Tern Vektron Folding Bike

[Snowdragon]

I purchased my first ebike, a 2nd hand Pedego Cruiser, about one year. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to move with relative ease around the city as a green commuter and grocery shopper! Because of its weigh and size, it was awkward to get into the subway train and impossible to get on bus rack. It also took up major space in my small loft. In spite of all this, I was convinced another electric bike was in the future.

After doing the research, I feel the Tern is the best option for me. I like the GSD, but it doesn't fold down compact enough. I understand the Vektron 2018 model has a few new features, what exactly are they? Would it be possible to get the Bosch Power Pak instead of the Bosch Active Line Cruise?

BTW: I am 5'1", an inactive senior, who was an avid bicyclist up until 10 years ago. I want to resume a passion of mine, and to accomplish this my knees need motor assistance to reclaim a healthier body and lifestyle.



Any comments or advice is much appreciated!

 

[Nova Haibike]

I understand the Vektron 2018 model has a few new features, what exactly are they? Would it be possible to get the Bosch Power Pak instead of the Bosch Active Line Cruise?

This EBR YouTube video points out the new features of the 2018 Vektron. Skip to about the 18:00 minute mark to see them. As for the motor, I do not believe Tern offers a motor upgrade.

 

[Snowdragon]

Thanks Nova, Yes, I have seen this video. So basically the 2018 model is the same as the 2017 with the addition of the wheels for easier transport and bag.

What is the difference between 300, 400 & 500 Wh?

It'd be great to have a choice of colors. Anyone know if this is possible on the s10?

Lastly, any news on a newer version of Vektron being released?

 

[Over50]

...After doing the research, I feel the Tern is the best option for me. I like the GSD, but it doesn't fold down compact enough. I understand the Vektron 2018 model has a few new features, what exactly are they? Would it be possible to get the Bosch Power Pak instead of the Bosch Active Line Cruise?...Any comments or advice is much appreciated!

The Vektron I just purchased I understood to be from one of the latest production runs. Tern, from what I can see, does not do model year variants on the same model name (ie Vektron S10). There is just one Vektron at the moment (not variants with varying specs) which has the older version of the Active Line motor. Also just one color scheme. Mine didn't come with the roller thing shown in the video so that might be an accessory that can be ordered from their website.

I'm sure Tern has other e-bikes in the works and I hope one would be an updated version of the Vektron (updated with smaller, lighter, quieter version of the Active Line). The bike is pretty cool as-is but it would really rock with the improved motor. That would be about my only knock on the bike (size of the motor seems excessive relative to the size of the bike). I think any new version would be revealed closer to Eurobike and Interbike toward the end of the summer. This was the timing for the GSD reveal last year (with availability starting any time now).

The Vektron comes with the Power Pack 400 which just refers to battery capacity. On the Vektron the 400 will still get you considerable range because of the lower torque and 20 mph limit. If/when I decide to commute on the bike (35 miles approximately mostly flat) I'll probably use on of my Power Pack 500s from my other bikes. But I'm sure the PP 400 could handle that range if ridden in the lower power settings. Maybe a dealer could order one with a 500 for extra $. I didn't inquire about this when I ordered given I already had 2 PP 500s.

 

[Snowdragon]

Thanks Over50!

"...from one of the latest production runs"

Does that imply production of S10 may end soon? Further clarification from your knowledge and experience is much appreciated.

I found out today the wheel trolley is an extra for about 99USD and bag is 30USD. Have you had chance to try the Walk feature? How does that work for you? As the video stated some people do not like the walk feature and so the wheel trolley was added. It is not a feature that I need now, but things may change after I purchase the S10 and use it for awhile.
.
Yes, I am eager to know when an updated version and their other ebikes come out too. In the meantime I will go ahead with the S10 purchase. I can easily do 30 - 40 miles a day, mostly flat, but would like to be going up hills, gradual inclines. Now I have been going around them which limits where I can go. And because I am heavy, I wonder if the PP 400 is adequate.

What other bikes do you have with the PP500? are they folding?

Your information about Vektron on other posts has also been very helpful. Thank you!!

 

[Over50]

Thanks Over50!

