Towing a Trailer with the Tern HSD Cargo Bike

This article refers to all Tern HSD electric bikes.

Contents

• Weber EH Hitch
• Rear axle mount alternatives
  • Thule
    • HSD Gen 3
    • HSD Gen 2
    • HSD Gen 1
  • Burley
    • HSD Gen 3
    • HSD Gen 2
    • HSD Gen 1
• Always pay attention to safety guidelines

Weber EH Hitch

Every HSD has a dedicated trailer mount built right into the frame. It's located on the Atlas H Dropouts, near the rear hub. This trailer hitch mount's location on the bike is farther forward than the rear axle, which makes it optimally stable.

It's specially designed to be used with the Weber EH Hitch (SKU: KU.02.000.12).

Rear axle mount alternatives

As an alternative, you may attach a trailer to the rear axle of your HSD. We've partnered with EFBE Prüftechnik, one of Europe's leading bicycle test laboratories, to test the HSD according to EN 15918, a European standard for bicycle trailer safety—and, in short, the HSD has exceeded the test requirements for a trailer of up to 53 kg attached to the rear axle.

(For reference, 53 kg is what you'd be carrying if you had two 18-kg kids in a 17-kg trailer.)

We've tested the following trailer hitches and adapters:

Thule

HSD Gen 3

HSD Gen 2

HSD Gen 1

Burley

HSD Gen 3

HSD Gen 2

HSD Gen 1

Always pay attention to safety guidelines

No matter what trailer or hitch system you choose, it's always best to test it yourself before using it to carry children, pets, or cargo. Pay particular attention to the trailer's arm angle; make sure it won't hit the HSD when maneuvering the bike.

One important reminder: To safely carry your loved ones, finding a compatible trailer is only the first step. Always follow the safety guidelines of the trailer manufacturer. Exceeding the trailer's weight limit or using it in ways it wasn't designed to be used may pose a serious risk, and should be avoided.

In addition, always stay within your bike's max gross vehicle weight. This means that your whole setup—including bike, trailer, accessories, cargo, passenger(s), and rider—should not exceed that limit. The only exception is if your trailer has its own braking system. Keep in mind your MGVW will depend on your HSD generation:

• HSD Gen 3: 190 kg (419 lb)
• HSD Gen 2: 180 kg (397 lb)
• HSD Gen 1: 170 kg (374 lb)

Note: This article on trailer towing, along with other guides and how-to articles on this site, is intended to serve only as a helpful resource for Tern bicycle owners. They are for informational and educational purposes only and should be used at your own risk. Consult with your authorized Tern dealer for professional advice and assistance specific to your bicycle.