Folding e bike and weight concern

[Lefty leggs]

I’m very interested in the Tern folding bikes and I could use some advice.The models are the Vektron P9 with a Bafang mid drive motor or the Vektron Q9 or S10 with the Bosch motors.My concern is my weight being 255 lbs with what appears to be a rider limit of 230 on all 3 models.I know all models allow for extra cargo on the rear rack so with it being used near or exceeding capacity,which motor would be the best fit.My concern is more about durability of the motor,more then getting more miles per charge.The reason for Tern is there are two dealers close to home and it appears to to be a high quality e bike. I know the Tern brand is a bit expensive, but my wife and I are ok with that.
Any advise would be appreciate.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

@Over50 has couple of Tern folding bikes. He can chime in..

You could always get a sturdier seat post like the Thomson and perhaps Tandem wheel build (48 holes) to mitigate any risk.
Whether the folding joint will sustain higher loading is something that you may want to reach out to Tern.

 

[Over50]

@Over50 has couple of Tern folding bikes. He can chime in..

You could always get a sturdier seat post like the Thomson and perhaps Tandem wheel build (48 holes) to mitigate any risk.
Whether the folding joint will sustain higher loading is something that you may want to reach out to Tern.

Does it have to be a folder? Because with the GSD and I believe with the HSD, you would be well within the weight limits. They are not folders but can be stored in a very compact fashion.

I have both Bosch-powered Vektron models and the GSD. I weigh 170 and haven't carried much cargo on the Vektrons but quite a bit on the GSD. Probably my largest load has been about 100 pounds of cargo and the motor handles it fine (but I don't have hills). The more weight you plan to carry and the more you have in hills then I would think you would want to consider the higher torque options. I have no experience with or knowledge of Bafang so I don't know how the Bosch-powered Vektrons stack up against the Bafang-powered Vektrons. The GSD and HSD I think are only Bosch-powered but with the HSD you have 2 motor choices.

I'm betting they put some padding into their weight limits but that is speculation on my part. I recall one of the early GSD videos with the Tern founder and he hinted at having tested the bike over the stated limit. But don't know if there could be warranty issues if bike was used outside of stated limits. There are other compact bikes on the market you might look at. For instance the R&M Tinker is compact (not a folder). I'm not sure what the weight limit is on that.

 

[GolfRequired]

I own and ride a Swagtron eb5 folder ebike. I'm 215 and it pulls me along well. We even have a 20% grade to ride and it will get me over without pedaling. Hope this helps.

 

[Lefty leggs]

@Over50 has couple of Tern folding bikes. He can chime in..

You could always get a sturdier seat post like the Thomson and perhaps Tandem wheel build (48 holes) to mitigate any risk.
Whether the folding joint will sustain higher loading is something that you may want to reach out to Tern.

Thanks for the idea.I will suggest that at the Tern dealership

 

[Lefty leggs]

Does it have to be a folder? Because with the GSD and I believe with the HSD, you would be well within the weight limits. They are not folders but can be stored in a very compact fashion.

I have both Bosch-powered Vektron models and the GSD. I weigh 170 and haven't carried much cargo on the Vektrons but quite a bit on the GSD. Probably my largest load has been about 100 pounds of cargo and the motor handles it fine (but I don't have hills). The more weight you plan to carry and the more you have in hills then I would think you would want to consider the higher torque options. I have no experience with or knowledge of Bafang so I don't know how the Bosch-powered Vektrons stack up against the Bafang-powered Vektrons. The GSD and HSD I think are only Bosch-powered but with the HSD you have 2 motor choices.

I'm betting they put some padding into their weight limits but that is speculation on my part. I recall one of the early GSD videos with the Tern founder and he hinted at having tested the bike over the stated limit. But don't know if there could be warranty issues if bike was used outside of stated limits. There are other compact bikes on the market you might look at. For instance the R&M Tinker is compact (not a folder). I'm not sure what the weight limit is on that.

I looked at that option,but it looks like the bike even with handlebars folded will be to tall.I also e-mailed tern USA to see if they had a concern with this.My son who is a engineer with Harley Davidson says there is a good chance that the Vektron is overbuildt for the weight.Thanks for the suggestion on the GSD and the HSD