Tern Vektron Electric Bike Review

[@Propelbikes]

This bike has had some awesome upgrades since this video came out. Check out the link in the description if you want to learn more!🚲

[@mikekearsley2407]

I have had my Tern Vectron S10 for 2 1/2 years and put just over 4,000 miles on the bike. I have loved this bike and taken it on so many great bike rides. Couple comments: No mechanical issues with the bike, battery and the Bosch E-bike components. Routine maintenance: replaced brake pads every 1,500 miles, replaced tires after 3,000 miles and replaced chain after 2,500 miles. I will replace front chainring, chain and back sprockets within the next 1,000 miles. I have put the bike on buses, ships, Amtrak trains (no bag needed and no extra cost). So many times i have put this bike in my truck or car without a bike rack. the folding capability of this bike makes it a perfect travel bike. Thanks Tern and Bosch for such a great bike. Yes, I would buy this bike again.

[@mikema9311]

mike kearsley thanks for the maintenance updates..will be carrying a travelling -louge with me to follow your broad advice

[@punaforager]

Could you fit two in a compact suv ?

[@Buggiy]

@@punaforager 2 in a combi so no problem on a suv i think

[@laurentlesax]

I bought one last month, so i'm a pretty new reviewer, but already am over 850km with it, especially mountains rides (on roads) in France and Switzerland. I bought for its capacity to fold and be carried in the train which was very convenient. The bike is pretty heavy though and not very practical to carry once folded, but it's still ok... and it's super fast to fold/unfold which is good. This is really the most negative point i found so far with this bike. A front suspension would have been a nice add too as (the 2nd negative point) you can feel every bump on the road (not to mention the forest paths) and it's a bit tiring for the hands/wrists after a long ride (i wear gloves and it's ok though). I honestly thought the battery range was overestimated for advertising and was very happily surprised of it's capacity and range! I'm 80kg weight, and in one charge, i had a 60km ride 2 days ago and 39km yesterday (nearly 100km then) and still had 2 bars over 5 left! The range was of course a little shorter in the swiss mountains than it is in Paris surroundings but i managed to get over 60km there without problem... (i have a 400Wh only). After 25km/h the power stops but i didn't feel the transition really! Actually this heavy bike rides very easily over 25km/h on a flat surface so you save battery then. I mainly used it on the "eco" mode which was enough for most of the time, and put "tour" or "sport" for the hardest parts. Never used "Turbo" ! :-)) The bike is very strong too and i put it in difficult conditions in and off roads without problem. I also carried some 15kgs luggages in the back and honestly didn't feel i had it! Last of it, the light is amazingly powerful and nights rides are a joy! So i'm very happy about this bike and would recommend it to others...

[@RB-sr1oc]

Great, thorough video. I use my Vektron a lot for a multi-modal commute. I put it in the trunk of our hybrid and carpool with my wife to her place of employment. I ride from there to my place of employment then all the way home at the end of the day. Usually about 22 miles total. A versatile bike.

[@Propelbikes]

Amazing! It's definitely the perfect bike for such things. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@philipdrury7613]

Thats the model I have here in the UK. I have never looked back at over 700 miles in around 6 months and I seriously cant fault perfection. My choice of retirement transport for travelling, exploring and shopping along with my Radical design trailer is all i will need. Great videos by the way, very informative.

[@mikema9311]

Picking up my first electric bike-Tern folding bike on used bike market with many accessories. Brothers coming with me who has 2 terns . So it’ll be an interesting day. We are meeting the person from Whistler and a meet up in Squamish to check it out

[@Propelbikes]

Nice! Tern makes some excellent bikes! Best of luck with your new bikes!

[@johnlaw3323]

Really enjoy your vlogs as you always give lots of relevant info for all round ownership. Many thanks.

[@reinplat]

I think more people would benefit from foldable pedals as opposed to the removable ones. Who wants to remove their pedals before hopping onto a commuter train?

[@MoPoppins]

reinplat - True. What are people supposed to do with them? Is there a convenient pouch that can be mounted on the bike, or are they supposed to stick them in their pocket or bag?

[@KhaanMuadDib]

Is there any word on new Vektron with 2020 Bosch performance line and optional gates belt drive? I know they offer belt drive for the hsd why not for Vektron?

the frame do not allow a belt, there is no opening, i wish it could. But there is a german company that offer a belt that can be open. Still, there is no sense for a belt if you dont swap the rear wheel for an inner hub. ( i did that ). I would also not advise nuvinci-enviolo because it is a poor quality that break easely. If you want to upgrade, go to rohlof :P

[@kldstl]

@ You were able to fit hub gear on a Vektron? How is it working out? I want to get a Vektron but I would really like hub gear instead of a cassette and derailleur.

[@simonmanning7240]

@@kldstl I have the much less expensive Tern eLink d7i which has a chinese mid-drive motor, but has 7 speed internal hub - I don't know if they still carry this version but it was $3000- USD

[@paulacalvert]

no throttle on this bike which is the only downer. I have a Blix which is giving me many problems out of the box, however it has a throttle which i love for when you need to move quickly at traffic lights, or after stopping.

