Tern Orox S12

What the Tern Orox S12 is built for

The Tern Orox S12 is a cargo e-bike built to carry shopping, gear or children.

It has a 300 W mid-drive motor, 85 Nm of torque and a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).

It carries a 1,450 Wh battery and a stated range of up to 91 miles (146 km) on a charge. Real-world range is usually lower than the rated figure: it falls with throttle use, hills, cold weather, rider weight and higher assist levels.

The Tern Orox S12 weighs 82 lb (37.1 kg) and carries up to 463 lb (210 kg) including the rider.

In the United States the Tern Orox S12 sells for $4,999, above the median of $2,399 across 40 cargo e-bikes with a US price, among the premium models. That is $3 per watt-hour of battery.

Where the Tern Orox S12 may be ridden

In the European Union and the United Kingdom an e-bike counts as a bicycle only within the pedelec limits; as specified, its 300 W motor is above the 250 W limit and its 20 mph (32 km/h) top speed is above the 25 km/h at which assistance must stop. A model above those limits is treated as a moped there, with type approval, registration and insurance, unless the brand sells a version set to the European limits.

Tern Orox S12 safety certification

The brand's listing for the Tern Orox S12 does not state a UL 2849 or EN 15194 certification. New York City allows only e-bikes certified to UL 2849 to be sold or rented there, and California requires certified batteries from 2026; ask the seller for the certificate before buying.