This article refers to HSD Gen 1 bikes. If you'd like to carry passengers on other Tern bikes, click here.
The Tern Passenger System is a framework that includes all our passenger-carrying accessories, and always requires five elements in order to safely carry passengers:
- Seating: Purpose-built rear seating, chosen according to the passenger's needs
- Handhold: Something for the passenger to hold on to, other than the bike itself
- Foot support: Fixed platforms or dedicated foot pegs on both sides of the bike
- Foot and leg protection: Something to prevent feet and legs from getting caught in the spinning wheel
- Double kickstand: Dual-leg stand with a wide stance for extra stability when loading or unloading passengers
The HSD has a Max Gross Vehicle Weight* of 170 kg (374 lb) and the rear rack is rated to 60 kg (132 lb). The HSD can carry one kid or one small adult passenger.
Passenger setups
1 young kid
See child seat manufacturer's age and weight recommendations
- Seating: 1 compatible child seat*
- Double kickstand: DuoStand
*Child seats should always include the required elements for safe passenger carrying: seating, safety harness, foot support, foot and leg protection.
1 big kid
Big kid: Has outgrown the child seat and can sit unaided
- Seating: Clubhouse Seat Pad plus Clubhouse Backrest
- Handhold: Clubhouse Mini Gen 1 or Clubhouse Mini Gen 2 (add bar tape for extra grip and comfort)
- Foot support: Sidekick Stirrups
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick Wheel Guard M OR Cargo Hold 37 Panniers
- Double kickstand: DuoStand
1 older kid or 1 passenger
≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
- Seating + Handhold: Captain's Chair
- Foot support: Sidekick Footrests
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick Wheel Guard M OR Cargo Hold 37 Panniers
- Double kickstand: DuoStand
1 passenger
≥ 36 kg (79 lb)
- Seating: Sidekick Seat Pad
- Handhold: Sidekick Joyride Bars, Sidekick Flat Bars, OR Sidekick Handle
- Foot support: Sidekick Footrests
- Foot and leg protection: Sidekick Wheel Guard M OR Cargo Hold 37 Panniers
- Double kickstand: DuoStand
All-weather riding
If you're regularly carrying a young passenger on a child seat or on the Clubhouse Mini and need a solution for bad weather days, we recommend building the Clubhouse Fort Mini (learn more: What is the Clubhouse Fort Mini?).
The accessories needed to build the Clubhouse Fort Mini depend on whether you have the Clubhouse Mini Gen 1 or Clubhouse Mini Gen 2 passenger bars.
Clubhouse Mini Gen 1With fixed rails and rear bar 
| Clubhouse Mini Gen 2With opening side rail and swappable rear bar 
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Note: Children can vary widely in maturity and physical development. These passenger weight guidelines represent our recommendations and you should adapt them as needed for the safety of your child. Please ensure your passenger setup is within the weight limits described below. As always, please follow local regulations regarding passengers and safety equipment.
Pet passenger
For many of us, the dog is part of the family. If you’re looking for a specially-designed solution to carry your buddy, we recommend the following setups:
Rear pet carrier for small to medium-size dogs, up to 13.5 kg (30 lb) | Front pet carrier for small dogs up to 7 kg (15 lb) |
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Required accessories: | Required accessories: |
What is Max Gross Vehicle Weight?
Max Gross Vehicle Weight (MGVW) is the maximum weight that a bike has been designed to safely carry. This means the weight of the Bicycle* + Accessories + Rider(s)** + Cargo + Trailer*** must be less than the MGVW for safe riding.
*Bicycle = Refers to weight of the bike plus battery(ies)
**Rider(s) = Refers to weight of the cyclist and any passengers
***Trailer = Refers to weight of the trailer with no braking system AND weight of any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Trailers with a braking system should not be included in the MGVW calculation.
Why does this matter?
It comes down to safety. By adhering to the bike's MGVW guidelines, riders can feel confident that the bike can safely handle the total weight in all riding conditions.
How much passenger weight can I carry on a HSD?
Step 1: Ensure the rear rack load is under 60 kg (passenger + accessory + cargo).
Step 2: HSD passenger weight < 170 kg - Bicycle* - Accessories - Rider - Cargo - Trailer
HSD riders have to do two calculations. The HSD has a MGVW of 170 kg (374 lb), but the rear rack has a load limit of 60 kg (132 lb). Because the rear rack has a separate load limit, first ensure that everything being carried on the rear rack is under 60 kg (132 lb). Then also make sure that the total weight of passenger + rider + HSD + any installed accessory + cargo + trailer is less than 170 kg (374 lb).
If you are towing a trailer, don't forget to also subtract the weight of the trailer and any cargo or passenger(s) on the trailer. Please note that trailers with an independent braking system should not be included in the MGVW calculation.
*Bicycle = weight of the bike plus batteries
Friendly reminders
- Most riders can comfortably carry 80% of their weight. Determine if you are comfortable carrying that much weight.
- Check your local regulations to make sure carrying passengers on a bike is legal in your area.
- Helmets are cool! Rider and passenger(s) are advised to wear an approved helmet.
- Do not leave children unattended on the bike, even if it is on the kickstand.
- こちらの記事は海外向けとなります。日本国内においては安全基準上推奨いたしません。(The contents of this article are not recommended for the Japanese market.)
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