Worth knowing about battery & recycling

The eBike Battery Guide

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Range Assistant

Worth knowing about battery & recycling

The eBike Battery Guide

Find dealers

Range Assistant

Bosch batteries and chargers

More energy for travelling

Bosch batteries provide the energy source for eBikes. They combine impressive mileage, a long service life and low weight (approx. 2.5 to 4.4 kg) with an ergonomic design and convenient handling. The high-quality lithium-ion batteries are equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS): It continuously monitors the battery, detects potential sources of error and protects the cells as much as possible from overload.

Powerful in every design

Four battery positions

 

Frame battery

Sporty & dynamic: As a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the centre of gravity to ensure optimal weight distribution.

Sporty & dynamic: As a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the centre of gravity to ensure optimal weight distribution.

Rack battery

Comfortably convenient: on step-through models, the rack battery frees up space and allows the rider to mount and dismount safely. 

Comfortably convenient: on step-through models, the rack battery frees up space and allows the rider to mount and dismount safely. 

Integrated battery

Stylishly elegant: The PowerTube can be integrated perfectly in the frame, creating a clean eBike look.

Stylishly elegant: The PowerTube can be integrated perfectly in the frame, creating a clean eBike look.

DualBattery

Double the power: Linking two Bosch batteries can deliver up to 1,250 Wh and therefore provide even greater range. Ideal for tour bikers, long-distance commuters and cargo bikers.

Double the power: Linking two Bosch batteries can deliver up to 1,250 Wh and therefore provide even greater range. Ideal for tour bikers, long-distance commuters and cargo bikers.

The advantages

Reasons for choosing eBike batteries from Bosch

No memory effect

Bosch batteries with lithium-ion cells can be charged quickly irrespective of your charge level at any time. Interruptions of the charging process do not harm the battery. Complete discharge is not required.

 

Extremely low self-discharge

Even after long periods of storage, e.g. over winter, the battery can be used without recharging. For longer storage, a charge status of approx. 30 to 60%. is recommended, as is charging after a longer period in storage.

Long service life

Bosch batteries are designed for lots of trips, many miles and years of service. The intelligent, electronic Bosch Battery Management System (BMS) protects against excessive operating temperatures, overloading and deep discharge. The BMS checks every cell, extending the life of the rechargeable battery.

Rapid charging

Bosch chargers are available in a range of different sizes and performance levels, and enable rapid charging according to your needs.

Easy to remove

Bosch batteries can be removed in just a few simple hand movements. The battery can therefore be charged and stored away from the eBike. This simplifies use, for example, when using in the winter. As the battery delivers less power at low temperatures, in winter it should be stored at room temperature until shortly before starting the journey.

Competent service

Whether for personal advice, regular software updates, service requests or comprehensive all-round checks: together with the dealer's eBike experts, we make sure you enjoy a special riding sensation.

Safety

With a combination of various technological safety mechanisms, additional tests, and a high degree of automation in production, Bosch sets standards in battery safety.

How a lithium-ion battery works

A lithium-ion battery generates the electromotive force by displacing lithium ions. While the eBike is in motion the electrodes move from the negative anode via the drive unit to the positive cathode. The lithium ions provide balance. The reverse process takes place when the battery is charged.

Bosch batteries

Powerful in every design

 

PowerPacks

Sporty & dynamic: When used as a frame battery, the PowerPack sits close to the centre of gravity of the wheel, ensuring optimum weight distribution.

  Compact Charger  Standard Charger Fast Charger
PowerPack 300 50% in approx. 2 h,
100% in approx. 5 h
50% in approx. 1 h,
100% in approx. 2.5 h
50% in approx. 1 h,
100% in approx. 2.5 h
PowerPack 400 50% in approx. 2.5 h,
100% in approx. 6.5 h
50% in approx. 1.5 h,
100% in approx. 3.5 h
50% in approx. 1 h,
100% in approx. 2.5 h
PowerPack 500 50% in approx. 3.5 h,
100% in approx. 7.5 h
50% in approx. 1.7 h,
100% in approx. 4.5 h
50% in approx. 1.2 h,
100% in approx. 3 h
  4A Charger
PowerPack 545
Frame
50% in approx. 1.8 h,
100% in approx. 4.9 h
PowerPack 725
Frame
50% in approx. 2.3 h,
100% in approx. 6 h

PowerTubes

Stylishly elegant: There are two versions of the PowerTube: horizontal or vertical. Both are installed by the manufacturer according to the eBike's specific design.

