Tern  Quick Haul Long D9 Electric Bike

For now, I think the Quick Haul Long D9 deserves four stars. However, I don't believe the true value of a bike can be judged after a few weeks or even a few months of ownership. The real test is how well it holds up after years of regular use. If this bike lasts me 50,000 miles with only routine maintenance, I will consider it one of the best bikes you can buy for the money. At that point, I would rate it higher than five stars if I could. On the other hand, if it only lasts around 10,000 miles before requiring major repairs or expensive component replacements despite being properly maintained, then I would consider it a poor value for the price. As of now, my biggest criticism of the Quick Haul Long D9 is that it is a bike built for the European market and sold in the United States without being redesigned for a completely different competitive market. It comes with a 250 W Bosch Cargo Line motor and a 500 Wh battery. In my opinion, those specifications put it at a disadvantage against many competing cargo bikes in the U.S. that offer more powerful motors and larger batteries. To be clear, I do not think every e-bike needs a 750 W motor. More power is not always better. I think the sweet spot for a bike like this is a 350–500 W motor paired with a larger battery. In terms of build quality, I have very few complaints. The bike rides smoothly, shifts cleanly, handles well, and feels very refined overall. The accessories also have a premium feel and appear to be built to last. That said, I do not give Tern extra credit simply for building a high-quality bike because that quality is already reflected in the price. This is a nearly $4,000 bike. The upgraded front rack costs around $200, the larger panniers are about $300, and a second 500 Wh battery is close to $1,000. You are paying for that quality. I expect a bike at this price point to ride smoothly, feel refined, and use premium components. Those are not bonus features from Tern, they are what you should expect when spending this much money. One thing I found disappointing is how Tern chose to use the available frame space. Instead of providing a mounting location for a second battery, the empty space is dedicated to an optional Tern lockbox that you have to purchase separately. Unlike the GSD, the Quick Haul Long does not support a dual-battery setup. Given the price of the bike, I would have preferred to see that space used for a second battery. Extending the range would provide a much greater benefit than creating another opportunity to sell an additional accessory.