Eurobike / test ride: The Tern Elektron attracted countless curious looks at the Eurobike stand of the folding and compact bike specialist - no wonder, after all, according to its own statements, it is the most compact e-bike with a Bosch motor and comes with the intuitive folding mechanism, which is typical for Tern. In the demo area, we were able to convince ourselves of the qualities of the Elektron during a short test drive.
As the first manufacturer ever, Tern has succeeded in combining the two components folding bike and Bosch drive with the new Elektron. So it's not too surprising that it has the most compact dimensions of any Bosch bike currently available - even when unfolded. The new e-folding bike was created in cooperation with the southern German motor manufacturer and is powered by an Active Line drive and a 300Wh battery. Even if 300Wh doesn't seem like much compared to what 'full-grown' e-bikes offer, a range of 50-100km should be possible. In practice it should probably be over after about 60km, but for a bike like the Elektron that is designed for short distances that is more than sufficient.
The other equipment of the Elektron is also impressive: Hydraulic Deore disc brakes from Shimano bring the 20 inch wheels to a safe stop at all times and the 10-speed derailleur should have the right gear ratio for almost every challenge in the German urban landscape. By the way, the Tern electron weighs 22kg; thanks to the clever folding mechanism, which we will explain in detail in a moment, it is still easy to transport. You don't have to do without any other comfort either: mudguards are part of the equipment as well as a simple luggage rack and LED lighting integrated into the overall design. At just under €3.000, the Tern Elektron is extremely reasonably priced in view of this configuration.
Thanks to the seat post that can be pulled out in two stages and the specially developed, height-adjustable stem, the Elektron is “one-size-fits-all”: That means there is only one frame size that can be adjusted to riders between 145cm and 190cm. If taller people are worried about the weight: The Tern e-bike has a maximum system weight of 120kg, so it can handle riders weighing up to almost 100kg.
The adjustment to the corresponding body size can be done in a few simple steps and in seconds. The seating position on the Elektron is – typical for a bike in this class – more comfortable than sporty. You sit upright, but despite the small wheels you have a good overview. If you've never ridden such a compact bike before, you'll have to get used to the handling: it's a bit more nervous, but the electron impresses with its maneuverability. We could really use the latter on the extremely well-attended Eurobike test site. The Active Line motor supports more gently than powerfully, but this should in no way be taken as a criticism, because the drive fits very well with the overall concept of the small city runabout. The brakes and gears do their job as expected and offer absolutely no reason for criticism.
The folding mechanism of the Tern Elektron – from bike to piece of luggage in just a few simple steps
Normally, our test ride is over after the test lap, but the highlight of the Elektron is still waiting - we now fold up the compact e-bike. The employee at the Tern booth had briefly explained the most important work steps to us, we don't have any other help - and to put it in advance: We don't need it either. Basically, there are only four steps that turn the already compact 20″ wheel into an even more manageable piece of luggage.
- Retract the seat post
- Flip the main lever and fold the frame together
- Turn the front wheel and fix it to the rear wheel with a magnet
- Fold in the handlebars
Neither is a great deal of effort necessary, nor do the numerous lines and cables cause us any problems. Tern did a really great job with the latter, because the laying is designed in such a way that nothing gets stuck even when folding quickly. All in all, we folded the electron in less than a minute—with practice, the entire process should take less than 30 seconds.
A guard and a small stand on the underside of the motor protect the drive and also ensure a secure footing. Folded up like this, the Elektron can also be pulled without any problems thanks to the parallel wheels - so that you don't have to carry the 22kg.
Conclusion: With the electron, Tern has achieved a great success. The compact e-bike with Bosch drive is of high quality and well thought-out, offers a high level of comfort and the folding mechanism was also convincing. Although €3.000 is a lot of money, we think the price is quite reasonable in view of what is on offer.
Website
www.ternbicycles.com