  Compact Charger Standard Charger Fast Charger
PowerTube 400 50% in approx. 2.5 h,
100% in approx. 6.5 h
50% in approx. 1.5 h,
100% in approx. 3.5 h
50% in approx. 1 h,
100% in approx. 2.5 h
PowerTube 500 50% in approx. 3.5 h,
100% in approx. 7.5 h
50% in approx. 1.7 h,
100% in approx. 4.5 h
50% in approx. 1.2 h,
100% in approx. 3 h
PowerTube 625 50% in approx. 4.2 h,
100% in approx. 8.8 h
50% in approx. 2.1 h,
100% in approx. 5.4 h
50% in approx. 1.4 h,
100% in approx. 3.7 h
  4A Charger
PowerTube 500 50% in approx. 1.7 h,
100% in approx. 4.5 h
PowerTube 625 50% in approx. 2.1 h,
100% in approx. 5.4 h
PowerTube 750 50% in approx. 2.3 h,
100% in approx. 6 h

DualBattery

Your eBike is powered for even longer with the DualBattery* option. By connecting two Bosch eBike batteries, you get double the energy content of up to 1,250 Wh.

  Compact Charger Standard Charger Fast Charger
DualBattery 50% in approx. 8.4 h,
100% in approx. 17.6 h
50% in approx. 4.2 h,
100% in approx. 9.8 h
50% in approx. 2.8 h,
100% in approx. 7.4 h

* Not available in combination with PowerPack 300 and PowerTube 400.

The range assistant

The range of Bosch rechargeable batteries depends on numerous different factors. You can use the Range Assistant to calculate the range of the support you can expect from your eBike system on your next ride in various conditions.

The range assistant

Tips and tricks for longer riding enjoyment according to the range assistant

Cadence

Cadence

Cadences above 60 revolutions per minute, optimise the efficiency of the drive unit. Very slow pedalling, especially in high gears, on the other hand, costs the battery more energy.

Weight

Weight

Weight should be minimised by keeping the total weight of the bicycle and luggage from being unnecessarily high.

Starting & braking

Starting & braking

As with a car, frequent starting and stopping is less economical than riding long distances at an almost constant speed.

Shifting system

Shifting system

Correct gear shifting also makes eBiking more efficient: It is best to start off and tackle inclines in a low gear, then shift to a higher gear in accordance with the terrain and speed. The on-board computer provides shift recommendations.

Tyre pressure

Tyre pressure

Rolling resistance can be minimised by correct tyre pressure. Tip: In order to maximise the range, inflate the tyres to the maximum permissible tyre pressure.

Motor performance indicator

Motor performance indicator

Monitor the motor performance with the motor performance indicator of the Intuvia, Kiox and Nyon on-board computers and adapt your riding style accordingly. A longer bar indicates a higher power consumption.

Battery & temperature

Battery & temperature

With decreasing temperature, the performance and range of a rechargeable battery is temporarily reduced, as the electrical resistance increases. Therefore, in cold temperatures, a temporary decrease in the usual range is to be expected.

Care and use

Care and use

With the correct handling and care, the service life of a Bosch eBike battery can be lengthened. Here, the instructions for cleaning, as well as for storage when not in use for a longer period of time, must be taken into account.

Tip: Carefully clean the plug poles occasionally and grease them lightly.

Handling, care and transport

Charging on the pedelec

PowerPacks and PowerTubes are particularly easy to charge directly on the pedelec itself. You just need to insert the charging plug on the charger into the charging socket in the battery mount and insert the power plug into the wall outlet. Done! The batteries should be charged at room temperature in a dry location where a smoke detector is installed.

Charging on the pedelec

PowerPacks and PowerTubes are particularly easy to charge directly on the pedelec itself. You just need to insert the charging plug on the charger into the charging socket in the battery mount and insert the power plug into the wall outlet. Done! The batteries should be charged at room temperature in a dry location where a smoke detector is installed.

