How to Safely Carry Passengers on the GSD Gen 2
Tern Passenger System
The Tern Passenger System is a framework for Tern bicycles that includes all our passenger-carrying accessories, and always requires four elements in order to safely carry passengers:
- Seating: Purpose-built rear seating, chosen according to the passenger's needs
- Handhold: Something for the passenger to hold on to, other than the bike itself
- Foot support: Fixed platforms or dedicated foot pegs on both sides of the bike
- Foot and leg protection: Something to prevent feet and legs from getting caught in the spinning wheel
Things to know about the GSD
- The GSD has a max. gross vehicle weight of 200 kg (440 lb) and can carry up to two kids or one adult passenger.
- The GSD has an integrated wheel guard and integrated chain guard that provide foot and leg protection for passengers. This means accessories are not needed to provide protection.
- The GSD has Integrated Lower Decks that can be used for foot support, but owners can extend the width of the decks by installing the Sidekick Wide Decks.
Passenger setups
1 young kid
See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 1 compatible child seat
- The Clubhouse Gen 3 can be used with the child seat to provide extra support.
- Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, foot and leg protection.
2 young kids
See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 2 compatible child seats
- The Clubhouse Gen 3 can be used with the child seat to provide extra support.
- Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, foot and leg protection.
1 young kid + 1 big kid
Young kid: See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Big kid: 18+ kg
- Seating: Child seat (rear)
- Seating + Handhold: Clubhouse w/ seat pad OR Compatible Junior Child Seat
OR
- Seating: Child seat (rear), Clubhouse Seat Pad OR Compatible Junior Child Seat
- Handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
1-2 big kids
18+ kg
- Seating + Handhold: Clubhouse w/ seat pads and backrest
OR
- Seating: Clubhouse Seat Pad(s) and Clubhouse Backrest
- Handhold: Clubhouse Gen 3
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
1 young kid + 1 older kid
Young kid: See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
Older kid: 33+ kg
- Seating: Child seat (rear), Sidekick Seat Pad (front)
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
1-2 older kid(s) or 1 adult
26+ kg
- Seating + Handhold: Captain's Chair
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars (older kid) OR Sidekick Flat Bars (adult)
- Foot support: Sidekick Wide Decks OR Integrated Lower Decks
Note: Children can vary widely in maturity and physical development. These passenger weight guidelines represent our recommendations and you should adapt them as needed for the safety of your child. Please ensure your passenger setup is within the weight limits described below. As always, please follow local regulations regarding passengers and safety equipment.
All-weather riding
If you're regularly carrying young passengers on child seats or on the Clubhouse Gen 3 and need a solution for bad weather days, we recommend building the Clubhouse Fort.
Clubhouse Fort
- Clubhouse Gen 3
- Storm Shield
- Storm Box
- Sidekick Wide Decks
Can I carry more than two kids on the GSD?
The GSD is designed to carry up to two kids on the bike itself, with the appropriate seating arrangement. But that doesn’t mean you face the daunting task of picking your two favorite kids and leaving the rest behind! If you want to carry more than two kids, we recommend getting a second kid-hauling bike that another adult can ride, or attaching a trailer for hauling kids to your GSD via the bike’s dedicated trailer mount.
The GSD’s trailer mount fits a range of trailer hitches. However, some lower deck accessories such as the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers and the Storm Box cover the GSD’s existing trailer mounting points. That’s why we created the Tail Hitch L to shift the mounting points further back, so your options for cargo and passenger configurations remain open—bring everything you need and leave no family behind!
What is Max Gross Vehicle Weight?
Max Gross Vehicle Weight (MGVW) is the maximum weight that a bike has been designed to safely carry. This means the weight of the Bicycle* + Accessories + Rider(s)** + Cargo + Trailer*** must be less than the MGVW for safe riding.
*Bicycle = Refers to weight of the bike plus battery(ies)
**Rider(s) = Refers to weight of the cyclist and any passengers
***Trailer = Refers to weight of the trailer with no braking system AND weight of any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Trailers with a braking system should not be included in the MGVW calculation.
Why does Max Gross Vehicle Weight matter?
It comes down to safety. By adhering to the bike's MGVW guidelines, riders can feel confident that the bike can safely handle the total weight in all riding conditions.
How much cargo weight can I carry on a GSD?
To determine the maximum cargo weight you can carry on the GSD, use the formula above. The GSD has an MGVW of 200 kg (440 lb). From that, simply subtract the weight of the GSD and any installed accessories, the weight of the rider, and the weight of all the cargo being carried.
If you are towing a trailer, don't forget to also subtract the weight of the trailer and any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Please note that trailers with an independent braking system should not be included in the MGVW calculation.
Friendly Reminders
- Most riders can comfortably carry 80% of their weight. Determine if you are comfortable carrying that much weight.
- Check your local regulations to make sure carrying passengers on a bike is legal in your area.
- Helmets are cool! Rider and passenger(s) are advised to wear an approved helmet.
- Do not leave children unattended on the bike, even if it is on the kickstand.
GSD Passenger Carry Essentials
The Clubhouse (Gen 3)
The Clubhouse (Gen 3) turns your GSD into a modular minivan for the family. Activate school bus mode by accommodating seating for up to two kids. And when it’s time to run some errands, swap out the seating for a cargo container or two to create a super spacious rear trunk. Who needs a car to get stuff done?
Captain's Chair (Gen 2)
A long-term favorite, the Captain's Chair is now upgraded with a wider seat pad for more wiggle room, longer side rails for more protection, and dedicated space for you to carry more stuff. Still the best seat in the house, it lets big kids and adults ride along with even more fun!
Storm Shield
The Storm Shield is a weather-resistant canopy that keeps the elements out, the good vibes in, and kids’ complaints at bay. Combine with the Clubhouse+™ or Clubhouse™ to protect passengers from rain, snow, and wind. It gives little ones a cozy place to sit (or sleep) when bad weather hits, and can also be used for sun protection on high UV days.
Storm Box
The Storm Box transforms the rear of your Tern e-bike into a super spacious weather-protected compartment. Switch effortlessly between carrying cargo and kids—protect your stuff from rain and curious onlookers with the Cargo Lid, and use the Kid Lid to keep little ones warm and snug, no matter the weather.
Sidekick Wide Decks
The Sidekick Wide Decks extend the GSD integrated decks out to 12cm, providing strong decks that can be used to carry bulky cargo low to the ground.
Sidekick Joyride Bars
The Sidekick Joyride Bars provide protection and stability for GSD and HSDpassengers. Pair with the Captain’s Chair to create a comfy seating solution for a big kid or adult passenger. Use the same setup to carry crates and boxes for the grocery run.
Clubhouse Backrest
Give your kid something to lean back on after a day of hard play. The Clubhouse Backrest is designed for pairing with the Clubhouse Seat Pad to create a cushioned, reclining seat for one big kid on any of the Clubhouse passenger systems.
