This article refers to the Tern GSD Gen 3 family cargo bike unless otherwise noted.

Our GSD electric cargo bike is a super versatile option for families and commuters alike. Its compact design, huge load capacity, and range of customizable setups make it a standout choice to Get Stuff Done! Let’s explore the best Tern GSD accessories to get the most out of your bike!

Carrying up to two kids

Another morning, another day of school. What better way to kickstart your day than by feeling the wind in your face and squeezing in a little exercise while dropping off the kids? But before you can start enjoying the ride, you need to make sure that they stay put and comfy. This is where the Clubhouse Gen 3 comes in, a modular passenger rail ready to carry kids or cargo. Let’s dive into the details.

Option 1: Clubhouse Gen 3 with up to two compatible child seats

This setup works for families with one or two small kids, with the Clubhouse Gen 3 adding extra stability and protection to keep little hands safe. The Clubhouse can hold up to two child seats, but you'll need to add the Clubhouse Expansion Bar to fit the rear seat properly. If you're using a single child seat, be sure to install it in the rearmost position on the GSD's rear rack.

To learn everything you need to know about which child seats are compatible with the bike, check out ourGSD Gen 3 Child Seat Guidefor all the details. The most important thing to keep in mind is that child seats should always include the four required elements for safe passenger carrying:seating, safety harness, foot support, and foot & leg protection.

Option 2: Clubhouse Gen 3 with one child seat + Clubhouse Seat Pad + Stow Decks

You can set up the Clubhouse with one child seat and a Clubhouse Seat Pad—a great choice if you have a younger child who still needs a seat and an older kid who's ready to ride without one. For this setup, be sure to install the Expansion Bar, since the child seat needs to go in the rearmost position with the Clubhouse Seat Pad in front.

To complete this setup, don’t forget to add the Stow Decks. These are side decks to give the front passenger a comfy place to rest their feet so that every ride feels secure.

Option 3: Clubhouse Gen 3 + Cargo Hold 52 Panniers or Storm Box + Stow Decks

If you need room for both kids and cargo, you can pair the Clubhouse setup with the waterproof Cargo Hold 52 Panniers or the Storm Box cargo ebike bucket. These accessories do double duty: they provide extra leg and foot protection for young passengers while offering plenty of storage for big hauls. What's the main difference? Capacity! The Cargo Hold 52 Panniers hold 52 liters each, while the Storm Box gives you a massive 80 liters per side—the top choice for carrying even more gear. If you’re using the Storm Box, you’ll also need to install the Stow Decks to support it.

Option 4: The Clubhouse Fort, Weather Canopy for All-Season Riding

The Clubhouse Fort transforms the back of the GSD family cargo bike into a protected and comfortable space for up to two kids, whether they’re in or out of child seats. Built for all-weather riding, the Fort helps shield little passengers from sun, wind, and rain so your family can ride year-round.

The Clubhouse Fort on the GSD is made up of the following accessories:

• Clubhouse Gen 3
• Storm Box
• Stow Decks
• Choice between the Sun Shield + Rain Shield combination OR Storm Shield

Option 5: Clubhouse Gen 3 + Clubhouse Backrest + Clubhouse Seat Pads + Stow Decks

You can also use the Clubhouse without child seats, which depends on your kids' age and size. If they've outgrown child seats, we recommend adding two Clubhouse Seat Pads, the Clubhouse Backrest, and Stow Decks for a comfy and secure ride. The Clubhouse Backrest pairs with the Seat Pad to create a cushioned, reclining seat, which is also ideal for one big kid. It attaches and detaches in seconds, so you can easily swap in a child seat or even a cargo container for groceries when needed.

💡 Tip: If your kids are the wriggly types, you could add the Sidekick Seat Belt for a cozier and comfier ride. This seatbelt features an airplane-style buckle for easy (un)fastening and an adjustable strap for the right fit.

Carrying up to two older kids or an adult

Whether your kids grow out of their child seats or even the Clubhouse, or if you want to carry your adult +1, there’s still plenty of space on the GSD’s rear rack.

Option 1: Captain’s Chair + Sidekick Joyride Bars or Sidekick Handle + Stow Decks

When your kids get a little older, it’s time to swap the Clubhouse for the Captain’s Chair for extra comfort and versatility. It features a wider seat pad for more wiggle room and side rails for a secure grip.

The rear bar lets you attach a bag or extra safety lights, and when paired with the Sidekick Joyride Bars, you can even fit a box or crate by removing the seat padding. Instead of using the Joyride Bars, you could also opt for the Sidekick Handle, which is a handhold that attaches to the rear rack with self-fastening strips—easy for when you need to carry two passengers.

Whichever handhold you choose, this is a smart, multifunctional setup that grows with your family!

Option 2: Captain’s Chair + Stow Decks (with Cargo Hold 37 Panniers and Transporteur Rack for even more carrying capacity)

The Captain’s Chair is hands-down the best seat on the bike. Your +1 can kick back, relax, and let you do the pedaling. Or, if your kid is big enough, why not let them do it?

Even with a passenger on board, there’s still room for the Cargo Hold 37 Panniers, great for carrying your bag or picking up groceries along the way. Need even more space? Add the Transporteur Rack up front! Don’t forget to add the Stow Decks to keep your passenger comfy and stable while also supporting your cargo.

Carrying cargo

Option 1: For weekly shopping

Accessories: Cargo Hold 52 Panniers + Transporteur Rack + WeatherTop Cooler or WeatherTop Bag

For your weekly shopping trips, the Cargo Hold 52 Panniers are a great solution, offering up to 104 liters of storage capacity and a weatherproof design to keep everything dry.

When paired with the Transporteur Rack, you’ll have even more space for those bigger hauls. Keep your perishables fresh with the WeatherTop Cooler with top-notch insulation to maintain the right temperature. Alternatively, you could go for the WeatherTop Bag as a toss-and-go option or to keep an eye on fragile items.

Both fit precisely into the Transporteur Rack, making this setup ideal for everything from groceries to everyday cargo with ease and confidence. If you really can’t decide between the totes, check out this article about the WeatherTop Bag vs WeatherTop Cooler... or get them both.

Option 2: For extra big hauls

Accessories: Storm Box + Stow Decks + Hauler Rack OR Transporteur Rack

For larger tasks like touring or even moving houses, the Storm Box offers up to 160 liters of cargo space. To help you imagine how much that is, it comfortably fits big items like furniture flatpacks or even a surfboard! Made of durable tarpaulin, the Storm Box is designed to protect your cargo from rain, road debris, and the occasional bumps. 

To make some cargo space in the front, choose between the Transporteur Rack for crates or boxes, or the Hauler Rack for more flexibility.