Bosch has added anti-lock braking, a bike lock and an alarm to its Smart System, which customises its electric motors and controls.
The brand has further expanded its 2023 Smart System with the inclusion of more drive units, batteries and powerpacks.
The latest generation of electric bikes equipped with Bosch motors will have a bigger choice of controllers and displays for different riding styles.
The eBike Flow app will be integrated with Komoot, so riders can import routes and upload rides to the cycling app.
eBike ABS
The brand claims anti-lock braking (ABS) could prevent up to 29 per cent of accidents involving electric bikes, based on studies by Bosch Accident Research.
Bosch says its second-generation ebike ABS enables both brakes to engage simultaneously without the front wheel locking and the bike skidding.
A speed sensor attached to the fork monitors the speed of the front wheel.
Bosch says it has reduced the size and weight of the sensor by 77 per cent and 55 per cent respectively from the first generation.
The anti-lock front braking is said to automatically regulate the brake pressure by permanently monitoring wheel speed.
Therefore, the system can detect when the front wheel is set to lock during heavy braking and ease off the brakes.
The ebike ABS is also claimed to reduce the risk of the rear wheel lifting on grippy surfaces and throwing the rider over the handlebars.
ABS starts once you begin pedalling, with the choice of cargo, trail, allroad and touring ebike ABS modes.
Each setting is “optimally designed for the braking requirements of different types of ebike and surfaces”, according to Bosch.
For example, Bosch says the ABS Cargo mode is for braking when carrying a full load.
ABS Allroad is best for gravel riding and easier mountain biking, while ABS Touring is for urban riding.
ABS Trail is supposed to give electric mountain bike riders more confidence on “demanding trails and difficult terrain”.
Aimed at experienced riders, it offers more stopping power and less stability, according to Bosch.
Riders can analyse their data – such as braking distance and time – on Bosch’s Kiox 300 display.
Bosch says eBike ABS will have Magura braking, including a control indicator light and ABS tile on the Bosch ebike display.
There are two wheel speed sensors and the Magura MT C ABS brake components, such as the ABS rotors and sensor discs.
The Magura MT C ABS brake master has a 12mm master piston instead of 10mm on the brand’s MT brake masters.
This is said to push a greater volume of brake fluid down the lines to the caliper to better control brake pressure.
Magura says a larger master piston usually requires more force to press down.
But a new lever design is claimed to “reduce the amount of manual force required, ensure short lever travel, and easily modulate braking power”.
Two- or three-finger lever blades are available and individual lever blades can be changed, according to Magura.
The ebike ABS uses “one-piece forged two- or four-piston calipers” from the Magura MT brakes.
The rotors are MDR-C (180/203 mm) or MDR-P (180/203/220mm).
Magura claims you can separate and dismantle the brake master and caliper for servicing.
Bosch eBike Systems CEO Claus Fleischer estimates ebike ABS will add between €400 and €500 to the cost of a new ebike.
The technology will only be available on new ebikes and cannot be retro-fitted.
eBike Alarm
The Bosch eBike Alarm is said to beep when your bike is moved from its parked spot.
It sends a notification to your phone via the app and begins tracking your bike.
You can then follow your bike’s location in the eBike Flow app and alert the police.
Bosch says this function requires the ConnectModule to be installed on your bike.
The brand did not confirm the ConnectModule’s price, but said a 12-month eBike Alarm subscription is included.
Thereafter, eBike Alarm costs €4.99 per month or €39.99 per year.
Drive unit updates
Bosch has incorporated its Cargo Line, Performance Line and Performance Line Speed drive units into the Smart System, so they can be customised and updated via the app.
Cargo Line now has Cargo mode – which is said to offer 400 per cent support, or four times your pedalling force – in order to carry heavier loads.
Hill Hold mode works with Smart Walk Assist to prevent the bike rolling back, according to Bosch.
It works for 10 seconds without the brake being applied to “provide safety when the bike is pushed in steep terrain”.
All Bosch’s drive units will have Auto mode, which is claimed to react to hills and wind to change gear so riders don’t have to.
Performance Line Speed has more power (85Nm) and now delivers motor assistance up to 45km/h in Europe or 28mph in the US.
New batteries
Bosch has also unveiled new bigger batteries for its Smart System.
Designed for shorter rides, the PowerPack 545 is rated at 545Wh and weighs 3kg.
The Powerpack 725 is more powerful and heavier (725Wh and 4kg) for longer rides and more energy-consumptive cargo ebikes.
These two batteries mount to the frame.
In addition, Bosch has announced three new sizes of PowerTube batteries, which slot inside the frame, and form part of the Smart System.
They have 500Wh, 650Wh and 750Wh capacity and weigh between 3kg and 4.3kg respectively.
New remotes and displays
Bosch’s ebike smart system now features a wider range of displays and controllers.
The Kiox 300 records ride and fitness data and has navigation for mountain biking and touring.
The paired-back Intuvia 100 is aimed at commuters. It incorporates the eBike lock and alarm, battery level and gear recommendation.
Availability
Bosch did not specify which ebike brands will spec its new technology, but did give rough release dates.
From summer 2022, Bosch says the following features will be available:
- eBike ABS
- Cargo Line
- Performance Line
- Auto mode
- Cargo mode
- Hill Hold
- PowerTube 500 and 625
- eBike Flow App: Komoot integration
- eBike Flow App: Apple Watch update
From autumn 2022:
- eBike Alarm
- Intuvia 100
- System Controller
- Mini Remote
- PowerPack 545
- Digital Service Book