Charging a removed battery

If the battery cannot be charged directly on the pedelec, the PowerPack and PowerTube can also be easily removed.

Charging a removed battery

If the battery cannot be charged directly on the pedelec, the PowerPack and PowerTube can also be easily removed.

Charging while on the move

The infrastructure of charging stations for eBike batteries is now well developed in many regions. Along popular bike routes, eBikers have access to an increasingly dense network of charging stations. With Bike Energy, we now have a strong partner at our side to drive this development forward. This means that breaks from riding can be used as an opportunity to charge the eBike battery, free of charge.

Charging while on the move

The infrastructure of charging stations for eBike batteries is now well developed in many regions. Along popular bike routes, eBikers have access to an increasingly dense network of charging stations. With Bike Energy, we now have a strong partner at our side to drive this development forward. This means that breaks from riding can be used as an opportunity to charge the eBike battery, free of charge.

Removal and installation

Bosch batteries are seated securely in their mounts, even when travelling over rough terrain. However, they are easily removed for storage or charging purposes: Simply open the lock and remove the battery from the mount.

Bosch rechargeable batteries can also be reinserted just as easily and intuitively. Their light weight, handy dimensions and the accuracy of fit of the battery and mount make this possible. The rechargeable battery locks into its mount in a manner that is noticeable and audible, so that it is seated securely in the frame or on the eBike.

Care

The Bosch battery is an important component of the eBike. With the correct handling and care its service life can be lengthened.

Cleaning & Care

A damp cloth is recommended for cleaning the battery. The plug poles should be cleaned occasionally and lightly greased. The battery should first be removed before cleaning the eBike. To protect the electronic components, the batteries must never be cleaned with a direct jet of water or high pressure hose.

Storage during winter

Storage during winter Store the batteries in a dry location at room temperature. Fully charging or fully discharging results in higher loading of the battery. The ideal charge status for lengthy periods of storage is
approx. 30 to 60% or two to three LEDs on the battery indicator.

Winter use

During winter use (particularly below 0 °C) we recommend charging and storing the battery at room temperature before inserting the battery in the eBike immediately before riding it. For longer journeys in cold conditions, it is advisable to use thermal protective covers.

Transport

Lithium-ion batteries store large amounts of energy. That's why some precautions are necessary during transport. Ideally, the battery should be set to approx. 30% discharged and only fully charged again at the destination.

By Car

If the eBike is being transported with a bike rack, remove the battery first and place it in a safe location inside the car.

Flights

Air transportation organisation IATA has forbidden the transportation of eBike batteries on passenger planes. We recommend renting a Bosch eBike battery at your destination. You should check in advance whether the airline will transport eBikes without a battery.

By Train

In trains with bicycle compartments, there is usually no issue with carrying pedelecs (up to 25 km/h). You often need to get an extra bike ticket and make a reservation for the eBike. The eBike battery must remain permanently installed during the journey and must not be charged. Before starting your journey, you should contact the respective service provider for precise information on the transport conditions. In some cases, it is not possible to take them on all routes.

On commuter services and long-distance buses

On commuter services, for example on light rail services, it is often permissible to take a bike on board at regional off-peak times, provided you have purchased a bicycle ticket. It is advisable to obtain information from the relevant transport authority before travelling. The policies for transporting pedelecs on long-distance buses varies from company to company. Therefore you should enquire in advance of starting your journey.

Good to know

eBike batteries are hazardous goods and can't be sent in the post. Taking your eBike battery on the plane is also not permitted.

▶ Tip: If you can't take your eBike with you, simply hire one at your destination.

Service life

The service life of Bosch rechargeable batteries is influenced mainly by the type and duration of use. Like every lithium-ion battery, a Bosch rechargeable battery also ages over time, even if you do not use it. Over time it loses capacity.

Factors that shorten the service life:

  • Heavy-load use

  • Storage at over 30°C ambient temperature

  •  Prolonged storage in a fully charged or fully discharged state

  •  Parking the eBike in direct sunlight

  • Regular complete "discharge" of the battery

Factors that extend the service life:

  • Low-load use

  • Store and charge the battery at moderate temperatures – ideally at room temperature

  • The ideal battery charge level is between 30 and 60%

  • Parking the eBike in the shade or a cool location

 

Sustainable use of raw materials

Recycling

The CO₂ footprint of an eBike is largely determined by the production, use and recycling of the battery. The longer an eBike is used and the more trips by other means of transport it replaces, the better for the environment. To ensure that valuable raw materials can be reused at the end of its service life, the battery must be properly recycled.