"...from one of the latest production runs"

Does that imply production of S10 may end soon? Further clarification from your knowledge and experience is much appreciated.

I found out today the wheel trolley is an extra for about 99USD and bag is 30USD. Have you had chance to try the Walk feature? How does that work for you? As the video stated some people do not like the walk feature and so the wheel trolley was added. It is not a feature that I need now, but things may change after I purchase the S10 and use it for awhile.
.
Yes, I am eager to know when an updated version and their other ebikes come out too. In the meantime I will go ahead with the S10 purchase. I can easily do 30 - 40 miles a day, mostly flat, but would like to be going up hills, gradual inclines. Now I have been going around them which limits where I can go. And because I am heavy, I wonder if the PP 400 is adequate.

What other bikes do you have with the PP500? are they folding?

Your information about Vektron on other posts has also been very helpful. Thank you!!

No, I didn't mean to imply production would end ... I wouldn't know how many units they produced or are producing. I've just been following Tern for awhile and just from casual observation it seems they let a model run out and then its replaced by different models. I have 3 Terns in the house at the moment (2 non electric) and both of my non electrics are no longer made yet are still recent models (a few years old).

I haven't tried the 'walk' mode but can do so this weekend to confirm it is activated. I will post results.

I don't know your budget but perhaps you should check out the Riese and Muller Tinker. It has good reviews and a higher torque motor. It isn't folding but it is very compact (also comes with 500 wh battery). Also, I believe it has some suspension which could help for a heavier rider.

 

[dblhelix]

I own a 2017 Vektron with the 50 Nm ActiveLine motor/250W. I do have the 500W PowerPack. I've put about 1300 miles on it, including some light touring. The ability to fold the bike down came in handy when I had to get over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in MD (no bikes allowed).

I won't ask you about your weight/riding habits but will instead send you to the Bosch range assistant so that you can compare 400W to 500W. If you have problems with the link just google "Bosch ebike range assistant" or similar and then click through the use agreement/country prompts:

https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/service/range-assistant/?setLanguage=3

With respect to the walk function, I can't say I use it frequently. Just haven't had a use for it. When I need to roll the bike indoors, I push the saddle and carry an extra bungee because the wheels have a tendency to come apart at the magnet. I imagine a trolley would be stabilizing, but I don't roll it so often that I've felt a need. The bike is small unfolded, so I've only folded to put in a car or on a bus.

Have fun!

 

[Over50]

A good source sent me a link today and via that link I found this article - I guess in lead up to Eurobike some reveals are happening. Tern Vektron with new models for 2019. I had opined that the Active Line was keeping the Vektron in the "good" category but with the new Active Line Plus it would easily fit in the "great" bike category. So Active Line Plus for 2019 it is! But what I didn't expect was frame changes. It looks beefier and almost like a cross between the GSD and the Vektron:

https://pedelec-elektro-fahrrad.de/news/tern-vektron-2019-drei-neue-modelle-vorgestellt/172904/

 

[Dewey]

I wonder if the Bosch Active Plus version will make it over to the US? The US market 2018 Vektron P9 uses a Bafang Max motor to bring the price down to $2,500 - I would be interested to know if the controller settings on this particular Bafang Max model can be adjusted by the user as with the Bafang Max Ultra and the other BBSxx motors.

 

[Over50]

I wonder if the Bosch Active Plus version will make it over to the US? ...

I feel pretty certain it would. Bosch and Tern are pretty tight from what I can tell. And putting a lighter, smaller and quieter motor on that bike makes complete sense.

 

[JLK]

Hello, anyone have any news on the availability of the new 2019 Tern Vektrons in the US?

 

[Over50]

Hello, anyone have any news on the availability of the new 2019 Tern Vektrons in the US?

I've heard early 2019.

 

[rannyv]

@Snowdragon - be aware that 20" wheels can have a jarring ride. Make sure you take the Tern for a good long ride over broken pavement before committing to it. Another option to the Vectron, though harder to find, is Wallerang Tjugo. It lists for 3900, but can be found for 3500. The modular front and rear rack are nice, as is the belt drive and internally geared hub.

 

[Over50]

Tern's marketing video on the upgraded Vektron published yesterday: