Although Bosch has long been at the very top of quality in the field of e-bike drives, it is of course not idle and continues to introduce new technologies to satisfy the demand for new functions, smart communication solutions and, most importantly, to remain one step ahead of its competitors. Let's now look at the new functions of the e-drive system known as the Smart System.

Engine

The motor itself has practically not changed at all in terms of driving performance compared to its original non-smart version. The motor body has remained the same, however, all the connectors have changed, which you need to take into account when choosing a charger, chip tuning or tracking device .
One of the clear disadvantages of these innovations is backward incompatibility with non-smart batteries, displays, cables, or chargers.

Battery

The Smart system now also offers an above-standard battery capacity of 750 Wh for maximum range or energy reserve. As with older generations, it is an elongated PowerTube shape with the same profile as the weaker battery variants, but as mentioned above, it is equipped with a different connector. The battery is about 7 cm longer and about 900 grams heavier than the PowerTube 625 with a total weight of 4.4 kg. Again, different manufacturers use either a horizontal or vertical arrangement, keep this in mind when choosing a new or replacement battery.

Charger

In the older non-smart version, there were several types of chargers according to their maximum output current, so depending on the manufacturer, either 2 A or 4 A chargers were included, with the option of purchasing a 6 A fast charger. SmartSystem has all chargers unified into a standard 4 A charger, with no option to purchase another one. Again, backward incompatible

Display

Here, the manufacturer has chosen the path of utmost simplicity, as more complex display functions, such as route tracking or navigation, can be performed by your smartphone.
The full control function of the e-bike is handled by a small, inconspicuous Bosch LED Remote device on the left grip, which displays the current battery capacity by lighting up 0-5 LED lights and the currently selected aid by one of the colors. It can also activate Walk mode and lights, if present.
On some models from some manufacturers, the LED Remote is accompanied by the Kiox 300 display, on which the user can also read their current and average speed, power, cadence, daily mileage, total mileage, more accurate battery capacity, calories burned or estimated range.
These functions can also be performed by your smartphone connected via the eBikeFlow app. In addition to ride data, the app can also store data about the bike itself, service history, routing, including export to other apps, such as Komoot or Strava, dynamic navigation with map support, and many other user options. Using the original Bosch SmartphoneGrip , your phone becomes the eBike display. It is connected to the eBike battery and offers both inductive charging and a USB output for classic charging.
You can find an overview of all the functions in one place in the "How to" playlist from Bosch e-bike Systems on YouTube.

E-bike Flow application

The eBike Flow app connects you to your eBike – and your eBike to the digital world. You can use the app to control all functions of the Smart System, which connects the drive unit, battery and control unit. It allows you to adapt your eBike exactly to your wishes, expand it and keep it up to date: You can easily download new functions and services. You can conveniently install updates for your eBike via Bluetooth. This means that your eBike is always up to date and is constantly being expanded with new functions. This takes your riding pleasure to the next level.
The application is free to download on Google Play or Apple App Store.

Other new features

• The eBike ABS brake system from Bosch in cooperation with Magura helps to ensure effective braking. The braking performance of bicycles has increased over the years (hydraulic disc brakes). In order to be able to control this performance even in critical emergency braking situations, the eBike ABS system was developed. Wheel speed sensors mounted on both wheels detect when the brakes are locking and automatically adjust the braking force using software and control. This prevents falls over the handlebars on firm ground and falls to the side on slippery ground.
  The system is used by only a few manufacturers and retrofitting to other e-bikes is not possible.
• The eBike Lock is a suitable security extension in addition to a mechanical lock. After a one-time installation via the eBike Flow app, your smartphone serves as a digital key to switch off the motor support. Identification takes place automatically via Bluetooth, so you can leave your smartphone in your pocket. Short tones, lights and symbols on the LED Remote, display or smartphone indicate whether the eBike Lock is active and therefore the motor support is switched off. If your smartphone is lost, simply log in to your account in the eBike Flow app using another smartphone. The eBike Lock in the Smart System offers free additional protection against theft and better security for your eBike.
• The eBike Alarm is an alarm function and is the ideal complement to a mechanical lock – for even better protection against theft: After a one-time installation via the eBike Flow app, your smartphone acts as a digital key. If you switch off your eBike, the eBike Alarm is automatically activated. It responds to the slightest movement with a warning signal. If your eBike starts to move continuously, you will receive a message on your smartphone, the tracking function is activated and you can track the position of your eBike in the eBike Flow app. In order to use the eBike Alarm function, the ConnectModule must be installed on your eBike and the eBike Lock must be activated, which automatically switches off the motor support. The digital functions of the module are charged at €4.99 per month or €39.99 per year after the first 12 months.