Tern NBD S5i review
Best for: Easy, comfortable everyday riding · Premium
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Pros
- Very low 39 cm step-over
- Clean, low-maintenance belt and hub gear
- Strong Bosch motor and Magura brakes
- Fits riders from 147 to 190 cm
Cons
- Most expensive bike here
- Substantial weight, so awkward to carry
- Wide claimed range spread (51-118 km)
Full review
The Tern NBD is designed for people who want an e-bike to be as easy as possible to live with. NBD stands for 'never been done', and its standout feature is a frame with a step-over of just 39 cm, so you can step through rather than swing a leg over. That makes it ideal for older riders, anyone with limited hip or knee mobility, and riders in everyday clothes.
The S5i pairs a Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor (65 Nm) with a Shimano Nexus five-speed hub gear and a Gates belt drive, a combination that needs very little maintenance and can be shifted while stationary at traffic lights. Magura MT4 hydraulic brakes, 55 mm Schwalbe Big Apple tyres and a suspension seatpost make it smooth and secure, and lights, mudguards and a 27 kg-rated rack are included. Tern rates the whole bike for 140 kg including rider and luggage.
Tern quotes 51 to 118 km of range from the 500 Wh battery, and, as with any battery bike, cold weather and heavy assist will cut into that. It is a substantial bike and not one to carry far. For a reliable, comfortable everyday e-bike that almost anyone can ride, it is our premium pick.
Full specifications
| Type of e-bike | Low step-through comfort e-bike |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line |
| Motor position | Mid-drive |
| Rated power | 250 W |
| Max torque | 65 Nm |
| Assistance cuts out at | 25 km/h (UK/EU pedelec limit) |
| Battery | 500 Wh Bosch |
| Removable battery | Yes, lock keyed alike with frame lock |
| Claimed range | 51-118 km |
| Gears | Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub with Gates belt drive |
| Brakes | Magura MT4 hydraulic disc |
| Wheels and tyres | 20 in, Schwalbe Big Apple 55 mm |
| Suspension | Suspension seatpost |
| Weight (brand) | Not stated |
| Sizes / rider height | One size, riders 147-190 cm |
| Lights, mudguards, rack | Front and rear lights, mudguards, rear rack (27 kg) |
| Max load | 140 kg total (bike, rider and luggage) |
| Step-over height | 39 cm |
| Security | Abus frame lock keyed alike with the battery lock |
Spec check note: Tern's page confirms the Bosch system, Gates belt, rider height (147-190 cm), 140 kg maximum gross weight and 39 cm step-over. Motor torque, battery size and brakes are as we understand the standard specification; Tern's weight is left as not stated.
Specifications checked against: Tern NBD product page
How it compares with its rivals
| Feature | Tern NBD S5i | Engwe P275 ST | Cannondale Compact Neo | Whyte RHe0 3 | Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 EQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Easy, comfortable everyday riding | Long commutes on a budget | Small flats and shared households | Riders who want it to feel like a normal bike | Long commutes on a premium budget |
| Price band | Premium | Budget | Mid-range | Upper mid-range | Premium |
| Type of e-bike | Low step-through comfort e-bike | Step-through city and trekking e-bike | Compact 20 in urban e-bike | Lightweight hybrid e-bike | Lightweight premium commuter e-bike |
| Motor | Bosch Performance Line | Ananda M60 | Hyena MRC-250 | Kynamic 36 V | Specialized SL 1.2 |
| Motor position | Mid-drive | Mid-drive (at the pedals) | Rear hub | Rear hub | Mid-drive |
| Rated power | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W nominal, 450 W peak | 320 W peak (Specialized) |
| Max torque | 65 Nm | 70 Nm | 40 Nm | 45 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Assistance cuts out at | 25 km/h (UK/EU pedelec limit) | 25 km/h | 25 km/h (UK/EU pedelec limit) | 25 km/h (UK/EU pedelec limit) | 25 km/h (UK/EU pedelec limit) |
Prices in every region
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Prices include VAT where the shop shows it and may have changed since we checked. Delivery costs and stock vary by country, so check on the shop's site before you buy.
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Americas
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