When a brand introduces a beefy new e-cargo bike under the marketing slogan “Go Anywhere, Go Anytime, Bring Anything,” it definitely catches my attention.

After all, living in Southern Utah gives me unbridled access to some of the most jaw-droppingly epic landscapes the U.S. has to offer, where often, the only limiting factor to my exploration is how far I can pedal without bonking.

With a 100-mile range and the ability to double that to 200 with a dual battery setup, the Tern Orox S12 should theoretically let me explore that beauty deeper into the backcountry than any other bike can.

So, what’s the deal with the Tern Orox S12? Is it the ultimate e-cargo bike that can handle the rugged terrains and long distances of my adventures, or is it just another fat tire e-bike masquerading as a true e-cargo beast?

The Bosch CX Performance 250W mid-drive is a phenomenal motor with a very natural feeling of pedal assistance. That’s the beauty of a good mid-drive motor – it doesn’t make you feel like you’re cheating, just that you’ve somehow transformed into a super-cyclist overnight. Who needs performance-enhancing substances when you’ve got watts?

As a Class 1 e-bike, the Tern Orox S12 hit all the right notes in our speed test. The power delivery was as smooth, and it had no trouble propelling me to its Class 1 limits. In the end, this e-bike delivered everything we could ask for, leaving us on a high note to head into our range test.

Ever wondered if the Tern Orox could outlast your favorite TV binge session? Well, I took this beast out for a spin in our Range Test to see just how far it can go on a single charge.

I did the test in two parts. First, I charged the Tern Orox to 100% and rode it in the lowest PAS setting (Eco Mode—PAS 1) to see how far it would go. Then, I recharged it and rode it until empty on Turbo Mode (PAS 4), the highest level. This gave me a minimum and maximum range in real-world conditions.

On the first run in Eco Mode, I rode the Tern Orox for 78.93 miles. This range lasted 7 hours and 2 minutes, and I averaged 11.2 mph and climbed 1,316 feet in elevation.

On the second run, with a freshly charged battery, I covered 36.28 miles in 2 hours and 17 minutes, averaging 15.9 mph and climbing 617 feet in elevation—a pretty solid performance when cranked up to the highest PAS setting!

Overall, the Tern Orox performed well despite not hitting the advertised 100-mile range estimation. Whether you’re planning long-distance bikepacking trips or daily cargo hauling, getting nearly 79 miles in Eco Mode is a big deal for an e-cargo bike.

When you’ve got a behemoth like the Tern Orox S12 in your stable, there’s only one thing to do: unleash it on the steepest climb you can find. Enter our infamous “Hell Hole” – a third-of-a-mile ascent that carries an average grade of 12%, enough to make even seasoned cyclists break out in a cold sweat.

In the end, the Tern Orox S12 proved it’s more than just a pretty face with cargo capacity. It tackled our local legend of a hill here in Southern Utah without breaking a sweat. Consider this hill test a resounding success – the Orox has earned its stripes on the steeps.

This bike is a serious contender in the e-cargo world—especially for those on the adventurous side. At $6,500, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but we can confidently say that it delivers the quality that matches its price tag. The Orox S12 felt rock-solid whether we were cruising city streets or tackling off-road trails.

What really stood out was the Orox S12’s versatility. With its impressive cargo capacity and range of accessories, this bike could adapt to all sorts of jobs – from grocery runs to long-haul bikepacking adventures. The Bosch motor provides smooth, natural-feeling assistance that makes hauling heavy loads feel surprisingly easy.

I appreciate Tern’s attention to detail on this bike. The professional assembly, high-quality components, and thoughtful design touches all contribute to a premium riding experience.