But let’s be real, when carting around heavy children I’m typically maxing out at the Turbo assist level on the Bosch Purion display.

Image courtesy of Tern

Oh, and that accessory ecosystem I mentioned as a huge selling point has not disappointed. We’ve had an easily removable basket on the front mounting point since day 1. It’s held mostly backpacks, helmets, gloves, and small grocery hauls dependably. I’ve had a cup holder on the handlebars that has mostly been used for coffee and another adjustable holder on the bottom frame for water bottles of all sizes.

It has been decorated with battery-powered lights for festive seasonal community bike rides and general visibility during the winter months. And the rear area has mostly been adorned with the aforementioned clubhouse mini, stormbox mini, and stormshield mini. I think those are the proper names, it can be confusing to keep track of all the accessory names.

But my kids have mostly been weather protected for all of those 3,000 miles. Hell, even my dog has gotten in on the action when I swap in the doghouse accessory to bring him on rides around town. Each accessory has felt well-constructed and beautifully designed for its intended use. You can’t really ask for more than that. Ok, maybe the accessories could be slightly more affordable but I’ve gotten plenty of great use out of them to justify the premium price tags.

What’s Next?

So what’s next for the HSD? The thing about kids is that they keep getting bigger. Pretty soon the HSD won’t be able to hold both of them. It will still have utility as a single-child hauler but I may need a new solution for two kids. I like the idea of getting a new front-loader cargo rig like the Urban Arrow or one of the Riese & Müller options before they become impossible to find in the US.

Maybe there is another 3,000 miles in its future with us, maybe not. I could see myself finding it a new home so another family can witness the magic of such a perfectly designed vehicle. But as I think back on my purchase from 3 years ago, I’m so glad I chose the Tern brand. It’s been one of the best and most recommended purchases I’ve ever made.

Are you team long-tail or team front-loader?

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