Tern Vektron Review - 3.4k

The Tern Vektron (also called the Tern Elektron initially) is a premium folding electric bike with Bosch drive system and leading warranty, sturdy and quiet with plenty of adjustability (seat post height and stem angle), smart accessories help you carry gear and stay dry without noise. The folding joints are thick and sturdy but don't have sharp edges, both latches have two-step locks to keep them secure and they fold flat to stay out of the way, a magnet and rubber strap keep the bike from coming unfolded. Excellent Schwalbe Balloon tires with puncture protection, reflective sidewalls and a larger diameter for improved comfort, you also get bright integrated lights and a delay feature for safety when parking. Neat quick release pedal design, both wheels quick release as well, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, easy to remove battery without taking the saddle and seat post off, the bike costs more, only comes in one size and the new Purion display is not removable.
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR.

[@ahkl77]

3 years on still informative 👍

[@RayRift]

You are living a DREAM man! You are the king of the electric bike world. Most knowledgeable. And you get to live in your Prius. You rule!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Ha! well, I certainly appreciate this opportunity and am doing my best to get useful information out there, thanks for sharing your enthusiasm ;)

[@tomk7187]

Great job demonstrating.. Just bought have not received yet, I have the Tern node d8, exceptionally nice smooth bike, quality is there, in this world nothing is free!

[@Propelbikes]

Great review as always Court! This is the folding bike we've been waiting for! I can't wait till they start shipping! This bike is the ultimate bike for NYC and other urban environments. Thanks for the great review!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Definitely, thanks for the cheers! I'm excited to see how it does... they really put some good thought into it, like a whole nother level :D

[@petrapatia6395]

I never feel like I can trust these reviews with them always being conducted in front of and with the favor of the manufacturers & sellers.

[@robt3325]

It literally says that it's sponsored.

[@juri2001]

YOU CAN'T this reviewer literally is kissing other guy's a]s]s

[@inrptn]

This bike is ridiculously impressive.

[@kengruz669]

Agree. Only thing is weight. Now if it were carbon...

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

I had an electric bike once. It was shit.. Now a folding bike that's Bosch powered. I'm sold!!

[@Propelbikes]

This is the folding bike we have been waiting for. We get requests all the time for folders, but ever since we heard about this release we have been eagerly awaiting it's release. Two leading companies in their niche came together to make a truly awesome product!

[@Ecrious]

Preordered this bike from my local bike shop. Super psyched after testing the demo. Looking forward to the shipment. It didn't feel weak but it stops supplying assist around 19mph-20mph. Steep SF hills feel more like 15 mph on turbo with light human leg power. The main strengths are super quick acceleration, comfort and maneuverability. Super easy to roll too.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Cool, have you test ridden this one Peips? I agree with your feedback about how the motor performs

[@Ecrious]

Tested the vektron at warmplanet bikes in SF. It was a loaner, I doubt it was the exact same one but the same specs for sure. I was real excited to see your review and you answered my question regarding the micro-usb port. Glad it has one. I hope it helps me keep up in traffic. Safety and security is a difficult issue here in SF. Currently I use the iMax T3 scooter and its brake gave out on me twice, and still to slow for car traffic. It costs a lot but with only one ride I look forward to the reliability money can buy.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Nice, I love to hear that my extra time and attention to detail helped someone ;) hope you enjoy the bike Peips! And thanks for your feedback on the iMax T3, feel free to comment on the review or in the forums if you have issues or tips that might help others

[@videomillsy]

Another brilliant review! Yours are the best. Quality!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks Sue :)

[@christill]

It looks really good. Definitely the best folding e-bike right now. I think it's expensive though. My favourite, the GoCycle is cheaper and more impressive looking and with the awesome pit-stop wheels. But that bike isn't exactly a folding bike in the way this one is. This is the one for when you need to fold quickly and you're in a rush. And it probably rides closer to a regular bike and looks comfortable.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Good assessment Chris, I like the GoCycle as well. It felt different, the materials seemed more plastic and lightweight (not a bad thing) whereas the Tern felt more like a normal bike. I prefer the Bosch drive system above most so that is a win with the Vektron

[@christill]

ElectricBikeReview.com I haven't ridden an ebike myself yet but I can see from your reviews that the Bosch system is great. So it would be nice to mash that with a really ultra modern design with a fully enclosed drivetrain.

[@marktroup2978]

The GoCycle3 is actually $1100 more expensive than the Vektron.

[@deleoncillo]

Amazing review - fantastic attention to detail. Look forward to making my investment in Q3 this year, as I'm moving offices in NYC 🗽. Thanks Josh Hon for making this come to life.