Further information

Sustainable use of raw materials

Recycling

The CO₂ footprint of an eBike is largely determined by the production, use and recycling of the battery. The longer an eBike is used and the more trips by other means of transport it replaces, the better for the environment. To ensure that valuable raw materials can be reused at the end of its service life, the battery must be properly recycled.

Further information

When the battery starts to run down

Replace or repair?

eBike batteries are wearing parts and all lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. For safety reasons, faulty, old or 'worn out' batteries should not be repaired or refreshed, but should be recycled appropriately. What's more, for your safety Bosch also strongly advises against having batteries repaired. If a battery is faulty, you must completely replace it instead.

When the battery starts to run down

Replace or repair?

eBike batteries are wearing parts and all lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. For safety reasons, faulty, old or 'worn out' batteries should not be repaired or refreshed, but should be recycled appropriately. What's more, for your safety Bosch also strongly advises against having batteries repaired. If a battery is faulty, you must completely replace it instead.

eBike battery safety

Safety is of the utmost priority for us

High-quality lithium-ion batteries are complex, finely tuned systems with a high energy content and can be the cause of dangerous situations. For this reason, Bosch eBike Systems has driven and constantly improved the safety of its rechargeable batteries from the very beginning, with technical innovations and comprehensive tests. Potential sources of danger are counteracted where they can arise. In this way, the risk of an extremely rare but nevertheless possible emergency (e.g. sudden overheating of the eBike battery due to an internal short circuit in a battery cell) is significantly reduced.

Thermal isolation of battery cells

Electrical isolation of battery cells

Mechanical isolation of battery cells

Protection against water ingress

Bosch Battery Management System

Thermal isolation of battery cells

In addition to the mechanical and electrical separation, there is also thermal separation in all PowerTube batteries, as well as in all batteries of the smart system through fully encased cells. This reduces the risk of overheating in the battery and possible thermal chain reaction.

Electrical isolation of battery cells

An integrated fuse interrupts the power supply if increased current flow from a cell is detected.

Mechanical isolation of battery cells

The individual cells of an eBike battery from Bosch eBike Systems are encased in flame-retardant plastic.

Protection against water ingress

A circumferential seal of the battery case protects the battery from water ingress when installed.

Bosch Battery Management System

The BMS protects against excessive operating temperatures. Overload and deep discharge. It checks every cell, extending the life of the battery.

Frequently asked questions about rechargeable batteries

Anyone can hand in their old or defective eBike battery free of charge to any bicycle retailer, who will recycle it in an environmentally-friendly way. No purchase of a new battery is required to do so.

Please note that heavily damaged batteries should not be touched with bare hands, as electrolyte may leak out, causing skin irritation. Please keep these batteries in a safe place outdoors, with the contacts taped off, and take them to your bicycle retailer for proper disposal as soon as possible.

The mount is designed so that water can drain and the contacts can dry. To ensure that this happens, the mount and plug area should be kept clean. The contacts are supplied with a coating which protects the surface against corrosion and wear. Terminal greases or technical Vaseline may also be used if required.

Bosch chargers are adapted specifically to the Bosch eBike System and have the correct software for charging and managing Bosch batteries optimally. Using a different charger may reduce the service life of the battery or cause other damage or malfunctions in the eBike system.

Original Bosch spare parts are the only way to guarantee your safety. The Bosch eBike system components are perfectly coordinated and provide maximum efficiency and safety.

More FAQs

More information as a download in your eBike Guide

In addition to important tips and advice about your battery, the eBike Guide not only familiarises you with the basics, but also tells you how to improve your eBike experience, be safer on the road and maximise your riding enjoyment.

Download

More information as a download in your eBike Guide

In addition to important tips and advice about your battery, the eBike Guide not only familiarises you with the basics, but also tells you how to improve your eBike experience, be safer on the road and maximise your riding enjoyment.

Download