More features and ABS: Bosch makes the e-bike even smarter

In mid-June, Bosch provided the journalists with stylish e-mountainbikes near Frankfurt. I'm still admiring the battery built into the frame and the high-quality components from DT Swiss in Biel when I suddenly hear: "Are you Lorenz Keller? Yes, then this is your bike."

Helmet on, saddle height adjusted and off we go. French ex-professional cyclist Jérôme Clementz, who became Enduro World Champion in 2013, is pedalling at the front. Behind him is a group of bike journalists. And me at the back, riding down a downhill piste for the first time ever.

Thanks to ABS, the front wheel doesn't lock

Luckily, there are some good tips from the pro: stand on the pedals and cushion the roots, stones and bumps. It's better to brake evenly rather than jerkily. And last but not least, just stay relaxed. Fortunately, there are shortcuts past the jumps and big obstacles on the piste in the Taunus Mountains in Germany for beginners.

The ABS system that Bosch introduced a year ago for the masses of e-bikes also gives me peace of mind. It prevents the front wheel from locking when I have to brake hard. This means I can keep my lane better and there is less risk of flying over the handlebars.

I actually survive my downhill première without any problems (but slowly) - and can then take care of the new Bosch products. Motivated by the praise from Jérôme Clementz: "You didn't do too badly for your first time."

Watch this short video to see how the ABS works during emergency braking on a loose surface.

The Bosch modular system

I didn't necessarily travel here for my first downhill experience, but to see the latest innovations from Bosch's e-bike division. Important to know: The German manufacturer does not build bikes itself, only components such as motors and batteries. For example, 190 out of 543 bikes in our range are equipped with Bosch electric motors. Worldwide, the market share is even higher.

However, this is not always clear for customers, as Bosch has already introduced the new smart system in 2021, but the "old" system will continue to be sold. Anyone who wants connectivity therefore needs to enquire carefully.

Electric bikesAvailability unknown

Kettler Quadriga Duo Cx

49 cm

Electric bikesAvailability unknown

Cylan ROCK FLY

44 cm

1

Electric bikesAvailability unknown

Cube Bike Kathmandu Hybrid ABS 750

58.00 cm

Electric bikesAvailability unknown

Kettler Quadriga Duo Cx

49 cm

Electric bikesAvailability unknown

Cylan ROCK FLY

44 cm

1

Electric bikesAvailability unknown

Cube Bike Kathmandu Hybrid ABS 750

58.00 cm

Bosch innovations are therefore used in hundreds of e-bikes from dozens of manufacturers. However, the brands themselves decide what to install and in what combination. Bosch itself simply offers a modular system with motors, batteries and accessories. And this is constantly being expanded.

The lightest electric motor to date

From autumn, for example, a new, sporty motor will be added. The Performance Line SX delivers up to 600 watts and has a torque of 55 Newton metres. Thanks to its lightweight construction concept with magnesium housing, it weighs just two kilograms. It is therefore specially designed for all bikes where weight plays a major role. In other words, lightweight mountain bikes, gravel bikes or manoeuvrable e-bikes for the city. Together with the 400 Wh battery, the entire system weighs just four kilograms.

In my downhill riding test, I was able to try out exactly this combination. The electric motor is mainly used on the ascent after the descent. It pushes very gently and primarily provides support. In the new "Sprint" mode, the system delivers more power when you pedal harder. This allows you to quickly reach a high speed and maintain it.

I also notice a clear difference compared to the Performance Line CX with 85 Newton metres. It feels more like someone is pushing me hard from behind. So that I cycle up the hill with ease. The SX also makes the climb easier, but I have to do more myself.

More range, more display and more software features

Also available is a range extender with 250 Wh, which can be docked in the same holder as the water bottle - and is also about the same size. Bosch has also built two new drives for city bikes: Active Line and Active Line Plus. They are the manufacturer's quietest motors.

The Bosch batteries and motors are connected via a smart system. The eBike Flow app, which receives new functions every year, serves as the control centre. There have already been two updates this year: on the one hand, route guidance for bike navigation is now available with voice output. On the other hand, maps can also be displayed in dark mode and the data is much more accurate.

The various riding modes can now also be individually configured. For example, how much assistance the electric motor provides, up to what speed or with what dynamics the additional power intervenes.

The screen serves as a digital key

The smartphone can also be used as a screen. If you don't want that, there are external displays. The Kiox 300 was previously available with a 2-inch screen. Now comes the Kiox 500 with a 2.8-inch screen. With an update, both systems also offer customisable views so that you can see exactly the information you want. Incidentally, both Kiox screens or a smartphone holder can be clicked onto the same base station.

Also cleverly done: the two Kiox displays can be configured as digital keys. If you click them off the handlebars, the electric drive is automatically locked. This doesn't save you a lock because the manual pedal drive still works. But an e-bike without an electric drive is much less valuable to thieves.

The Purion 200 also comes with a mini screen that is integrated directly into the control unit on the left-hand side of the handlebars. Important information such as the charge status or riding mode can be displayed here. Clever: The small Purion screen can optionally be combined with a second screen.

Bosch's goal is clear: the smart e-bike system should be usable in as many models as possible - from entry-level city bikes to downhill bikes. This is why the ABS can also be combined with other brake manufacturers from the autumn and the entire drive can be used with the first automatic gearsticks.

ABS in particular is likely to become established on e-bikes in the next few years. Anyone who has experienced for themselves what the safety system can do, as I did at the press event in Germany, will never want to be without it again.