[@joshuahon9725]

Cheers!

[@wolf6gc72]

Awesome bike! I just couldnt believe this bike would go for 40-80 miles based on them but then i saw the displayer estimating 57 miles.. so i dont know (36v x 11ah you know..) but if this bike is capable of that range i say its really worth the investment; this is definitely the best folding premium ebike and the price well I just wished it was 1k less. Great review! you explained it all.

[@joshuahon9725]

The Bosch drivetrain is one of the most efficient out there. You can calculate the average range for any Bosch equipped ebike using the Bosch Range Cockpit here: www.bosch-ebike.com/en/service/range-cockpit/

[@wolf6gc72]

Joshua, thank you so much. I just checked mine and worst case scenario is 42 miles on Eco and 60+ mile on a paradise day. It looks legit since they take into account so many things and you are right this drive system is high end so it should be very efficient. Really nice feature from Bosch.

[@joshuahon9725]

You're welcome. Actually Bosch say that their estimates tend to be a bit conservative. And of course it'll vary slightly based on tire pressure, etc. But I've been riding the bike more or less non-stop for a few months now and their (and our) estimates are quite accurate.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Wow, I had never seen the range tool Josh, thanks!

[@madogblue]

That handlebar adjuster is amazing!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I agree, it's not that complicated either. One of those... "why didn't I think of that" sort of moments :P

[@madogblue]

ElectricBikeReview.com Top notch bike, top level price though, like $3,500. They need to work on reducing costs and getting a lower price point I think

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, it's still a lot of money... I'm in this weird mental space where Rad Power Bikes are $1,500 but just a year or two ago ANY Bosch powered bike was $4k+ so to get a dialed in folder for $3,500 feels reasonable. There's a lot to consider.

[@visualray]

Great review! I have the Tern Link D8 with a 250W Bionx kit on it. I love certain things about it, but there are things I wish was better. I have been looking into center drive motors because changing a tire with a Bionx is a real pain plus the weight is in the back. This bike is perfect! I will probably get this once my battery doesn't hold a charge. Unfortunately, Bionx stopped making the 250 Watt system and getting a battery is harder to find and I'm not happy about that. That's another reason why I want to go with a company like Bosch. Coming from a company that makes car parts as well, I think they will make sure I won't run into a problem getting batteries for years to come.

[@Propelbikes]

This would definitely be a good upgrade. Bosch is awesome and so is Tern so this bike is awesome squared! :)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey visualray! Yeah, this ebike is pretty dialed in... I really like some things about BionX, like the mini throttle and regen, but agree with your points. Sorry to hear about the battery discontinuation. Did you know that BionX is also owned by a car company in Canada called Magna O_o

[@visualray]

I didn't know that but thanks for letting me know.

[@BashfulLion]

Been looking forward to this review! But I enjoy each of your reviews haha. Thank you so much Court and keep it up!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks! I like your username, appreciate the positive words!

[@lovesautodetail]

I wish I never saw this bike because now I want it.

[@castulojoeypat5911]

Ang ganda ng tern ebike nyo mga sir dream ebike to work ko yan kya lang diko kayang bumili masyadong mahal sa bulsa

[@marktroup2978]

Total bike porn. My everyday bike is a 29+ but I would love to add this thing to the stable!

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Loved the bike it would be perfect for my Vanagon but still short of the max weight I'm looking for ..glad you mentioned the max weight capacity

[@ElectricBikeReview]

You mean like rider weight and cargo weight? What max weight are you looking for? Also, I love Westfalias :D

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Somewhere around 400 pounds ..would love a folding bike but it's looking like I'm going to have to carry a bike on the front of the Westy that don't fold . I watch every one of your videos and the only thing I've seen that's going to work for me is the juiced rider you reviewed in Fullerton Ca ..I don't really like that front hub motor but it seems to be built well enough to carry me and a bag of grocerys or what ever ..I'm looking for something to get to the store on or camp ground shower on so I don't have to break camp ..I have a chronic bad back that limits my walking mobility..I need everything to fit in or on my old vw Westfalia..Thanks for giving the max weight on your reviews ...I might have to consider a fat tire bike but need one I can get on and off of easy ..I want a bike over a scooter because I don't think I can load a scooter with my back ..I'd like a fat tire bike with maybe a ape hanger handlebar also so I can sit up right ..keep reviewing those bikes I'm sure something is out there ..but I do think that juiced rider might be the best thing out there for a half crippled old man

[@Camp_Runamuck]

I also seen a kick start company called Monday motorbikes hope you can do a review on them soon because it looks like it could work for my needs also

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Cool, I'll keep an eye out for that one :)

[@logtothebase2]

It’s a good bike , really good but it’s £3.3k and at that price for me it’s staying in the shop

[@TinManBushcraft]

Will you do a review on the Vektron D7i with the Bafang motor setup? I'm quite interested in that one as a more affordable alternative. Keep up the great work!

