Bosch

Bosch eBike Systems is an arm of the Bosch multinational technology company, specialising in drive units and batteries for e-bikes.

History

Bosch eBike Systems was founded in 2009 as an off-shoot of the Bosch technology company. Its parent company dates back to 1886 when Robert Bosch started a mechanical and electrical engineering workshop in Stuttgart, Germany.

It quickly grew from performing simple tasks such as fixing telephone systems to creating a new magneto ignition device for motor vehicles, a development that gained it global recognition. Bosch went from strength to strength, quickly expanding with multiple divisions and off-shoots across a wide range of industries. By 2009 that included e-bike motors through Bosch eBike Systems.

Despite still being a relatively new company in the cycling industry, Bosch has already established itself as one of the market-leading manufacturers of e-bike motors and components, providing technology for over 100 bike brands worldwide.

Its first e-bike motor debuted at Eurobike in 2010 and wide-scale production began in 2011. In 2013 it released the Active and Performance ranges which are still active today. They’ve since been supplemented by the release of the Active Plus, Performance Speed, Performance SX, Performance CX, Performance CX Race and Cargo ranges.

Beyond motors, Bosch also develops a range of e-bike tech, creating the PowerTube series of batteries, a range of braking technology, new apps, onboard computers, and more.

Did you know?

Highlights

• Bosch eBike Systems was founded in 2009 and unveiled its first e-bike system at Eurobike in 2010, before starting production on the system in 2011. The system included a motor, battery, onboard computer and charger.
• The new Intuvia onboard computer is released in 2013. It simplified functionality, making it easier to change the ride mode and displayed new information such as remaining range.
• At the beginning, Bosch offered one system but it branched out after releasing the Active and Performance lines in 2013. These provided the foundations for subsequent ranges, with Active Plus, Performance Speed, Performance SX, Performance CX and Performance CX Race versions all now available.
• One of the company’s most innovative designs, Bosch released the first production-ready anti-lock braking system for e-bikes in 2017.
• In the same year, Bosch launched the Bosch eMTB Challenge, a racing format which encompassed all mountain bike disciplines. It’s since expanded to multiple events each year and is currently sponsored by Trek.