Cargo Bike
Tern NBD P8i
P8iStep-through utility e-bike for everyday errands and short school runs
by Tern
$3,599
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52.2lbs
Weight
308.6lbs
Max load
50Nm
Torque
~33mi
Real range
400Wh
Battery
Yes
Foldable
The Carryish Take
At 49 lbs, the Tern NBD P8i is the longtail you can actually carry up a flight of stairs — try that with a 77-lb RadWagon 4. The Bosch mid-drive and step-through frame make it feel more like a regular bike that happens to haul kids, not a freight vehicle you pedal. At $3,599 with only a 400Wh battery, you're paying a steep premium for that featherweight convenience, but apartment-dwelling parents who ride daily will understand exactly why.
Bottom line: The NBD delivers serious hauling in a surprisingly manageable package, but you'll pay handsomely for that convenience.
Best for
- Urban parents who need to carry kids but also lift their bike daily
- Apartment dwellers with limited storage space
- Car-free families prioritizing weight over maximum cargo space
- Commuters who occasionally need serious hauling capacity
Not for
- Budget buyers — the Radwagon 4 hauls similar loads for $1,899
- Maximum cargo haulers — the Yuba Spicy Curry carries more stuff
- Range anxiety sufferers — bigger batteries exist elsewhere
- DIY mechanics — Bosch systems require dealer service
In the wild
Pros & Cons
What we like
- +49 lbs makes it one of the lightest longtails available
- +309 lbs total capacity handles two kids plus cargo easily
- +Bosch mid-drive provides smooth, natural pedal assist
- +Class 1 rating keeps you legal on bike paths and trails
- +Tern's build quality typically lasts decades
Watch out for
- –400Wh battery is small for serious cargo hauling
- –At $3,599, costs $1,000+ more than comparable longtails
- –Limited real-world testing data available
- –Likely smaller cargo deck than purpose-built haulers
Full Specifications
Motor & Power
- Motor
- Bosch (Mid-drive)
- Power
- 250W nominal
- Torque
- 50 Nm
- Top speed
- 20 mph
- Class
- Class 1 (20 mph, no throttle)
Battery & Range
- Battery
- Bosch 400Wh
- Stated range
- 50.5 mi
Size & Weight
- Weight
- 52.2 lbs
- Max system weight
- 308.6 lbs
- Cargo capacity
- 60 lbs
- Rider height
- 4'10" – 6'3"
- Foldable
- Yes
Drivetrain & Brakes
- Drivetrain
- Chain — Shimano
- Gearing
- Internal hub (8-speed)
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc — Shimano
Wheels & Comfort
- Front wheel
- 20"
- Rear wheel
- 20"
- Suspension
- Seatpost suspension
Cargo & Family
- Layout
- Longtail
- Rack system
- Gaia Rack
Safety & Security
- Integrated lights
- Yes
Extras
- Display
- Bosch Intuvia, 4 mode selectable, walk assist
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 49 lbs compare to other longtails?
Most longtails weigh 65-75 lbs. The NBD's light weight comes from careful engineering, though you'll sacrifice some cargo deck size.
Is 400Wh enough battery for family hauling?
Expect 20-35 miles with kids and cargo. Fine for school runs and errands, but longer adventures need planning.
What can I actually fit on the back?
Two kids up to about 8 years old, or equivalent cargo weight. Tern typically designs smart accessory systems for maximizing space.
Why so expensive compared to other longtails?
You're paying for that 49-lb weight, Bosch components, and Tern's reputation for lasting 10+ years. Premium materials cost more.
If the Radwagon 4 is a pickup truck at $1,899, the NBD is a luxury crossover — lighter, smoother, and $1,700 more. Choose this over the Yuba Spicy Curry if you value portability over maximum cargo space.