[@sharonknight1567]

Check the cost of battery replacement before you buy. I'm looking for one now. Not easy or cheap!

[@rd2246]

Very Well explained in detail the quality of the bike is excellent 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Awesome, thank you! Big props to Steve Boyd for his help too of course :D

[@michaelsarkins4554]

Thank you very much for the informative video I'm 61 years old and I weigh about 320 lb my price range will be anywhere from $1,000 up to $2,000 for a fully-equipped foldable e-bike could you please make any recommendations that'll apply for my needs thank you very much for your formative video

[@ternbicycles]

Awesome!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks again for meeting up with me and making this possible guys :D

[@joshuahon9725]

And great chatting with you at Interbike, Court.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, that was awesome Josh! Thanks for taking the time to chill with me and explain about the design and some history stuff. Hope to meetup again someday and I hope your family is well :)

[@mullholand]

This could be my new bike!

[@Propelbikes]

Good choice!

[@RandyFromBBlock]

I like the "marked" seat post. I use the "dust" method.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Haha, oh yeah... I think I've been using that method for a few years myself too ;)

[@kengruz669]

@@ElectricBikeReview I use the "Sharpie" method on my bikes, before adjusting the post for whatever reason. There's always a sharpie around.to mark a post.

[@yngverodli]

I really like your reviews, but i hope you can start to include the website links to the bikes you review in the info-field. I have noticed you never include the direct link to the shop and i dont know if this is on purpose, but hope you can start including the link on your new reviews from now. Thanks from a follower from Northern Norway.

[@naldi271]

cort I have seen most of your reviews and I was hoping you could advise me on my first Ebike. I was looking at the Magnum cruise that is sold here in Las Vegas bike store near me. I really liked the way it rides. I actually rode the Raleigh, Trek, Specialiize, and the Pedigo. When I rode the Magnum I really like it. I seen the Rad power and the Juice Ebikes but did not have the pleasure to ride them. I only seen you review the Rad Power bikes and I was just wondering your honest opinion on it.

[@sanjayrajsoni]

No Suspension!! almost perfect - I was ready to place an order. The search continues....

[@glenswada]

Tern always makes nice looking bikes. As for Bosch, is there any drag from motor if you want to excercise without electric assist. Thanks for great review.

[@Propelbikes]

LiveCheapAndProsper there is virtually no drag when riding without assist.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the assist!

[@roldandc1582]

I wish this is available here in my country

[@mariajochesolana951]

Thanks a lot you are an special person

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Ha! That's awesome, thanks Fariajoche. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful words, made my day ;)

[@matjaro]

amazing coverage ! well done review! hoping the final version will have prettier color scheme, the all black look isnt for me, need more contrast

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Mathieu... I have something here I think you'll like: amzn.to/2kuiDzn

[@matjaro]

hahahahah that will do !

[@kengruz669]

@@ElectricBikeReview Nice one, Court!

[@gregcshort]

I bought the Vektron, and i like it, but there are a few things that i don't. Climbing is a blast on it. It is heavy, and if you are lifting it in and out of your car, you aren't going to look as good as the model. It tips somewhat easily, so make sure the kickstand it adjusted accordingly. And, when it tips, it scratches easily. I also wish it folded in the other direction than it does, so that it would fold in the direction of the derailleur. the reason is, if you are laying the bike flat in your car, you don't really want to lay it with the derailleur down, and when you are trying to lay it on the other side, it can unfold on you, unless you bungee the hell out of it. Also, I emailed Tern, and never received a response. That, more than anything, is a turnoff for me. Overall, i like it, but wish it were faster, and i wish it were lighter. Would i buy it again...not so sure.

[@ternbicycles]

Hey Greg! Who did you email? Our customer support is pretty responsive! Write to use at [e-mail]

[@gregcshort]

I used the 'Contact Us' form on your website.

[@ternbicycles]

In which country? That either connects to the local distributor, or to Tern global. If you use the above email, it will connect you with our global support team, who are reliably responsive!

[@gregcshort]

ternbicycles USA, I assume. Bought my bike in California. The contact us form is jn english, at the bottom of the page on your website. Will email the above address. Thanks.

