Compact, versatile and robust. These qualities have traditionally been a hallmark of all Tern ebikes. However, this applies quite explicitly to the HSD. It is the Taiwanese manufacturer’s top choice for people who simply want to cycle one child – rather than two – from A to B in their daily lives. The model is set to undergo a comprehensive revamp for the 2027 season.
1. With the new Tern GSD, bigger is better
2. Higher handlebars promise a more comfortable ride
3. Tern HSD to feature Bosch Performance Line PX in future
4. Compact e-cargo bike uses electronic intelligence to deter thieves
5. Tern HSD’s top-of-the-range model virtually maintenance-free thanks to 3X3 hub gears
6. Motors and gearing systems distinguish the various models from one another
7. New Tern HSD also means new accessories
1. With the new Tern GSD, bigger is better
Experience shows that a great deal at Tern revolves around the best-seller, the GSD. A nice side effect of this is that many details which have proven their worth on that model will, sooner or later, appear on other models in the range. The latest proof of this is the new HSD. Now in its third iteration, it incorporates key changes that were first introduced a year ago on the then-upgraded GSD.
One common feature, for example, is the work carried out on the frame of the new Tern HSD. Its new geometry follows exactly the direction already set by the GSD. In concrete terms, this means that the manufacturer is focusing on two main things: lowering the ebike’s centre of gravity whilst simultaneously extending the wheelbase. Both measures are designed to increase stability, particularly when riding a heavily laden HSD, and to give you greater control when manoeuvring. Tern does not provide exact figures for the changes. The only thing that is certain is that the compact e-cargo bike now measures 174 centimetres in total length. In comparison: A conventional city ebike such as the Lemmo One Collab.Ride is just two centimetres shorter in frame size L.
In terms of length, the difference between the third and second generations of the HSD is likely to be negligible overall. This is suggested by the almost identical folded dimensions. The newcomer’s length, width and height are 166 centimetres, 42 centimetres and 87 centimetres. The previous model measured 165 centimetres, 39.5 centimetres and 87 centimetres. So anyone who has previously been able to stow their Tern HSD after folding down the handlebar post – for example, in the boot of a car – will still be able to do so with the new version.
2. Higher handlebars promise a more comfortable ride
Speaking of the handlebar post. Tern has also made it longer than before. As a result, the handlebars sit higher up. This makes it easier for taller riders to achieve an upright riding position. In the past, some of you may have been forced to use Tern’s signature Andros stem in a slightly unconventional way to achieve a greater handlebar height. Now it can once again serve its intended purpose more often – namely, to help you find the optimal distance between the handlebars and the saddle.
Greater height often goes hand in hand with a higher body weight. To provide a wider range of tolerance here, the manufacturer has drawn on another feature from the GSD: the seat tube. This features a larger diameter, allowing for the use of sturdier seatposts. Integrated into the new HSD frame, it enables the manufacturer to increase the maximum rider weight from 120 kilograms to 130 kilograms. At the same time, the maximum permitted total weight of the ebike rises from 180 kilograms to 190 kilograms.
Due to the higher payload and the more robust frame, the Tern HSD moves a step closer to the Tern GSD and a little further away from the similarly sized but lighter and not quite as heavy-duty Tern Quick Haul. At first glance, the manufacturer has adapted all the necessary details to this slight conceptual change. On closer inspection, however, we’re a little taken aback by the choice of kickstand. This is still the Ursus. Given that Tern has gone to great lengths to provide you with more capacity when loading the HSD, we believe a switch to the more stable Atlas stand from the GSD would have been more advantageous. This is particularly true if you wish to make full use of the maximum load capacity of 80 kilograms on the rear rack. After all, when loading and unloading, or when passengers of a certain weight are getting on and off, it’s crucial to be able to park the bike securely.
3. Tern HSD to feature Bosch Performance Line PX in future
As expected, the manufacturer’s second focus is on updating the electric drives. Three years have passed since the launch of the second-generation HSD. In the meantime, Tern’s long-standing motor partner, Bosch, has released numerous updates. Understandably, you’ll now find some of these on the new HSD.
Among the new features is the switch to the Bosch Performance Line PX on the top-of-the-range model, the Tern HSD S9i. Especially following the Performance Upgrade 2.0, this decision seems entirely logical. With a torque of 90 Newton-metres, a peak power output of 700 watts and assistance of up to 600 per cent, it’s clear why this mid-drive motor is a perfect fit even for such a compact electric cargo bike. There’s always plenty of power on hand to reliably propel both the model’s weight of around 29 kilograms and the rest of the load, even on inclines. Under certain circumstances, this may well be the reason to invest the 6,699 euros in the top-of-the-range model when making a future purchase.
The other three models available in Germany – the Tern HSD P00, Tern HSD P5i and Tern HSD P10e – are fitted with the current Bosch Performance Line, however. Its performance is considerably more modest. Nevertheless, the torque of 75 Newton-metres, a peak power output of 600 watts and assistance of up to 340 per cent are certainly sufficient on predominantly flat terrain and if you generally only carry a moderate load on your ebike.
As both mid-drive motors tend to make do with less power, sticking with the Bosch PowerPack 545 as the ebike battery is perfectly fine. This allows for ranges of 50 kilometres and more, even under demanding everyday conditions.
