Cargo Bike
Tern HSD P5i
Gen 2Compact utility bike that fits two kids and one small apartment
by Tern
$5,299
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61.5lbs
Weight
397lbs
Max load
75Nm
Torque
~42mi
Real range
545Wh
Battery
1
Kids
Carryish Scores
8/10
Overall
7/10
Hills
6/10
Cargo
8/10
Range
6/10
Value
6/10
Family
The Carryish Take
Looks almost like a normal bike. That's the point. The HSD carries 397 pounds on a frame that fits in standard bike parking. The internally geared hub means less maintenance, and at 57 pounds it's one of the lighter cargo options. Good for apartment dwellers who can't store a full longtail.
Bottom line: Premium compact cargo that's worth the price if you need apartment-friendly hauling and have the budget for German engineering.
Best for
- Apartment dwellers who need elevator and stair compatibility
- Families with one child under 8 replacing car trips
- Commuters wanting cargo flexibility for groceries and gear
- Shorter riders (5'2"-5'6") who struggle with standard cargo bike sizing
- Urban riders prioritizing build quality over maximum capacity
Not for
- Families with multiple kids — get a longtail like the GSD instead
- Budget buyers — the Radwagon 4 does 80% of this for $1,699
- Rural riders facing steep hills — you need derailleur gearing
- Anyone needing maximum cargo capacity — longtails haul twice as much
In the wild
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +57 lbs makes it manageable for stairs and elevator transport
- +130 lb cargo capacity hauls groceries plus one kid comfortably
- +Bosch 500Wh battery delivers 25-40 miles of real-world range
- +Fits riders from 5'2" to 6'2" with adjustable components
- +Integrated lights and fenders come standard, no accessory hunting
- +Enviolo 5-speed hub requires minimal maintenance
Watch out for
- –$5,300 puts it in premium territory — double the Radwagon 4's price
- –130 lb cargo limit means no hauling two kids plus groceries
- –5-speed internal hub struggles on steep hills compared to derailleurs
- –Compact 20" wheels feel less stable at speed than longtail bikes
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Bosch (Mid-drive)
- Power
- 250W nominal / 500W peak
- Torque
- 75 Nm
- Assist levels
- 4
- Throttle
- None
- Top speed
- 20 mph
- Class
- Class 1 (20 mph, no throttle)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- Bosch 545Wh
- Voltage
- 36V
- Removable
- Yes
- Stated range
- 76 mi
- Real-world range
- ~42 mi (loaded)
- Charge time
- 4.5 hrs
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 61.5 lbs
- Max system weight
- 397 lbs
- Cargo capacity
- 176 lbs
- Length
- 67"
- Wheelbase
- 45"
- Rider height
- 4'11" – 6'5"
- Foldable
- Yes
- Fits in elevator
- Yes
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Belt drive — Gates
- Gearing
- Internal hub (5-speed)
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Shimano
- Rotor size
- 180/180mm
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 20"
- Rear wheel
- 20"
- Tire width
- 2.15"
- Tires
- Schwalbe
- Puncture protection
- Yes
- Suspension
- Rigid
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Compact
- Max child passengers
- 1
- Child seat compatibility
- Thule Yepp Maxi
- Footboards
- Yes
- Wheel guards
- Yes
- Racks
- Rear
- Rack system
- Atlas H rack, Atlas Rack Mount, 6 point mounting
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
- Locking kickstand
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- Bosch Intuvia 100 w/ LED remote, 4 mode selectable, walk assist, connectivity with Bosch eBike Flow app, electronic bike lock
- Kickstand
- double leg
- Fenders
- Included
- Included accessories
- Double kickstand, integrated lights, fenders
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the HSD P5i really fit in a standard elevator?
Yes, at 70" long it fits in most residential elevators. The upright riding position means you can roll it in without gymnastics.
How does the 5-speed hub handle hills?
The Enviolo hub is smooth but limited on steep climbs. Fine for gentle urban hills, but you'll work harder than with derailleur gearing on serious inclines.
Is $5,300 worth it compared to cheaper alternatives?
You're paying for German engineering and apartment-friendly design. The Radwagon 4 hauls more for less money but won't fit in elevators or feel as refined.
What's the real-world range with cargo?
Expect 25-35 miles with moderate cargo and hills. The 500Wh Bosch battery is efficient but not huge by today's standards.
Against the Radwagon 4, you're paying double for refinement and elevator compatibility. The Urban Arrow Shorty offers similar compact cargo but costs even more with less versatility.