[@Propelbikes]

Keep in mind the pedal assist on this bike is very different than the pedal assist on your Blix bike. You would have no trouble getting through intersections and getting up to speed.

[@trevormurray1085]

I rode this in your Brooklyn shop and loved it. But then I rode the Riese and Müller Tinker and discovered a lot of things I felt were missing from the Vektron. I need a folding bike because of my tiny NYC apartment and storage limitations at work, but wish the Vektron had some of the Tinker options - belt drive, internally geared hub, Bosch Performance motor. I might even pass on the internally geared hub if I could get a high-speed version. Any word on the 2020 Vektron updates? Or maybe Riese and Müller will step up and release a folding bike? Funny that they started their company with a folding bike but don’t offer any folding electric options at the moment.

i feel you so much, i own 2 vektron and i wish i could have discover the thinker first. So many detail are missing on the vektron that i can find on the thinker. Most of the time i will only fold the handlebar and i wish for a belt drive, front suspension, rear wheel lock... I hope indeed that Riese Müller can do a new thinker with back and front suspension. The back part could fold like a Brompton and that would just be a dream.

[@spearmap]

We have a model available in Canada called the TERN VEKTRON D7I. It has a Bafang mid drive and a Nexus 7 hub. A nice combination

[@miata1370]

I too am attracted by the features of the R&M TInker...but two issues for me: no opportunity within 250 miles to even test ride a Tinker....and it is $2k more in price. Not going to order such an expensive e-bike without the chance to test ride so I've ordered a Vektron Q9. Your video and my local test ride of a Vektron helped with my decision. Thank you Chris/Propel for you informative videos.

[@Ramon51650]

You mention the option to attach small assist wheels to the ends of the rack for ease of rolling when folded. is that something that I can get thru Tern? Thanks for the video! I just placed an order for a Vectron this afternoon, so I want to learn as much about as possible before it arrives. What happened to the pedal holder at the base of the seat?

[@lubisio1]

@@visualray Hi, it seems like adding these wheels are only available for the Vektron S10 (G1). If I get it right, you have to change the whole rack to get such wheels at the back...

[@livestn]

I found that the chain guard block the charging plug so I had to remove the battery from the bike and charge the battery off the bike.

[@Occuparencycom]

I found this to be an issue too and it’s an obvious miss by the designers unfortunately :(

[@mikema9311]

Lucky one can remove the battery that’s half the battle

[@AlfredE.Neuman]

Could you modify the chain guard?

[@frankn4424]

A shame that Tern removed the pedal storage facility. It now means having to put the possibly greased /dirty thing in your pocket !

[@rossraderstorf1378]

What do you suggest for a locking system? Would you suggest a specific type of lock? I was also interested in a peg system I heard of for the tires.

[@christill]

If it had a hub gearing option I think that would make a huge difference in how I think about it. But the other major issue is the fold. As a Brompton owner (not the electric one but it doesn’t really make any difference to the fold), the speed and ease of the folding process and the compactness is unmatched and is so important. I can’t imagine folding the Vektron on a station platform in the same way I know I can with a Brompton. Yes, it would be nice to have the mid drive Bosch system like I have on my R&M Delite, but the fold is more important than the electric system in my view.

[@Propelbikes]

Thanks for this Chris! This is excellent feedback. I also wish we had a folding Birdy. I push Marcus and Heiko on this every chance I get. I think we will see this in the future, but we need a lighter weight Bosch motor and battery first I think. I also hope Tern offers the belt on the Vektron is eventually available with a belt. The trouble is most IGHs are heavier than derailleurs, but I think it’s already not considered very light so it wouldn’t hurt too much.

[@eugenijusra]

They do sell internal gear Shimano Nexus 7 Vektrons here in Europe - P7i and D7i.

[@christill]

Eugenijus Radlinskas Nice. With the disc brakes as well, it has a lot of advantages. It’s just the Brompton fold is so addictive and fun.

[@brucehutcheson5371]

Would you have the frame height where you step thru to get on the bike?

[@jjgoode01]

I'm liking this bike more and more. I need something easy to store as I plan on doing some full-time RVing. I think I can fold a couple of these and stow them in the back of a towed Wrangler. The only thing I'd like to see is enclosed, easy to use, hub gears, e.g. Nuvinci or maybe even the Rohloff. It would be great to have the carbon belt too, but I can see that would be a design nightmare.

[@Propelbikes]

Many of our customers use these for that exact purpose. I do also wish they had an IGH version, but this bike works really well in its current configuration. I know several people with 4k+ trouble free miles.

[@castulojoeypat5911]

Wow its my dream ebike to work but its so expensive i cant afford to buy...

[@jorgsofi]

Will this bike clear Schwalbe Super Moto X 20 x 2.40 tires?

[@thegroove2000]

Is there an option for better pedals?. They look cheap and not very hard wearing.

