With its own brand Qio, bicycle supplier and manufacturer Hartje scored a real hit in 2021. In no time at all, the compact ebikes established themselves in a highly competitive niche and took market share away from long-standing competitors. Since this year, however, Qio is no longer just about the smallest form of the ebike. In June 2025, Hartje presented the Qio Long, a longtail e-cargo bike. To see where its strengths and weaknesses lie, we’re putting it up virtually against one of the absolute benchmarks in this segment – the current Tern GSD.
1. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: frame sizes and customisation options
2. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: transporting cargo and passengers
3. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: features and accessories
4. Ebike drive: different systems from Bosch
5. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: gearing and brakes
6. Prices from entry-level to top-of-the-range models
7. Overall conclusion on the comparison of the e-cargo bikes
1. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: frame sizes and customisation options
The duel is a little unfair. After all, the Tern GSD incorporates the wealth of experience gained from two previous generations. And hardly anything is as valuable as the feedback from people who have used an e-cargo bike intensively over a long period of time. Numerous other longtails on the market take the Tern GSD as their role model – sometimes more, sometimes less explicitly. At the same time, a comparison of the Qio Long with the premium product clearly shows the differences.
Without having checked the figures in advance, we would have guessed, for example, that the Qio Long would have an advantage over the Tern GSD in terms of overall length and would therefore be slightly easier to handle in everyday use. After all, the model is based on a compact bike and also uses its entire front frame, including the seat tube. Surprisingly, at 192 centimetres, the GSD is still nine centimetres shorter than the Qio Long.
Both ebikes are available from the manufacturers in only one frame size. Thanks to the appropriate components, Tern says the GSD is suitable for people between 150 and 200 centimetres tall. Its seat post can be extended in two stages using two quick-release levers. The Andros stem, characteristic of Tern, allows you to adjust both the height of the handlebars and their distance from the saddle.
Qio does not give any explicit size recommendations when it comes to how tall you can be to ride the Qio Long comfortably and safely. For the Qio, the manufacturer specifies a range of 160 centimetres to 190 centimetres. Since the part of the frame that determines the seating position comes from this ebike, the range can certainly be transferred to the longtail. In fact, it is likely to be slightly larger. This is because, unlike the Qio, the stem on the Qio Long can also be adjusted in angle, which changes the distance to the saddle.
Interim conclusion: slight advantage for the Tern GSD due to its shorter overall length.
2. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: transporting cargo and passengers
A cargo bike differs significantly from other bikes in terms of its higher load capacity. For many, the number of kilograms it can carry is a decisive criterion. With the longtail, much of this revolves around the massive rear rack, which is designed to carry the main load. The Tern GSD’s rear rack is approved for 100 kilograms. The Qio Long’s rear rack is approved for 80 kilograms.
The width and length of the rear racks are very similar on both models. They offer enough space to attach two child seats one behind the other or to store a Eurobox with a base area of 60 centimetres by 40 centimetres.
If you have even more luggage, you can use the front rack with boxes, baskets or bags attached to it. In the case of the GSD, everything transported on the head tube can weigh a total of 20 kilograms. We do not yet have any confirmed figures from Qio. However, everything points to a limit of 15 kilograms, which would mean that Hartje is performing quite well in this respect. From our point of view, the Qio even has a slight advantage here. Its mounting points on the frame are positioned at the typical distance for bottle cages, locks and other accessories. Tern uses its own measurements, which limits the selection of items you can use there.
In terms of the maximum permitted total weight, i.e. the sum of the ebike’s own weight, the rider, and any load, Tern has a slight edge with 210 kilograms compared to 200 kilograms. The same applies to the maximum weight for riders. Here, the figures are 130 kilograms and 120 kilograms respectively.
Interim conclusion: With identical space availability, the slightly higher load capacity speaks in favour of the Tern GSD.
3. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: features and accessories
The following applies to both e-cargo bikes: Their versatility is largely due to the available accessories. At the same time, both manufacturers are quite economical when it comes to basic equipment. In addition to the large cladding on both sides of the wheels, the Qio Long also features removable footboards. Regarding the Tern GSD, in addition to the cladding, we are talking about a bell and a frame lock. Components such as mudguards, a double kickstand, a permanently installed lighting system and a chain guard are ignored here. These are included as standard features from the outset.
Each bike also comes with a trailer hitch mount integrated into the frame. Anyone who likes to take small pets on tours or prefers to transport their children in a separate trailer will be pleased to hear this.
An interesting feature in terms of riding comfort: Both the Tern GSD and Qio Long are available with suspension forks. Their suspension travel is not exorbitantly long, but they will definitely make cobblestones, bumpy asphalt or dirt roads more comfortable. Unfortunately, on the Qio Long, they are only available on the top model, the Qio Long CLAx. Tern, on the other hand, installs them as standard on every model.
Whether it’s a dog crate, a huge rain canopy, an extra handle for the seat, extensions for the kickstand, panniers of various sizes, various front racks, seats for children and adults, or even seat belts for the seat bench – the range of accessories for the Tern GSD is extensive. The manufacturer can afford this luxury because many of these solutions are also compatible with other Tern ebikes and do not have to be manufactured exclusively for the GSD.
To transport passengers or loads, the Tern GSD provides a wide range of accessories.
