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Some e-bike brands offer models of every conceivable style in an effort to appeal to the widest possible audience. Other companies take a different approach, largely sticking to bikes of one or two styles and refining their designs until they approach perfection. Tern is among the latter; as a manufacturer of cargo/utility and folding e-bikes, it is considered one of the best in the biz.
Based in Taiwan, Tern was launched in 2011 by Joshua Hon and Florence Shen. As the son and wife of Dahon’s founder, Dr. David Hon, the two were heavily involved in the ownership and operation of that company before choosing to start a new business independently. Tern released a lineup of 21 bicycles in 2012 through distributors across more than 30 countries and has since become known for their premium-quality products.
The company’s goal is to build highly safe and functional e-bikes that make it easy for riders to spend less time in a car. With both urban and adventure models that come equipped with durable, high-quality components, Tern’s e-bikes can be outfitted with a wide range of optional accessories to carry groceries, children, furry passengers, camping gear, or just about anything else.
Tern also intends its products to be long lasting, as evidenced by its 10-year warranty and use of widely available parts. With a focus on environmental friendliness, the brand’s goal is for riders to service their e-bike over the long term as they would an automobile, instead of throwing their bikes away. The company also uses minimal and recyclable packaging to limit waste.
Hands-on experience has shown Tern’s e-bikes to be deserving of their reputation and also worth their premium price. The brand’s continued refinement of its products and integration of new technologies has resulted in some of the most well-equipped and functional e-bikes of their style we’ve encountered.
Oh, and did we mention that many of Tern’s e-bikes can stand vertically to take up less floor space? That’s a feature you won’t find in many other places!
