Tern Bicycles represents one of the most innovative forces in urban mobility, founded in Taipei in 2011 with an unwavering mission to get more people on bikes more often. While initially known for their pioneering folding bikes, Tern has evolved into an undisputed leader in the compact cargo and utility e-bike segment, creating vehicles that genuinely replace cars for families and businesses across the globe. Their philosophy centers on practical transportation solutions that work in real urban environments, combining Taiwanese engineering excellence with global design sensibilities to create bikes that handle everything from school runs and grocery hauls to business deliveries and weekend adventures.
What sets Tern apart is their systems thinking approach—they don’t just build bikes, they create complete mobility solutions with modular accessories, thoughtful integrations, and configurations tailored to specific use cases. A single Tern cargo bike can transform from a child-carrier in the morning to a delivery vehicle at noon to an adventure rig on weekends, thanks to their ecosystem of compatible accessories and mounting systems.
Products & Technology
Tern’s flagship GSD (Get Stuff Done) is a revolutionary longtail cargo e-bike that carries two children, a week’s groceries, or up to 200kg of cargo while remaining compact enough to fit in an elevator or store upright in a closet when folded at its handlepost. The GSD features Bosch Performance Line CX motors with 85Nm of torque, Enviolo continuously variable or Rohloff Speedhub 14-speed internally geared hubs, and Gates Carbon Drive belts as standard on premium configurations. Its patented Adjustable Telescope Post (ATP) technology allows riders from 150cm to 195cm to share the same bike without tools—a game-changer for families with riders of different sizes.
The HSD (Haul Stuff Daily) brings the same cargo capability in an even more compact package—at just 170cm long, it’s the same length as a regular bike while hauling up to 175kg. Perfect for apartment dwellers, smaller riders, and anyone who needs to navigate tight spaces. The HSD uses the same premium drivetrain options as the GSD, including Bosch motors and Gates belt drive with internal gearing.
The Quick Haul offers a lightweight, affordable entry into utility cycling at just 22kg, proving that cargo capability doesn’t require excessive weight or cost. The NBD (Never Been Done) provides a revolutionary low-step design with a step-through height of just 39cm, making it accessible to riders of all abilities, ages, and physical conditions. The Orox represents Tern’s adventure cargo bike, combining off-road capability with substantial load capacity for bikepacking, camping gear, and exploration beyond paved roads.
All premium Tern models feature the Atlas Rack system with integrated mounting points, Physis handleposts with secure locks, and Andros stems for infinite position adjustment. Their partnership with child seat manufacturers like Thule ensures perfect integration of family-focused accessories.
Markets
With headquarters in Taipei and major operations across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, Tern has established a truly global presence through a network of dedicated dealers and distributors. Their bikes are particularly popular in dense urban environments like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Munich, Portland, and San Francisco, where they’ve become symbols of the car-free and car-light movement. In cities with strong cycling infrastructure, Tern cargo bikes have become the default choice for families making the transition away from second cars.
Tern has pioneered partnerships with cargo delivery services, corporate fleet programs, and bike-sharing systems, proving that compact cargo e-bikes can serve commercial and institutional needs while reducing urban congestion and emissions. Their fleet sales program provides customized solutions for businesses ranging from urban delivery companies to corporate campuses to hospitality venues.
Belt Drive Philosophy
Tern embraced Gates Carbon Drive early in their cargo bike development, recognizing that belt drive’s clean, quiet, and maintenance-free operation is absolutely essential for bikes that families and businesses rely on daily. When you’re loading kids onto a cargo bike in work clothes, or making back-to-back deliveries in city traffic, the last thing you need is a greasy chain marking your pants or requiring weekend maintenance sessions.
The combination of Gates Carbon Drive belts with Enviolo continuously variable or Rohloff 14-speed hubs creates an unbeatable drivetrain for utility cycling—one that works flawlessly in rain, snow, mud, and the general grime of urban environments without ever needing adjustment, lubrication, or replacement under normal use. This reliability is crucial when your bike is your primary transportation: it needs to work every single day without excuses.
In Our Catalog
Discover belt-driven Tern models in our bike catalog: View all Tern bikes with Gates Carbon Drive