Electric cargo bikes have dramatically changed the way people get around. They make it easier to ditch the car for school drop-offs, errand-running and even working out. As part of our ongoing electric bike testing, I spent time on the Tern Orox and came away convinced it’s one of the most capable options out there. It takes every cargo bike metric and amplifies it, from cargo capacity to range to all-terrain tires. That level of performance comes at a high cost, but if you’re in a two-car household, it just might be enough to replace one of them.
To test this beast of an e-bike, I took it all over town to grab groceries, drop off donations, meet up with friends and stay active. Along the way, I sought out paved roads, gravel trails, patches of snow and the occasional construction zone. I strapped stuff to the bike’s racks, packed it with supplies and even found a willing adult to sit on the back and hang on for dear life. Results revealed the Orox can do almost anything, but, like any e-bike, it has its limitations. Read on for more of my thoughts, and decide if it meets your needs.
Class: 1/3 | Weight: 81.8 pounds (462-pound max load) | Range: 100 miles (single battery); 200 miles (dual battery) | Motor: Bosch Performance CX 725 watts hub | Shifter: 12 speeds | Tires: Schwalbe 27.5 x 4-inch Johnny Watts | Warranty: 5 years (frame, handlebars, fork)
Best for:
- Large loads
- Those who want a reliable, expandable range
- Those who want an easy-to-use interface and app connectivity
Skip if:
- You’re shopping for an e-bike on a budget
- You need a lighter bike you can fit on (or in) your vehicle
Tern Orox Features
Unparalleled Cargo Capacity
At its core, a cargo bike is designed to haul cargo, but some bikes can carry more than others. For its part, the Orox has a weight capacity of 462 pounds on the road and almost 400 pounds on the trail, which makes it one of the most capable e-bikes in its class.
To manage the load, Tern outfits the bike with a long rear rack that measures nearly 26 inches in length—more than enough real estate to carry an assortment of goods. With a few bungee cords, I had no problem strapping down a loaded duffel, a small basket and other miscellaneous gear.
Of course, a rack has its limitations—you can’t really use it to secure groceries or smaller goods unless you get creative. But that’s where Tern’s vast library of accessories comes into play. Equip the rack with a set of 72-liter panniers, and suddenly you can carry almost anything (including those groceries). I paired the panniers with a set of stow decks that support the bags from underneath to keep them in place, and they double as footrests for rear passengers. Though these attachments add to the total cost, they’re essential for a bike like this—I wouldn’t find it nearly as useful without them.
With that said, the weight adds up quickly, and it takes a toll on performance. Fully loaded, the bike often weighs more than 100 pounds, which meant I had to work pretty hard to climb steep grades around town even when the battery was topped out in “Turbo” mode.
For the ultimate load test, I asked an adult of about 175 pounds to sit on the back as I climbed a hill, and the bike made it to the top without issue. With that said, this is testing the motor’s true limits, and comfortably climbing a steep hill under load requires you to focus on balance, optimal pedaling cadence and close attention to gearing. Adding more weight while trying to climb a hill in the backcountry that’s littered with obstacles will pose a challenge to even seasoned riders. But for most around-town scenarios and light trail work, the bike can and will haul a lot without breaking a sweat.
Reliable Range
Electric bikes are only as reliable as the batteries that propel them, and the Orox comes out swinging with an estimated range of 100 miles on a single battery. But much like a car company reports fuel economy figures based on ideal driving conditions, it’s unlikely that you’ll see these same numbers.
Realistically, I was getting around 60 to 75 miles on a charge, and that was only if I stuck to flat terrain in “Eco” mode. As soon as I loaded the bike with gear, climbed hills and shifted between battery modes, the range took a hit, though it never really dipped below 50 miles. Plus, the Kiox display made it really easy to sort through stats, so it was never a mystery as to when I’d run out of battery.
If you need additional range, the Orox does have room for a secondary battery in the frame bag. According to Tern, two batteries should boost the total range to a whopping 200 miles, but again, consider the riding conditions. The S12 model I rode didn’t come with a secondary battery, but it’s nice to have if you head into the backcountry for a big adventure or take the bike away for a long weekend.
An Easy-To-Use Interface
Attaching a battery to a bike turns it into a computer, and to control it, Tern outfits the Orox with a Bosch Kiox head unit and the Bosch Flow app. This was my first time using the Kiox interface, and I picked it up quickly. A set of left-right toggles on the handlebar allow you to breeze through metrics and settings, while up-down toggles change the battery mode. The LED display is colorful, crisp and easy to read in direct sunlight.
From there, I downloaded the Bosch Flow app and registered my bike for additional features. I didn’t spend much time in the app, but I did use it to deactivate the motor and “lock” the bike when it was parked in a public place (though the wheels still move, so you’ll want to invest in a true bike lock for added security). I also used the app to load turn-by-turn directions onto the display, though if I missed a turn, directions couldn’t update to redirect me, and the map interface just felt clunky. If you want to make the most of the app and its navigation features, I recommend using a reliable phone mount.
Beyond the Kiox display and phone integration, you’ll find a button for the 700-lumen headlight (which also turns on the G-sensed brake light) and an additional button for high beams. I had no issue seeing (and being seen) on night rides.
Things To Consider
Space Constraints
This bike is truly massive in every measurable proportion, so you’ll need to consider how much space you have. I couldn’t turn it around in my small garage, which forced me to awkwardly back it out for every ride. It’s possible to store the bike upright on its rear rack, but no matter how you park it, the front wheel always turns to one side and takes up more space.
Beyond at-home storage, the Orox didn’t fit in my SUV, and it’s too heavy for most bike racks. If you want to take it somewhere, you’ll need either a truck (the Orox measures nearly 8 feet long) or a hitch rack rated for e-bikes.
The Loud Kickstand
Speaking of parking, this bike uses a center kickstand that slaps against the frame over any moderate bump. It took me a few rides to get used to the sound, but from what I can gather, it’s a common problem with these types of stands. They’re loose enough to easily deploy, but that also means they can rattle.
Off-Road Access
E-bikes are illegal on singletrack where I live (Central Oregon), and the state of Oregon only allows them on trails open to off-road motor vehicle use. Laws vary from state to state and town to town, but e-bikes are typically banned from using singletrack. Something to consider if you need trail access or live in a town with trail networks.
Final Verdict
The Orox is one of those e-bikes that blurs the lines between a car and a bike, in a good way. It’s capable, thanks to a generous weight capacity, storage options and strong range, and the interface is easy to use for day-to-day riding. I found myself breaking out the bike for any trip around town and didn’t really rely on my car. In fact, I kind of forgot about my car altogether.
Granted, this bike is big. You’ll need space to store it, and even then, it’s not easy to maneuver. It’s also not cheap, especially when you factor in the accessories that unlock its full potential, like the front rack, panniers and stow decks. But if you’re ready to invest in a car alternative—and maybe even ditch your second vehicle altogether—this is one of the few bikes that can actually make that happen. It’s for a certain kind of rider, but if that rider is you, it’s worth it.
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