I would have answered sooner but had no connection. Long answer follows…
Tern are good quality but…
They know it so the prices are pretty steep. Where they really catch you is with all the extras, and little facilitators like the active brake light or the handle bar switch to release the locking kickstand (both unnecessary). Shit quickly adds up.
Also whichever brand you go for check with your retailer that they have spare parts available or can get them in. Tern had no stock for quite a while at one point…
Bike43 cost us just under 5000eur + accessories. Tern equivalent was closer to 7000eur + accesories.
Regarding accessories, the main thing you might think you need on a long tail is the rain cover tent. Honestly you don’t. Just get good waterproof jackets and trousers. Those tents act like sails in strong winds so not ideal.
Worthwhile accessories are a good (bipod) kickstand if you’re carrying more than one child or a big child a a front rack with basket/bag.
Mandatory add-one are a solid lock, a front wheel lock and a small rechargeable alarm. I think Kovix(?) do a nifty model much easier for bike use than the clunky motorbike ones.
Add to that a solid insurance.
Tech specs: Bosch motors are good quality and reliable. 500kwh batteries are the standard although some bikes have capacity to load two which won’t make the bike go faster but will get a longer distance.
Average distance for a fully charged 500kwh battery on long tail is approx 35-40km This can go as far as 75km depending on what level of assistance you use Eco fine for flat roads, Tour for a bit more consistency, sport and turbo for the hills.
Average speed 20-25kmh. Not sure what the road rules are where you are but by law in Belgium e-bikes are limited to 25kmh. After that you can still go faster but the motor won’t keep accelerating.
Last thing, front load bikes like the urban arrow are proper family bikes with the best protection from accidents and weather.
However, they weigh 50kgs by themselves so when they fall you’re not going to stop the fall. I also found a smaller wheel at the front made for very squirrelly maneuverability which isn’t great. Note how the Bike43 has a slightly larger front wheel. This brings a lot more stability and control to your ride. I see a lot of tricycle models, two wheels in front one in the back, but you need to be careful not to ding a wheel on a curb and obviously you won’t be able to snake through traffic as easily.
A lot of bike have Kevlar chains now which are pretty indestructible but they cost a fair bit to replace. A regular chain works fine, cheaper and easier to replace.
Regarding gear changer, you’ll want a variable hub because it helps getting going from a stop - on a hill. (disagreeing with @jamjar). Assistance buttons help too but a variable changer is smoother whereas you can’t skip a derailleur on the stop.
Bike shops should let you have test rides on different models. If you’re on a budget, check second hands because kids grow up so family bikes can quickly become redundant for some people.
That’s all I have for you now.
