When it comes to mighty but mini cargo bikes, you cannot go past the Tern HSD. The best bike in the market to carry one child or small adult, it’s also one of Tern’s premium bikes which means, even at a base level, it has all the top-tier stuff. These fancy features make it a smoother and more stable ride than other eBikes, so it’s great for less confident riders or people wanting to carry more cargo. Although it can carry a load, it’s also really lean and compact so it’s nimble and able to get through tight spaces and even store indoors.
If you’re set on the HSD that’s great! But, with the release of the HSD Gen2, we now have four HSDs to choose from which might feel a little overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key differences between them to help you pick the perfect one for your cargo-carrying adventures.
Generation 1 HSDs
The Tern HSD P9 – carry a passenger for under $5k
If you’re on a budget and want to own new, you get a whole lot of cargo carrying bang for your buck with the premium HSD P9 Performance.
The Tern HSD S8i – best for hassle-free subscribe to own
If you’re dipping your toes into the eBike world and don’t want to worry about maintenance, insurance and all that jazz, a weekly subscription to the S8i is the way to go.
Subscribe to the Tern HSD, or buy refurbished.
Generation 2 HSDs
The Tern HSD P10 – best next gen at a lower price point
The HSD P10 is the next generation of the P9. Like the HSD P5i, it carries 80kg on the back, has the Bosch smart system and upgraded range. The P10 has derailleur gears.
Contact us to pre-order.
The Tern HSD P5i – cream of the crop with minimal maintenance
Just like the HSD P10 but with internal hub gears. These are protected from the elements and require minimal maintenance. You can also change gears when you’re stationary.
First of all the similarities
No matter which you choose, the HSD is a safe and premium eBike. They all have a number of features in common, like small wheels, a premium Bosch battery and motor, and features for easily transporting and sharing.
A smoother and more stable ride: All HSDs come with small 20 inch wheels, lower battery placement, a Suntour suspension fork and a mid-drive motor. These features make for a much smoother, more powerful and stable ride than other eBikes. All four HSDs have hydraulic disc brakes. This is important for an e-bike because they are much more sensitive, so even a light tug on the brake can summon some serious braking power.
The safest of the safe: All Terns, and therefore all HSDs, have the Bosch battery. Bosch batteries are the gold standard of e-bike batteries and they are certified to the highest safety standard, something called UL2849. It’s a voluntary standard and is expensive to test but it’s really, really important.
Transportable and easy to store: The low seat post design and foldable handlebars mean that, if you have a small SUV or something bigger, you’ll be able to pop the back seats down and slide it in the back. This is a big deal as often with eBikes you need a fairly serious rear hitch on the car to carry your bike. Like all Terns, it can also be stored vertically which is awesome if you want to store it inside your home or apartment, or take it into work while you’re there.
Super comfy and shareable: The deluxe saddle on the HSD, upright riding position and low step over height make for a comfy ride for anyone between 150 and 195cm tall. The adjustable handlebars and telescopic seat post mean you can easily adjust to share with other riders. Great if there’s two of you in a family that will be riding the bike.
Now onto the differences
At Lug+Carrie, we have four HSD’s available. Two are Gen 1 – the P9 Performance and the S8i and we also have the latest Gen2 models, the HSD P10 and P5i.
Comparing the HSD Gen 1’s – the P9 and the S8i
There are a lot of similarities between the two Generation 1 HSDs, but there are also some key differences.
- The P9 can be bought new, whereas the S8i is one of the bikes we have on our all-inclusive, hassle-free subscription. The S8i can also be bought refurbished which is a cost effective option if you want to buy outright. If a weekly subscription sounds appealing, you can find out more about that here.
- The HSD P9 has a chain, whereas the HSD S8i comes with a belt drive. Belt drives are known for their near silent operation, minimal maintenance needs and resistance to rust. This could definitely be a consideration when you’re comparing the two.
