Bosch launch lightweight eBike unit + raft of ’23 / ’24 innovations

Bosch eBike Systems has announced a new lightweight Performance Line SX drive unit, along with the expansion of the smart system portfolio, plus a host of other digital eBike personalisation options.

The news comes as the brand presented a host of new innovations and features for the 2024 model year, all of which designed to make the eBiking experience even more customisable and personal, regardless of an eBiker’s preferred type of riding.

Announced today in Frankfurt, the raft of digital features and physical products include some available as soon as Summer 2023.

“The smart system represents the digital future of eBiking. With it, the physical and digital eBike experiences merge. In order to inspire eBikers again and again, we are continuously expanding the smart system with new hardware and digital features,” explains Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems. “In the coming model year, we have matching product innovations for minimalist eGravel bikes, stylish eUrban bikes and lightweight eMountain bikes – ensuring even more comfort and long-lasting riding fun.”

New benchmark for lightweight eBikes: Bosch presents the compact Performance Line SX drive
With the Performance Line SX, Bosch eBike Systems is setting new standards for sporty riding with lightweight eMTBs, eGravel bikes and eUrban bikes.

The new drive unit combines high performance with low weight – making it the Bosch drive with the highest power density. These features, combined with finely tuned support, ensure a natural riding sensation and enable sporty eBiking on the trail, intensive training rides on gravel, as well as fast rides through the city.

The brand states that eBikes equipped with the SX are particularly smooth and easy to ride, with the pedal resistance reduced by more than 50% compared to other Bosch drive units, which it says makes the motor barely noticeable.

The first models with the Performance Line SX are expected to be available on the market from Autumn 2023.

Other new products and innovations for eMTB, eGravel and eUrban include:

• CompactTube 400 battery and PowerMore 250 range extender for eMTB*
• Sprint riding mode (SPRNT) and Mini Remote Dropbar variant for eGravel

*When additional battery power is needed on intense trails, the new PowerMore 250 range extender (approx. 1.6 kilograms, 250 watt hours) increases the range by more than 60 percent in conjunction with the CompactTube 400 – all this with a product the size of a water bottle.

Expanding the smart system portfolio
Lighter and quieter drives, fully-networked colour displays and slimmer batteries – these are just some of the numerous product innovations that Bosch eBike Systems has presented today for eBikes with the smart system. For the 2024 model year, the company is expanding the modular portfolio of the smart system whilst also further expanding its digital capabilities. Whether in the city or the countryside, Bosch’s new products and digital features enable eBikers to enjoy maximum flow in all riding situations.

For the smart system new innovations include:

• Active Line and Active Line Plus drive units will join the smart system for eCity and eTrekking bikes from Summer 2023
• eShift electronic gear shifting will be available for eBikes with the smart system and hub gear systems from autumn 2023
• All batteries in the smart system are set to become DualBattery capable for increased flexibility
• 2A Charger – a new compact transportable charger
• New batteries, including: PowerPack 400 Frame, PowerPack 400 Rack, and PowerPack 500 Rack
• Purion 200 compact control unit
• Kiox 500 display with acoustic cues

The digital future of eBiking
eBiking has long been much more than simply electric-assisted cycling. The increased connectivity of central components with digital features gives eBike riders the opportunity to adapt the eBike experience to their personal needs. Bosch eBike Systems is driving this development forward and has presented numerous connectivity features for the 2024 model year designed to individualise the riding experience.
Bosch’s latest connectivity, security and personalisation innovations include:

• Flow+ premium subscription, encompassing the eBike Alarm and a number of upcoming features
• Increased customisation opportunities for Kiox 300 and Kiox 500 displays
• Enhanced training information via ‘Statistics’ in the eBike Flow App, including calories burned
• Android smartphone users can now rename tours, including emoji integration

Earlier this year, at the Taipei Cycle Show, Bosch announced it is to work with Taiwanese brake specialist Tektro bringing a ‘safer braking system’ to more eBikes, via its ABS systems.

The Tektro partnership means bicycle manufacturers will have 2 brake manufacturer options (the other being Magura) when using Bosch eBike ABS.