[@ternbicycles]

No problem!

[@KarenNapilneg]

i'm getting one of this.... yeahh

[@mariefeinobaya2917]

This is very cool bike

[@Fergusson514]

Need a folding Ebike for roaming my city and to also do food deliveries (uber eats). Which would be better Tern or radmini 4?

[@novacolonel5287]

Steve's one smooth dude. You should partner up with him and Moni for some reviews :D

[@ElectricBikeReview]

He's pretty cool, just chill and easygoing but also very smart and on the ball... I like meeting different people, learning a bit from how each acts and such

[@Crosmyn]

Great review and I'm really interested in this bicycle. The folded dimensions you list read like it would fit in my car trunk, when placed on it's side. But listening to your other reviews mentioning sensitive components, this has the display on one side and the derailleur on the other. Do you think it's concern in general or would the cargo rack adequately protect the latter?

[@Propelbikes]

I don't think it should be an issue, if you're careful you should be okay. The parts are pretty robust.

[@whendashow6935]

Is this bike compatible with other Bosch motors like if you want to change the motor to a 1000w or something also does it have a throttle or would it be possible to add one?

[@ionion2284]

Could I attach panniers to the back?

[@naldi271]

Cort, what type of Ebike I could get under $2000 that could fold or not. I want 500w or more motor with throttle and peddle assist. Something with good warranty and good lasting battery. I need some advise on these things. What would you recommend?

[@hel1nas]

could you please compare it with Hummingbird electric version?

[@ericeyster5325]

why not any form of suspension? the bike seems to have everything but that. and that is pretty important on bikes. THat is the only thing holding me back on buying it.

[@IchimokuCloud]

Perfect review.

[@marcosdjcm]

Impressive

[@dimamanzano]

Will you make a review on Tern eLink D7i with Bafang mid drive in a similar nice way?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey dmitry, I try to make all of my reviews consistent and "great" but it helps to have a leader from the company there to help ;) I do plan to review more Tern ebikes in the coming months. Thanks!

[@remigijusmm]

hi Steve, that do you think this battery after while using its not gonna shake and make noise. I had electric bike and I had this problem before and one more thing I need your advice which bike better gocycle GS or Tern Vectron thanks

[@myracycle]

Will you do a review of the R&M Tinker?

[@johnnymac8680]

I'm caught in two minds between this bike and the R&M Tinker with the carbon belt drive.

[@wassimtv6017]

please can you tell me the name of the sunglasses 🙏

[@vejko]

It looks like a perfect electric bike, although I miss two things, they should have used carbon belt drive (if you have $2900, probably you will go for the belt drive version for $3000) and hide the battery somehow in the frame. When you have young children around having the belt drive instead of a greasy chain, that's a much more relaxing thing knowing that, they won't get themselves dirty when you get home with the bike.

[@H0m3s]

I would love to be able to get a Vektron but I just cant afford it. Do you think the Tern eLink D7i is a good substitute for the price? or do you have any recommendation for a folding or compact ebike (class 1) at the ~2000 price range? I've been on your site a lot and just cant seem to make up my mind.

[@Masreborn]

I would definitely buy one if it came with a Gates Belt Drive and the Nuvinci for low maintenance.

[@lowrezmobius]

I see the sexy bike in the vid icon and get excited. I watch the vid until I hear "$3,400" at which point I instantly close the vid shaking my head and asking myself why I bother. Seems EBR should stand for expensive bike review which is really frustrating. I wish someone would make reviews of e-bikes with more down-to-Earth prices. I would totally subscribe to something like that.

[@joshuahon9725]

$3400 is a big investment. But it's also expensive to make a really good quality ebike and the difference in quality and warranty and service is important when you're investing in something like this. If you look at ebikes using the Bosch system, they're all substantial investments but you'll find that they are all very solid bikes.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I bought a couple super affordable ebikes last year on Amazon and reviewed them with video etc. I try to mix things up with styles and prices... different brands. You can see them all back at the site.

[@visualray]

Tern has a cheaper bike with a cheaper motor (www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/471/elink-d7i) but I can tell you as someone that has a Tern bike with a Bionx motor, this looks like it's worth every penny. I have a friend that is looking for a better way to commute and I told him about this bike. His commute involves a bus from New Jersey to New York, then a subway ride, and then a long walk and it costs $15 a day round trip. With this he can have a more pleasant commute and it pays for itself in less than a year. My Tern had over 8k miles before I put the Bionx motor in, so you get what you pay for.