[@eladshem]

How would you compare these to the electric Brompton version? Having hard time deciding which one is the right one for me. (trains on a daily basis and a relatively short commute)

[@Propelbikes]

The Vektron is heavier and larger, but the motor is more powerful, the bike is more stable

[@eladshem]

@@Propelbikes Thanks for the quick reply! I was wondering which is considered more stable. very helpful

[@adeniyibabatunde4817]

I need another charger is there any help

[@RenM908]

Is this thing significantly larger than the brompton in size? I’m trying to decide for an electric e folding bike.

[@MTLClimb]

It is much bigger and heavier than a Brompton. I have the Vektron and will be receiving my on-order Brompton. Will be keeping both but they have very different uses based on that one is electric/non-electric and size.

[@pennyroyal3813]

Excellent review.

[@jaybenny7719]

Have you guys tried the new go cycle? Been hearing great stuff about the new model.

[@Propelbikes]

It seems pretty cool. We don’t have too much experience with them and we’re a bit concerned about how many proprietary parts there are, but we have been considering offering it. It does seem to provide a unique solution.

[@noisycarlos]

As a gocycle owner, I have to say I really enjoy it. I haven't found anything lighter with 20 inch wheels. Especially one that folds. I'm curious about mid drives though for really steep hills. Sometimes I could use more torque, and a mid drive would allow me to shift down (hence why I'm watching this video :-) )

[@e.mc2]

Where can i buy this man ?

[@Propelbikes]

I’m not for sale, but we do sell the bike at propelbikes.com ;)

[@GENECARP]

Why not folding pedal?

[@ahkl77]

Good trove of practical tips and tricks 👍

[@Propelbikes]

Thank you very much for the compliment!

[@glitchlife4639]

The one thing I dont like about this bike is that there is no front suspension. You feel every single bump. I like being able to commute around the city and to do a little light trail riding on dirt and gravel outside of town. I have been riding the rad mini and love it, but its too damned heavy and folds up awkwardly.

[@barriewylde5915]

I love my vektron S10 it can do it all.I will upgrade my tires when the time comes.I run my tires 45F and 50 R

[@NaeMuckle]

Upgrade to what brand?

[@IchimokuCloud]

Good review. I love my Vektron, which I use to navigate the streets of Tokyo, and frequently ride to and from Haneda airport. Its a quality ebike, excellent parts, tight tolerances, and solid feel. I tricked my out with the Tern basket in front and zip tie a Euro crate to the rear rack to carry cargo. Zip ties are easily removable, and the Euro crate is very versatile. The brakes and cassette are perfect for the bike and I think the best feature is perhaps the most simple: the Ergon grips. If you never used Ergon before, its worth a try particularly on an urban bike. I'm not a big fan of the Bosch drive - since the motor is restricted, once the assist stops at the speed restriction (which is a terrible 20 km in Japan), the motor feels heavy and sluggish. Badassbox? Finally, I like the utility of a folding bike, but I find I rarely use it. Too much trouble to remove my add ons and to be truthful at 22 kg the bike is heavier than one may think to move around folded. It's really luggable, not portable while folded and forget about airline due to the battery. Compare to traditional BYB bike which is only 12.5 kg.

[@Propelbikes]

Such great feedback John! I always enjoy your comments and I never knew you were in Japan. I'll have to look you up if I ever make it there. It's definitely on my list. It is a bummer the assisted speed is so low there.

[@IchimokuCloud]

@Frank Siu Depends on the size of your battery, your weight, riding style (turbo vs eco), terrain, and weather (probably in order). I have a small 300 w battery (not recommended!) required by law in Japan and easily get 35-40 km. I weigh 85 kg, fairly flat terrain. I'll ride to the airport with another 10 kg bag.

[@IchimokuCloud]

@Frank Siu sorry slow reply. I have gone too and from Haneda Airport rt 30 km and had 1 tick remaining. The battery in Japan is only 300 w. Get a bigger battery if you can!!

[@JC-qs7hc]

Can’t the battery be removed from the checked bike and placed in carry-on luggage.

[@ikefrancisvocales903]

I would like to have one. It could be available to buy in the country where I live now , in Italy Rome or It could be available online or do you have any contact so that I shall be pointed how to reach the supplier / seller?

[@Propelbikes]

I would recommend checking out ternbicycles.com to find a dealer near you.

[@completelystupid87]

It’s bigger (when fold) than I thought in real life

[@leonardocesaretti8662]

Compare it with a fat foldable bikes which is really heavy to bring or other foldable bikes that never fold in the right way

[@skepticalmechanic]

Bosch are on the 4th gen motors now....

[@Propelbikes]

Bosch is currently focusing on the Gen 3 and Gen 4 motors. The Gen 4 isn’t necessarily newer than the Gen 3, it’s just the model family is newer.

[@Pogokoala]

What is bosch?

[@Propelbikes]

Bosch makes the motor system for the bike.

[@ИринаКлименко-в8й]

Perfect

[@FancyMcDancy]

I know this is weird, but I'm struggling to watch your videos since I saw Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman testify in the House impeachment proceedings. Every time I see you, I think of him. Is he a distant relative?

[@Propelbikes]

No relation. Sorry

[@ronaldotse]

3 working modes available

[@minniesaab7255]

👍🏻

[@Music-ci3ri]

Propel Electric Bikes