- The HSD P9 has a derailleur which are the more traditional gears used with a chain, whereas the HSD S8i comes with internal gears. The internal gears might be appealing because you can change gears when you’re at a stand still, like at the traffic lights or at the bottom of a big hill.
- Whether you’re into standing out or something a bit more monochrome, these bikes come in different shades! The P9 comes in a pretty rad blue, whereas the S8i comes in bright red or grey. Come in and take a look!
Tern Gen 2 – the HSDs of all HSDs
If you’re buying new, the jump in price from the Gen 1 P9 to a Tern Gen 2 (P10 or P5i) is fairly substantial…but for good reason. The Gen2 HSDs really are the cream of the crop and have some premium features that are worth going into a bit of detail on. The P10, which starts at $6,995 is the least expensive of the two. It comes with a chain and derailleur gears, whereas the more expensive P5i has a belt drive and internally geared hub.
Powering Your Ride
The HSD P10 and P5i come with the most powerful Bosch Performance Line motor. This is perfect if you’re going to be tackling long commutes, big hills, or carrying heavier loads because it has more torque, power and a better pedalling response. But, if your needs are more suited to relaxed commuting on cycle paths, smooth roads and relatively flat terrain, then the Active Line motor on the P9 or the S8i is all you’ll need.
When it comes to battery range, the P5i and P10 come with the largest capacity 545Wh battery and a maximum range of 121km. So, if you’re doing longer trips, carrying heavier loads, or looking at using the bike for off road adventures, this could be a tempting option.
Load ‘er up
The Gen1 HSDs both have a total carry capacity of 170kg and a rear rack capacity of 60kg. That means you could carry a child or small adult. The Gen 2 HSDs have an upgraded capacity of 180kg in total and 80kg on the rear rack. This is quite significant because, with 80kg you’re more likely to be able to carry an adult on the back, making it all the more handy.
The Smart System Advantage
We’ve left the best till last, the Gen2 HSDs have a significant advantage over the Gen1s with the inclusion of the all-new Bosch Smart System with the eBike flow app from Bosch. This integrated system unlocks a suite of features that make your e-bike experience *chef’s kiss*.
- Over-the-air updates: Keep your e-bike’s software up-to-date with the latest bug fixes and performance improvements, ensuring optimal performance.
- Bosch eBike Flow App: This smartphone app acts as your digital key, allowing you to lock and unlock your bike remotely, activate the alarm system, and track your rides. The Flow app is free for the first 12 months, then costs $59.99 per year, or $5.99 per month ongoing.
- Customisable riding modes: Tailor the e-bike’s assist levels to your needs and preferences for a more personalised riding experience.
- Improved display: The Intuvia 100 display on the P5i offers a clearer and more user-friendly interface compared to the Gen 1’s Purion display.
- Smart Security: Option to upgrade with the Bosch ConnectModule for smarter security.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
The Generation 2 HSD P5i is a great option for riders who:
- Prefer to own their bike
- Want to carry between 60 – 80 kg on the back
- Prefer the low maintenance drivetrain and internal gears
- Want to ride further and need the additional battery capacity
- Want the benefits of the Bosch Smart System
The Generation 2 HSD P10 is a great option for riders who:
- Want a slightly cheaper Gen2 than the P5i and are happy with derailleur gears
The Generation 1 HSD S8i is a great option for riders who:
- Would prefer an all-inclusive subscription so they don’t have to worry about servicing, maintenance, insurance and getting stranded when they break down (Rider Rescue to the rescue!)
- Are either a single commuter, or carrying a child or adult under 60kg
- Are cost-conscious and potentially interested in buying refurbished
The Generation 1 HSD P9 is a great option for riders who:
- Cost conscious buyers who want incredible value
- Are a single commuter, or carrying a child or adult under 60kg
- Like the chain and derailleur
No matter which HSD you choose, you’re getting a powerful, versatile, and comfortable cargo bike. Our Lug+Carrie team are Tern experts and are here to help you make a decision that suits your lifestyle, come in for a test ride to try them out for yourself.