[@EPSTomcat11]

Awesome review as usual :) So just to confirm, no throttle-only mode?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Correct, there is no throttle mode on any of the Bosch systems at this time. In my experience the Turbo level of assist is very zipp and responsive like a throttle, but you still have to pedal to get it working

[@christianapeeters7212]

Wel mooi . Waar zij ze te koop .en de prijs .?

[@ymeasureacher7390]

i like it but Riese & Muller Tinker i think make job more effective with hub-gear and without folding its quite compact e-assist bike

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I'm excited to check their models out later this year, any specific questions or things you want me to look for or at in-depth?

[@ymeasureacher7390]

would be interesting to know what would you chose between this 2 models after review of tinker about weight height compare between them i think tinker can be urban mobility able like strida bikes

[@Propelbikes]

The Tinker is another awesome ride! We're really blessed to be able to offer both of these high quality bikes. They fill similar needs, the Tern can fold down a bit smaller, but the Tinker has some different drivetrain and motor offerings. Court should be coming out to our shop in the next month or so to review the Tinker, but feel free to reach out with any questions in the meanwhile if we can assist. -Chris

[@findingd.b.cooper3766]

Hey Court do you think it would be worth springing for this over the tern bionx model that came out last year?

[@Propelbikes]

I hope you don't mind me butting in, but I have experience with both of these bikes and I can say wholeheartedly that it's worth it. This bike not only has a better motor system, all of the components are better as well. On top of that it comes with some pretty awesome lights and an adjustable stem. I hope this helps.

[@mariajochesolana951]

I like e-bikes a lot, Im not full english but I really want to know more about its .... and think that sometimes you speak s lot . Versión en español: Estoy muy interesada en las bicicletas eléctricas pero aunque sus videos son interesantes siento que a veces se habla mucho y se muestra poco. I need facts

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hola Mmariajoche, I have a detailed writeup for each video back at my website and have translated it for you to Español electricbikereview.com/es/tern/vektron/

[@doenjangstew4438]

Why isn't there front forks? OMG, fly in the ointment!

[@mxblyxky]

Despite the good quality, the bicycle is extremely expensive to only have motor assistance when pedaling. It is too heavy to carry in your hand.

[@EPSTomcat11]

Hm.. That's a bummer. There's nothing like the feeling of coasting on a bike...

[@JonathanJamesHarrison]

Just wait for the electric brompton

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah! I talked to the Brompton folks earlier this year (maybe late last?) and they mentioned the project. I thought it was a big secret or something but it sounds like there has been some press. Excited to see how it all turns out ;)

[@0n596]

No suspension fork - a no go!

[@kengruz669]

Should be a carbon fork at the bike's price. Carbon forks absorb vibration, plus are lighter. Suspension adds weight to bike, which is already too heavy for a folder.

[@victormax9099]

no mamen major me compro un carrito se pasan

[@Rekomeister]

Too heavy for practical use

[@georgebush328]

sehr teuer!!!

[@victormax9099]

$3,400 jajajajjajaja

[@garico7464]

£3000 in the UK. are you having a laugh?

[@1026kali]

This guy is going overboard praising this bike. It's 3.5k dollars. It's more like a rich man's toy than a practical solution. Any way we need to wait for the revolution in battery technology before investing in any of these bikes.

[@SwallCloud]

Very expensive and still no suspension

[@sgtrod]

Less of you more of them. Asperger is a helluva drug.

[@dondada7643]

Good review , but the interviewer is so ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mariajochesolana951]

too much words, let see The bike

[@ElectricBikeReview]

You can skip forward, that's why I put the timestamp at the very beginning :)

[@Tommen1957]

ElectricBikeReview.com I'm just so happy he makes these great videos for all of us!

[@rd2246]

Tom Tukiainen true the fact is each product is explained in detail for the person who actually wants to buy these videos are very useful and without going to the shop all is explained 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I like your little Canada flag R D

[@ThomasGutierrez-zy9hu]

I've been riding this bike for about a month kzbin.infoUgkxwC0IIeIomGQVeBWg-kKJaToZkLEFIA2W and a half now and I think it's fantastic. It helps me get to work on time every day since I'm able to fit it inside of public transportation rush hour. The price is great too, people are always shocked when they ask me how much I paid for the fold up and I tell them "200". It's easy to fold and installation when it ships is insanely easy. All you have to install when the bike arrives is one foot pedal, everything else is done for you. I do recommend you carry some sort of wrench to tighten any loose screws on the handle bar and seat whenever they get a little bit loose. Other than that I think it's a fantastic bike. Easily fits in the home, can fit inside a car trunk and can even fit in subway rush hour.