4. Compact e-cargo bike uses electronic intelligence to deter thieves
Depending on the model and its specifications, these ebike systems offer features that set Bosch’s Smart System apart from many of its competitors. This is particularly evident when it comes to theft protection for the bike and its components. With Battery Lock, for example, stealing the battery becomes unattractive to thieves because it can no longer be used after theft. To electronically lock the ebike, simply remove the Bosch Kiox 300. And eBike Alarm, together with the Bosch ConnectModule GPS tracker, ensures that, firstly, thieves are deterred from theft by an audible alarm and, secondly, a stolen HSD can be tracked over the long term, which makes it much easier for the investigating authorities to recover it.
5. Tern HSD’s top-of-the-range model virtually maintenance-free thanks to 3X3 hub gears
However, both here and when it comes to the question of the gearing system fitted, it depends crucially on which model we are talking about. The most attractive option appears to be – surprise, surprise – the most expensive version of the HSD. The Bosch Performance Line PX has already been mentioned as a key selling point. It is also the only model to come with a Bosch ConnectModule integrated as standard and the detachable Kiox 300 display. Its greatest selling point, however, perhaps lies in the rear wheel: the hub gear system. For the first time, Tern is utilising the 3X3 Nine with its enormous gear ratio range of 554 per cent. Not to mention 3X3’s promise that this gear hub will last its entire lifetime as a rear wheel hub without a single service. And thanks to Bosch eShift, it can also be shifted electronically and automatically. You simply set your preferred cadence in the Bosch eBike Flow app. The gearing system and the ebike system take care of the rest. Together with the Gates carbon belt, this results in a drivetrain that you’ll hardly need to worry about at all.
6. Motors and gearing systems distinguish the various models from one another
If you like the idea of a hub gear system but want to save on the overall price, you have two alternatives. For 5,399 euros, you can get the Tern HSD P00 with a stepless Enviolo Heavy Duty system. However, its gear ratio range is only 380 per cent. On the plus side, you’re not restricted to nine fixed gears as with the Nine from 3X3. That said, gear changes here are operated exclusively via the twist grip on the handlebars.
The same applies to the Tern HSD P5i. In this case, however, you only have five gears available, covering a range of just 268 per cent. As with the Tern HSD P00, a Bosch Purion 200 replaces the combination of the Bosch Kiox 300 and Bosch LED Remote. In return, the price drops again to 4,999 euros.
If, on the other hand, you’re particularly taken with electronic and automatic gear-shifting, the Tern HSD P10e might be just the thing for you. This model features Bosch’s eShift technology combined with a derailleur from TRP. Tern pairs the TRP rear derailleur with a Shimano Linkglide cassette offering ten gears. At 354 per cent, the gear range of this solution is slightly higher than that of the Enviolo Heavy Duty variant. It’s up to you to decide how the extra maintenance required for the derailleur balances out against the model’s price of 4,999 euros. 😉
Important to note: compared to the other specifications, the top-of-the-range model offers further exclusive advantages. For example, only this model features a suspension seatpost to absorb vibrations whilst riding. The suspension fork is also more robust thanks to its larger stanchions. And with the Magura MT4, you get the highest-quality brakes that Tern fits to this model range.
7. New Tern HSD also means new accessories
As well as its ebikes, Tern owes much of its popularity to the extensive range of accessories the manufacturer consistently offers. New or improved items are also available for the updated HDS. Among the novelties is the Clubhouse Mini. This attachment for the rear rack provides a cargo bed onto which either a seat cushion for a passenger or a child seat can be mounted. The whole unit is enclosed by a rail, which can now be opened on the left-hand side. This means that children or adults no longer have to climb over the rail to take their seat.
To complement the Combo Mount on the head tube, there is now, for the first time, a fully lockable plastic transport box. The Hardshell Hauler has a capacity of 26 litres and can carry a load of up to 15 kilograms. Thanks to its water resistance and integrated combination lock, it offers a wide range of uses.
Brand new to the range are small footrests called Sidekick Footrests. Passengers can rest their feet on them whilst riding. Alternatively, you can use the footrests as a support surface for cargo, which you secure to the side of the rear rack with straps.
From the waterproof Storm Box Mini, with its new Cargo Lid Mini tarpaulin, through the Sun Shield Mini sunshade and the Rain Shield Mini rain cover, the list continues at least as far as the improved short Captain’s Chair seat. Perhaps we’ve even missed something. But you’ll certainly now have a better understanding of what we meant by ‘extensive range of accessories’ at the start of this section. 😉
New accessories for the Tern HSD 2027
According to our information, both the HSD and the accessories mentioned are due to be available from September 2026.
Tern HSD at a glance for the 2027 season
- Models: Tern HSD S9i, Tern HSD P00, Tern HSD P5i, Tern HSD P10e
- Frame: Aluminium
- Frame size: One size
- Recommended height: 150 cm to 205 cm
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour custom
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line PX, Bosch Performance Line
- Battery: Bosch PowerPack 545
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300, Bosch Purion 200
- Control unit: Bosch LED Remote
- Drivetrain: 3X3 Nine, Enviolo Heavy Duty, Shimano Nexus Inter-5E, TRP E.A.S.I. A10
- Brakes: Magura MT4, Magura hydraulic
- Weight: from 28.1 kg
- Maximum rider weight: 130 kg
- Maximum load capacity, rear rack: 80 kg
- Maximum load capacity, front rack: 20 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 190 kg
- Colours: Gloss Basalt, Satin Basalt, Satin Black, Satin Sangria, Satin Spruce, Satin Sky Mist
- Prices: from 4,999 euros
Pictures: Mobility Holdings Ltd.