Ever wondered about ditching a second car for a cargo bike? Dave’s been riding his orange Tern GSD around town for five years now, and he reckons it’s saved him a whole bunch of cash. Could you make the switch?
Read the review of the 3rd Generation Tern GSD: https://ebiketips.road.cc/content/reviews/electric-cargo-bikes/tern-gsd-s10-gen-3-5795
This video contains paid promotion on behalf of Tern Bicycles: www.ternbicycles.com
0:00 Intro
0:20 Introducing my bike: the Tern GSD
1:00 “But a cargo bike’s not for me”
1:40 Why a cargo bike is easy to use
2:31 If you’re “curious but concerned”
4:06 What are the practicalities?
5:14 Car ownership costs: let’s do the sums
6:18 ebikes have running costs too…
7:59 So how much could YOU save?
9:31 Conclusion
20 Comments
I'll add that a normal bike with a good set of panniers (Ortliebs are worth the price) and a rear rack can get you most of the way there too. Get a touring wheel set so you don't have to fret too much about weight.
My ebike converted Boardman has replaced a second car for us over the last 5 years commuting, camping and getting 4 day shop. Cost me about £1700 to put it all together. This also highlights what a deal a second hand Tern could be if you just want to buy something designed for the purpose.
I saved billions by not buying an aircraft carrier.
I think most people that use a bicycle to do things they would normally do in a car are ahead of the game when it comes to saving money.
You don’t need 37 cars. You can survive with 5.
i also saved thousands but by not buying a cargo ebike.
Would love an e bike for commuting but the 15mph speed restriction means it would be useless.
The Northern Branch should get get one
i bought the Cannondale CargoWagen and it's been great. i have asthma so it's been nice to be able to bike fast in the heat without having to hit my inhaler. super fun/chill to ride and get groceries with. can go surprisingly far
£3500 to run a car, are u serious. £10 a day petrol is £3500 a year on its own especially if u have kids and your running them around weekend and you work out of town. Tax and insurance £90 ish month £1000 ish, that £4500, mot £5000,tyres oil coolant a year is £100 and £20 months clean. 340. £5340.. thats without monthly car payment, if u own car outright then great by you have upfront costs thrn spread across length of time of ownership. If you pay £200 month the makes £7750
You can park bikes much closer to the shops too. Like right outside for free in town. And when I go supermarket shopping I fold my Brompton (electric) up and put it in the shopping cart. I also have a Travoy trailer to carry loads more stuff if I need to. I don't have kids so I don't need to carry them.
Great bike. Absolute nightmare to get parts for.
I went with a retired royal mail pashley mailstar, converted with a legal e bike kit. Definitely a second car replacement and total cost around £500. E bike as second car replacement absolutely works.
These things are ten times pricier than my car.
A eCargo bike ist simply a life quality improver. Don‘t want to live without one anymore. Fun to drive, no gym necessary (gym=😖), good for everyone. Me and the others in cars, one guy less on the street.
Love the Tern
Thanks for your video.
Did you had to protect your seat post? How did you proceed ?
Rather than ebike, would it be better to get a higher quality regular bike? I think I'd rather a trailer too.
Great YouTube, cargo bikes will really catch on. Too many cars and out of condition people. Bike it you’ll like it !
Often thought a bike like this would make a versatile tourer
This came too late for me, but when my daughter was a toddler I had a non-electric Kona Ute with a passenger kit. It was the most joyful bike I have ever owned. I would probably have bought the shorter MinUte when she grew out of it if I had been able to find one.