Bicycles

Tern jolts the Vektron folding e-bike to life

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The all-new Tern Vektron
Tern's new Vizy light
Tern's new Vizy light casts more of a glow around the rider to make him or her more visible 
The new Tern Vektron is up on Kickstarter now
Vektron riders can roll the bike in its folded form, making it easy to transport without having to shoulder the weight
The Tern Vektron uses a 400 Wh battery for up to 80 miles of range
The Vizy light is available as a $40 accessory and is not included on the Vektron bike
Tern says that the Vektron folds down in just 10 seconds
The Vektron includes an integrated headlight and taillight
The Tern Vektron folded and ready to go/store
Quick-release levers provide tool-free handlebar adjustment
The Vektron comes with an onboard computer for e-drive control and monitoring
Tern uses a Shimano 10-speed drivetrain 
The Bosch e-drive helps keep weight low and central
The Tern Vektron offers a payload of 230 lb (104 kg, rider and cargo)
The Tern Vektron provides speeds up to 20 mph
The all-new Tern Vektron
Tern includes a "GripPad" under the saddle for easy rolling
Two Tern Vektrons can fit in a car trunk
The Tern Vektron offers 40 to 80 miles of range, depending upon conditions
Instead of leaving your bike outside, you can bring the Tern Vektron into the home and office
The Vektron is designed to be easy to roll on and off public transportation
Tern Vektron going up
Out and about on the Tern Vektron
Don't worry about thieves; keep the Tern Vektron with you
Tern experimented with the Elektron name before landing on Vektron 
Included handlebar light on the Tern Vektron
View gallery - 26 images

Taiwanese folding bicycle company Tern makes some of the more interesting compact folders on the market, including a model with an integrated pump. Now it's working with Bosch to present the Vektron, a compact folding bike with 250 watts of electric assist. It's the latest way of getting around the city with a bit less perspiration.

Tern's new e-bike got some attention over the summer as the "Elektron," but has since changed names to the punchier Vektron. It made a debut at Eurobike 2016 before launching on Kickstarter this week.

"Electric bikes are fundamentally transforming the way people get around in cities," says Josh Hon, Tern founder. "They flatten hills, make headwinds disappear, and shorten commute times — that's why people love them. But, they're really hard to put in a car or take on public transport. And most electric bikes are difficult to store in downtown apartments, leaving them vulnerable to theft. The Vektron solves these issues."

Truth be told, Tern isn't exactly braving new ground, as there are plenty of electric folders of all sizes and styles out there already, including those in the "extra light and small" category, like the Vello Bike+ we looked at last month.

Vektron riders can roll the bike in its folded form, making it easy to transport without having to shoulder the weight

The Vektron doesn't fold quite as small as the Vello, but Tern does say it has the smallest folded size among its lineup of compact, small-wheeled folders, making it small enough to pack two in a car trunk. To get technical, the 48.9-lb (22 kg) bike measures 16.1 x 33.9 x 25.6 in (40.9 x 86.1 x 65 cm) when folded.

While small, the Vektron does manage to find space to host the Bosch electric mid-drive with 250 W motor and 400 Wh battery. That drive provides between 40 and 80 miles (64 to 128 km) of range per charge, relying on three sensors to measure input power, cadence and speed to help keep motor output in the sweet spot, as governed by four power modes that add between 50 and 250 percent of your pedaling power. Top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), and Tern promises extra-quick acceleration.

"There's a reason a Vespa is designed with small wheels," says Joakim Uimonen, Tern's design director. "With small wheels you get punchy acceleration, a more maneuverable ride in traffic, and plenty of space between the wheels and rider for cargo-carrying."

The Tern Vektron offers a payload of 230 lb (104 kg, rider and cargo)

In addition to folding the bike down completely in a mere 10 seconds, Tern's hardware also makes for versatile adjustment. Tern says the Vektron can fit riders from under 5 feet (1.5 m) to nearly 6.5 feet (2 m) thanks to its adjustable seat and handlebars and low step-over height.

The Vektron has an onboard computer for switching modes, displaying speed, battery level and distance, and updating the remaining range figure. Other features include built-in front and rear lights, a rear cargo rack, 10 speeds and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.

Tern says that it's using Kickstarter because of the success it had launching the Cargo Node last year, crediting that campaign with helping it increase the bike's popularity and broaden distribution. Since it already has an established 125-dealer network in the US, Tern says that backers with a nearby dealer can have the Vektron delivered to that dealer so the bike is assembled by a professional and ready to ride upon pickup. Those without a nearby dealer can nominate a local bike shop or opt to let Tern do the set-up and send it directly to their homes.

The US$2,975 early bird models have already been gobbled up, but the Vektron is available to US-based Kickstarters at a pledge level of $3,100 (plus $99 shipping), still a drop from the estimated $3,400 retail price. Tern hopes to begin deliveries in April. For international backers and those who might want to support the campaign without pledging for an entire bike, Tern also has some low-priced pledge rewards, including a bottle opener, water bottle and bike bag. It plans to get the bike into other markets by July 2017.

The Vizy light is available as a $40 accessory and is not included on the Vektron bike

While we were investigating the Vektron, we came across another interesting new Tern product worth a mention. The Vizy Light launched last month, bringing an innovative bit of safety to cyclists, particularly those in high-traffic environments. The $40 taillight secures to the seat post and not only provides a rear-facing light but also casts a red halo of 60 lumens of light directly down on the ground around the bike, making the cyclist much more visible to those around. It's a similar idea to the Blaze Laserlight, albeit with different execution.

Watch the Vektron in action below.

Source: Tern Bicycles

View gallery - 26 images
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1 comment
LyndseyVarvil
I appreciate there are pannier mounts on the back of the bike. I have yet to expand into the foldable bike scene, but it would really help with bike storage. I also have seen bike pannier wall mounts, that I use for storage at work/home. https://www.mybikeismycar.com/