Qio utilises similar synergy effects. Hartje has ensured that as many of the existing accessories as possible also fit the Qio Long. In terms of scope, it does not yet match Tern. However, the prices are slightly lower than those of its competitor. In addition, Qio demonstrates great ingenuity in some details. One example is the railing for the seat on the rear rack, which can be divided into three modules. The middle section can be folded up on both sides using a hinge. This makes it easier for children to get on. Nevertheless, with the middle rail folded down, they sit just as securely as with a continuous rigid railing.
In addition to the railing, parts such as seat pads and large side panniers are already available. Hartje has announced further accessories for the coming year, such as a trailer hitch, a rain canopy and additional bags.
Interim conclusion: a draw. Tern’s larger portfolio compensates for Qio with lower prices and solutions such as the modular railing.
4. Ebike drive: different systems from Bosch
Both e-cargo bikes use a Bosch Cargo Line motor. However, this comes with certain restrictions. Only one of the three Tern GSD models currently available in Germany features the new version. The other two make do with the predecessor.
Hartje consistently uses the new units in the Qio Long. However, there is one important limitation. The entry-level model, the Qio Long P9, is powered by the current Bosch Performance Line. And its performance does not quite match that of the Cargo Line, which was developed specifically for e-cargo bikes. The quarter less torque is particularly noticeable. In terms of peak power, the difference between 750 watts and 600 watts is less apparent. However, the lower assistance of 340 per cent in the Performance Line compared to 400 per cent in the Cargo Line does make itself felt.
If we look at the most expensive models, the Qio Long comes with a battery with a larger capacity. Hartje uses the Bosch PowerPack 800, while Tern uses the Bosch PowerPack 545 in the GSD S10. Thanks to Bosch’s DualBattery option, you can add another battery to both e-cargo bikes. In the case of the Tern GSDS10, the ebike system also includes the Bosch ConnectModule GPS tracker, including a free one-year subscription to the Bosch eBike Flow+ app.
Interim conclusion: a draw. With equivalent motors, the Qio Long scores points with its longer range, while the Tern GSD counters this with its digital anti-theft protection.
5. Qio Long vs Tern GSD: gearing and brakes
In theory, the Tern GSD would outperform the Qio Long in terms of the gearing systems installed. In practice, however, the version with the Rohloff Speedhub E-14 is not available in Germany. Therefore, we will disregard it for the time being. This means that for both ebikes, you can choose between a model with a stepless Enviolo Heavy Duty hub gear system and a model with a Shimano derailleur gear system.
The brakes are both from Magura. Thanks to their four brake pistons, both the Magura Louise on the Qio Long and the Magura MT-C reliably slow you down. The traffic behind you can see your braking manoeuvres thanks to the tail light, which also functions as a sensor-controlled brake light on both model series. A major advantage of the Magura MT-C is its ABS. A major disadvantage is that it is only available on the Tern GSD S10. The GSD P00 and GSD P10 are equipped with a Magura MT5.
Interim conclusion: Thanks to its ABS, the Tern GSD is just ahead of the Qio Long.
6. Prices from entry-level to top-of-the-range models
The Qio Long’s biggest selling point is clearly its attractive price. Perhaps not necessarily that of the top-of-the-range Qio Long CLAx model. At 5,699 euros, this costs significantly more than 5,000 euros and requires careful consideration. However, for 3,999, the Qio Long P9 offers you a lot of ebike for your money. This is a serious proposition, especially in the category of e-cargo bikes, which can be used to transport two small children, an adult or a lot of luggage.
At 5,399 euros, the starting price for a Tern GSD in Germany is currently well above that of the Qio Long. Given the higher load capacity, the high quality of Tern and the extensive range of accessories, this can be considered entirely justified. Nevertheless, depending on which aspects and features of a longtail are particularly important to you, it may be worth paying an extra 300 euros to take home the top-of-the-range Qio Long model with a better motor, larger battery and low-maintenance hub gears. Or you could opt for the even cheaper Qio Long P9 from the outset.
Interim conclusion: The lower entry price makes the Qio Long quite interesting.
7. Overall conclusion on the comparison of the e-cargo bikes
According to Qio, the Long was designed to combine the categories of compact bike and cargo bike. They have certainly succeeded in doing so. In our opinion, they’ve done a pretty good job. One win, two draws and three narrow defeats in comparison with one of the very best longtails among e-cargo bikes – that can be considered quite an achievement. If the engineers can free up a few more reserves in the next version of the frame, the competition had better be prepared.
Hartje is expected to deliver the first Qio Long models by the end of 2025. So if you’re interested in this bike, keep your eyes peeled from now on.
Qio Long at a glance
- Models: Qio Long CLAx, Qio Long P9
- Frame: Aluminium
- Fork: SR Suntour Mobie34 suspension fork, rigid fork
- Motor: Bosch Cargo Line, Bosch Performance Line
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 800, Bosch PowerPack 545
- Display: Bosch Purion 200
- Drivetrain: Enviolo Heavy Duty, Shimano Cues 1×9
- Brakes: Magura Louise, 4-piston
- Max. rider weight: 120 kg
- Max. load capacity on rear rack: 80 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 200 kg
- Colours: Dark Olive, Forest Green, Imola Red, Lead Metal, Lunar White, Night Black, Petrol Blue, Retro Blue
- Prices: from 3,999 euros
