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Bosch has just presented its novelties for electric bicycles equipped with its motors. On the program: an intelligent system that extends to more models, new ABS technology and a connected anti-theft device.
Bosch has become a key player in the world of electric bikes, and the German does not intend to stop there. On the sidelines of the Eurobike show, which is being held in Frankfurt, Germany, from July 13 to 17, the market leader in electric motorization for bicycles presented its new products. No question for the moment of reviewing the range of motors, Bosch prefers to refine its offer of technologies at the service of cyclists.
New compatible motors and batteries
For starters, the intelligent system launched a year ago by Bosch extends to the Performance Line, Performance Line Speed and Cargo Line motors. The Performance Line CX engine is therefore no longer the only option for the Smart System. Interesting, because it will open up the possibilities of this platform, which is enriched with updates to more affordable models equipped with the Performance Line and cargo bikes whose popularity is growing. Notably, the latest generation Performance Line engine sees its torque increase from 65 to 75 Nm. It quite significantly reduces the gap with the most torquey of the family, the Performance Line CX which displays 85 Nm, just like the Cargo Line.
The innovations presented by Bosch at Eurobike. © Bosch
This intelligent system also opens its compatibility to new batteries. Until now, only the PowerTube 750 Wh battery was compatible. Bosch will now offer bicycle manufacturers in-frame batteries with 500 and 625 Wh as well. What, once again, to provide more affordable electric bikes with smart features. In the same logic, PowerPack models – not integrated into the frame and therefore often intended for entry-level and mid-range models – will be offered in 545 and 725 Wh.
The new Intuvia 100 display compatible with the Bosch Smart System. © Bosch
The Smart System also gains a new screen. Last year, Bosch only offered compatibility with its top-of-the-line Kiox display. It will now be possible to opt for the lower range, Intuvia, with a new Intuvia 100. The electric assistance of VAE equipped with Bosch engines will be able to count on a new mode called Auto. As you will have understood, the idea here is to offer assistance whose power varies automatically according to the conditions encountered. No need to increase assistance when approaching a hill or in the event of a headwind. The already existing Tour and eMTB modes already promised this type of adjustment, but to a lesser extent.
A more discreet and more efficient ABS
Anti-lock braking technology (ABS) is widely used in the automotive world and on motorcycles. Bosch had presented, a few years ago, a system adapted to the bicycle. However, the German’s ABS bike was based on a huge box that was complicated to integrate on a bicycle. The new version of Bosch’s eBike ABS still provides for the addition of a housing, which is placed on the fork, but whose size has been greatly reduced.
The ABS box on a cargo bike. © Bosch
The idea here is to improve braking efficiency by preventing the front wheel from locking up. With more and more VAE equipped with high-performance hydraulic disc brakes, blockages are more numerous. Bosch therefore offers to monitor the rotational speed of the wheels and, in the event of a sharp drop in rotational speed, to prevent blockages by sending a signal to the brake system. This technology was developed in partnership with Magura and will, at least initially, only be compatible with the German brand’s brakes. A partnership that could allow Magura to gain some market share over its competitor Shimano, which has also launched an ABS solution.
The case of the eBike ABS from Bosch. © Bosch
Bosch’s ABS also aims to limit the risk of lifting the rear wheel in the event of emergency braking. Enough to avoid the famous “sun” which consists of going over your handlebars. Without going that far, the loss of contact between the rear wheel and the ground logically reduces grip and trajectory control.
Avoiding total locking of the front wheel is good. Doing it intelligently is better. The braking requirements of an urban eBike are obviously not the same as those of a cargo bike or a mountain bike. Bosch therefore promises a real adaptation of its ABS to the VAE category, but also to the type of terrain. We are frankly curious to see what this type of technology can give, especially in mountain biking. In this area, braking precision is crucial and the rear wheel is made to take off from the ground more easily, sometimes even voluntarily.
A discreet, frame-integrated display. © Bosch
Mountain bikers will also discover a feature called Hill Hold, which prevents the bike from rolling backwards when crossing an obstacle on foot. Convenient to avoid being dragged by the weight of the VTTAE on certain complicated passages. Bosch also thinks of those who prefer to limit the physical and visual weight of assistance and now offers a new minimalist control device. The latter consists of the System Controller and the Mini Remote. The first is intended to be integrated directly into the frame of the bicycles, as on a Specialized Turbo Vado SL, for example. Without a screen, this system communicates only through a series of LEDs whose number and color indicate the battery level and the assistance mode.
eBike Alarm: enhanced security
Bosch launched the eBike Lock function with its smart system last year. In this device, the smartphone acts as a virtual key and its absence near the VAE prevents the latter from activating its electric assistance. The German company now completes this security with the eBike Alarm. As its name suggests, this is an alarm that will alert the user, through the smartphone application, that his bike has been moved without authorization. In this case, the bike emits audible and visual signals. A notification is sent to the smartphone and its location is communicated to its owner in the eBike Flow application.
The Bosch alarm system on the eBike Flow app. © Bosch
It is still necessary to install a small box that integrates the radio and GNSS modules to take advantage of this functionality. Bosch offers the location service for 12 months for any installation of a ConnectModule box. You will have to pay €4.99 per month or €39.99 per year to continue to benefit from it beyond this trial year.
New things to come in 2023
As often, these announcements are made ahead of their actual availability to the consumer. Electric bike manufacturers must already start installing this new equipment for ranges which will be available for the most part from the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023.