Tern Sidekick Footrests (Gen 3)

They give a rear passenger on the Tern HSD a stable, wide place to rest their feet during the ride. Mounted just above the rear wheel, they're a core part of the Tern Passenger System, working alongside a rear seat and straps to make carrying a passenger safer and more comfortable, whether that's a child, an adult, or a cargo setup.

Yes, they're compatible with all HSD generations, including Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 models. Tern designed the mounting hardware to work across the platform, so the model year of your bike doesn't determine which footrest generation you need.

The Gen 3 footrests are slimmer (55 mm vs. 61 mm thick) and lighter (0.46 kg vs. 0.5 kg per set) than the Gen 2 version, and they're now tested to meet EN 17860, a European passenger-carrying safety standard. The core design, 3M anti-slip surface, and Batten Strap compatibility carry over unchanged from Gen 2.

Yes, the 3M anti-slip layer is designed specifically to hold a foot's grip in wet conditions, and the aluminum body resists the corrosion that road salt and slush cause over an Ottawa or Canada-wide winter. Riders should still check the footrest surface for ice buildup before a passenger steps on, the same as with any bike component in freezing weather.

Yes, each footrest supports up to 25 kg (55 lb), and the built-in slots accept Tern Batten Straps directly, turning the pair into a low cargo platform when the HSD isn't carrying a passenger. That makes them useful for grocery runs and errands on days the rear rack is doing cargo duty instead.

They're worth it if you're regularly carrying a passenger. Without a dedicated footrest, a child or adult riding on the HSD's rear rack has nowhere secure to plant their feet, which usually means dangling legs near the moving wheel and spokes, a real safety concern rather than just a comfort issue. The footrests solve that specific problem with hardware Tern has engineered and tested for exactly this use, for less hassle and cost than rigging up a DIY workaround.

Yes, Gen 3 footrests are designed to work seamlessly with the Sidekick Wheel Guard M and Cargo Hold Panniers already in the Tern accessory lineup. If you've already invested in those accessories, upgrading to Gen 3 doesn't require replacing anything else in your passenger or cargo setup.