Tern announced a few days ago that delivery fleet partners have now clocked up over a million miles on its electric cargo bikes in New York City, and that’s a good excuse to take a quick look back at the brand’s third-generation GSD that we reviewed earlier in the year.
Tern electric cargo bikes pulling Carla Cargo trailers have become part of New York City’s landscape since 2021. Used by multiple logistics companies, they’re said to complete more than 13 million deliveries a year, some bikes running up to 16 hours a day, even reaching 20 hours during peak demand.
Tern boasts that the bikes and trailers can haul loads of over 136kg (300lb) and make up to 360 deliveries per day, matching what delivery vans achieve, but at a fraction of the cost and with far greater environmental benefits and less disruption to traffic flow. Some individual bikes are said to have logged more than 30,000 miles with their Bosch motors and batteries still going strong.
Tern is keen to point out that while a cargo bike may carry less than a van, it makes up for this in speed and manoeuvrability. A cargo bike isn’t delayed by traffic hold-ups, for example, and can park closer to delivery destinations without getting tickets or spending time looking for a space.
Tern reckons that adding up mileage, capital cost, fuel or energy, maintenance, parking violations, insurance, and registration and inspection, an electric van costs $21,485 a year to run, a diesel comes in at $21,180, while a cargo e-bike totals just $3,217.
2025 Tern GSD Gen 3 – 2 (credit: road.cc)If you’d like to consider an e-cargo bike for yourself, check out the Tern GSD S10 (Gen 3) that we reviewed earlier in the year. We’re guessing that you’re not going to log 360 deliveries a day, but this kind of bike makes a whole lot of sense for some people.
Our man Dave Atkinson called the Tern GSD: “The OG of longtail e-cargo bikes”. Nearly a decade after it kick-started a whole genre, the third-generation GSD has rolled in to remind everyone why it’s still the benchmark.
2025 Tern GSD Gen 3 – battery (credit: road.cc)At first glance, Gen 3 looks almost identical to Gen 2, but park them side by side and the upgrades pop out. The rear rack now bolts on rather than being part of the frame, and its load rating jumps to a mighty 100kg. The maximum gross vehicle weight is now 210kg – bike, rider, and anything (or anyone) you’re carrying. The whole chassis has been beefed up and the fiddly, failure-prone bits – chain tensioner, chainguard, locking stand – have been replaced by far more robust kit. In short: Tern has been listening.
The ride remains classic GSD: this bike is stable, unfussy, and strong enough to haul a week’s shopping, a teenager, and most other stuff you’re likely to need to shift around town. With the new fork and suspension seatpost, it’s also more comfortable than ever.
2025 Tern GSD Gen 3 – screen (credit: road.cc)The S10 gets a Bosch Smart System, a clear and compact Kiox display and a 545Wh battery as standard. With a claimed 85Nm of torque and a maximum 400% assist, the Bosch Cargo Line motor is punchy and Dave could sail up his commute hill home (1.5km at 5% average with a 12% section) without breaking a sweat.
2025 Tern GSD Gen 3 – Bosch motor (credit: road.cc)One of the most notable features of the Bosch Smart System on the new GSD S10 is that it includes Bosch’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) on the front wheel. It’s quick to respond when it senses that the tyre has lost grip and we have every confidence that it’ll work in a real-world situation.
2025 Tern GSD Gen 3 – ABS (credit: road.cc)A Tern GSD S10 (Gen 3) will set you back £5,900. Plenty of rival bikes now do most of what a GSD can do for less money – including Tern’s own Quick Haul Long (£3,500). But if you want the premium longtail, the GSD Gen3 is still king.
“If you’re committing to a cargo bike instead of a car – be that getting rid of your main car, or a second or third car – you’ll make your six grand back in a couple of years on insurance, fuel, parking, taxes, depreciation…” said Dave in his review.
> I saved thousands using an electric cargo bike — you could too!
“Looked at that way, it’s easier to justify. Or maybe the money’s not such a big issue and you just want the best longtail out there. For me, the build quality, motor choice and accessories ecosystem of the GSD still has it at the top of the pile, and the new third-generation bike is the best one ever.”
> Read our review of the Tern GSD S10 (Gen 3)
Check out loads more Bikes at Bedtime here.