Tern Quick Haul Long D9 Review | A Premium E-Cargo Bike

As shown in the graphic above, the Quick Haul Long’s performance in our Range Test was far better than its advertised capabilities suggested, with the caveat that we tested it without cargo (as we have done with all other cargo e-bikes we have reviewed). Our testing methods are detailed in the graphic along with the bike’s test results.

When comparing the Quick Haul Long to similar models we have tested, it is worth noting that we haven’t seen a ton of bikes in the cargo category with mid-drive motors. As such, I will break down the Quick Haul Long’s performance in two ways.

First, the Quick Haul Long’s performance is average when compared to the small pool of other cargo e-bikes with mid-drives we have tested (those bikes averaged 36.3 and 98.6 miles).

Second, the D9’s Turbo Mode results are still in line with the average for maximum pedal assist (34.0 miles) when including all other cargo bikes we have tested—the majority of which used hub motors. The Tern’s low-assist test, however, was over 30 miles above average when compared to the full cargo category (68.3 miles at the time of writing).

The Quick Haul Long’s advantage is its mid-drive motor, which is naturally more efficient than a hub motor since it relies on rider effort. Additionally, as shown by the Eco Mode result in our Speed Test (above), the bike’s lowest assist setting puts out a reserved level of power, helping the bike stretch its battery charge to give an impressive maximum range.

We expect that the bike’s results might end up closer to Tern’s estimated range when carrying kids or groceries, but we consider its results to be practical for running errands or dropping the kids off at school.

FYI: when testing the bike separately with cargo, I primarily used Tour and Sport modes when riding on flat ground or over small hills. Staying in the mid-range of the bike’s assist settings will help to stretch out its battery charge and provide the most range.

As shown in the graphic above, the Quick Haul Long D9 was successful in completing our Hill Test. We consider it to have performed well, but we must consider and explain two perspectives for context.

First, when compared with all other bikes we have tested with similar 250W mid-drive motors, the Quick Haul Long was 5 seconds faster than average; bikes with this motor spec average 1:37 from start to finish.

These bikes differed in many ways, including weight, torque output, riding position, and tire size/style. All of these factors affect Hill Test performance, so it is impossible to identify a single reason why the Quick Haul Long was faster than average.

Second, the Tern’s results were 17 seconds slower than average when compared to all cargo e-bikes we’ve tested; this average at the time of writing is 1:15. This wider gap is likely related to the Quick Haul Long’s motor type. Most of the cargo bikes we have reviewed used rear-hub motors that relied less on rider input, making them generally faster uphill.

Regardless, the Quick Haul Long proved to be plenty capable—both with and without cargo.

I tested the bike separately at a secondary location with a cargo basket and a 57-lb sandbag strapped to the cargo rack. This location, called Pilot Hill, has the same average grade as Hell Hole but is slightly less extreme. Without weight, I pedaled up in 1:27 at 13.8 mph, which slowed to 1:47 at 11.2 mph under load.

While carrying cargo, the added weight was noticeable but the bike pedaled effectively. The Quick Haul Long’s Bosch mid-drive kicked out more power when using a lower gear or a higher assist setting (or both), so I found myself downshifting for some extra “juice” when I tested the bike with weight vs. when I rode with nothing on the back.

In our Brake Test, we gathered test data using the method described above, and found the Tern Quick Haul Long to be well-specced. Its average stopping distance was 17’6”, which is 2 feet better than our average for all cargo bikes we’ve tested—19’7” at the time of writing.

The main contributing factor to this difference seemed to be the Quick Haul Long’s relatively low weight. Most of the cargo bikes we have reviewed previously were significantly heavier (75 to 95 lbs). At 65 lbs including its battery, the Quick Haul Long has less momentum for its brakes to counteract, so it was able to stop in a shorter amount of time.

As with all other cargo bikes we have tested, we performed this test without cargo, but it is important to note that additional weight will likely extend the bike’s braking distance. When I tested the bike with cargo, however, its brakes still felt extremely effective; my speed felt easily controlled when barelling down Pilot Hill in my secondary Hill test.

There was one characteristic of the bike that stood out to me when braking: it stayed remarkably stable and straight when coming to a stop, even when loaded up. The bike barely deviated from its line of travel, and its brake system functioned well.

While more subjective than our previous test sections, ride quality is no less important. This section covers the Quick Haul Long’s sizing, comfort, handling, user interface, accessories, and overall feel.

Tern offers the D9 in a single frame size intended for riders between 5’1” and 6’1”. The bike includes a long seatpost and a telescoping stem with approximately 9.5” of saddle height and 4.5” of handlebar height adjustment to customize its fit. At 5’11”, I had both points of adjustment set near their maximum, so the advertised height range made sense.

I found the bike generally comfortable; its ergonomic handlebars and rubber grips were easy to hold for long rides. Its saddle was on the slim/firm side, though that was not unexpected considering the bike’s commuter/city bike influence.

The Quick Haul Long’s riding position is forward-leaning (slight to moderate, depending on the handlebar height) with a bottom bracket that felt somewhat shifted forward, so pedaling seemed to require more outward force instead of downward pressure. I found that this took some getting used to, but the adjustment period was short.

As mentioned previously, the bike felt relatively light and nimble for its size; its wide 700 mm handlebars offered controlled steering and its small wheels felt quick to turn.

In terms of features and the user interface, the Quick Haul Long took a minimalist approach. Its small display/control panel occupied the left handlebar while the right hosted the Tektro trigger shifter and a small bell. The bike includes lights and fenders, but no other bells or whistles; this helps to keep its cost relatively low in comparison to other Tern models.

The D9 can be outfitted with a massive range of accessories. For cargo containment, Tern offers panniers, storage compartments, and a front rack or luggage truss. To expand passenger capacity, there are seats, fold-up footboards, handrails, pet carriers, soft weatherproof compartments, and even seat belts!

Something to be aware of: where many of the other cargo e-bikes we’ve tested included basic passenger accessories like seat pads and footboards, buyers interested in the Quick Haul Long will need to add those things separately.

Our test bike included a few of Tern’s optional accessories, including panniers, footboards (called Stow Decks), a storage compartment that squeezes between frame members beneath the battery (the Cache Box L), etc. We appreciated their quality and function once installed, but this process was relatively lengthy and somewhat frustrating.

Critique aside, the Quick Haul Long’s smooth, responsive pedal assist and crisp, ergonomic shifting were highlights of its use. We generally found the bike easy and comfortable to operate.

Our testing showed that the Quick Haul Long D9 is a practical premium cargo e-bike—but not just a cargo e-bike. Where other models might feel limited when they are not loaded down with extra weight, the Quick Haul Long feels natural at all times, allowing riders to effectively carry groceries or kids while being flexible enough for commuting or exercise.

The bike’s test results reinforced Tern’s reputation as a manufacturer of durable and practical premium e-bikes. It demonstrated average or above average results in all areas of our testing, with an ideal speed distribution, excellent stopping power, remarkable range, and solid climbing power.

Additionally, the bike is specced thoroughly with high-quality components and its ride feels extremely precise. The Bosch mid-drive felt responsive at all times, powerful when needed, and effective when climbing hills and carrying cargo. The Tektro groupset served to shift and stop the bike reliably.

As such, we believe the Quick Haul Long D9 will be best for riders seeking a high-end, extremely natural-feeling e-bike with the ability to substitute a car. It’s likely a great choice for city-dwellers living in tight quarters with limited storage space. Finally, with plenty of accessories, it should serve parents or delivery professionals well.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Tern Quick Haul Long D9 down in our comments section.