Are you new to the world of eBiking?
The eBike market is incredibly diverse, with literally thousands of models on offer. Which eBike suits you best? What equipment is most important for your use-case? We'll familiarise you with the basics, show you what makes an eBike an eBike, and tell you everything else you need to know. From drive unit to display, from eCity to eCargo, from asphalt to trail. With the interactive eBike advisor, you can find out with just a few clicks which eBike type you are and get an initial orientation for choosing the right eBike.
What is an eBike?
An eBike is much more than a bicycle. The power of its electric motor helps you get around better. In the city, across the country or up a mountain. It gives you a power boost when you need it and makes you independent of schedules or parking spaces. The eBike takes up little space and produces neither noise nor exhaust fumes. In return, the focus is on riding fun even on longer routes. And, of course, an incomparable riding experience.
No wonder the eBike is booming. Its advantages fascinate and convince. And yet there are questions. About the technology, about operation, about use in road traffic. But don't worry: We'll explain everything you need to know here.
5 good reasons why it's worth switching to the eBike:
You enjoy the ride
The drive provides support on challenging climbs and conserves energy on long rides.
You're improving your health
Regular exercise keeps you fit and puts you in a good mood. Studies have found that eBikers get on their bikes more often and cover much longer distances than conventional cyclists.
You're saving the environment
With an eBike, traffic can be relieved just as much as the climate. It often makes the car redundant.
You can all ride together
The electric support compensates for differences in rider performance and makes the ride a shared experience.
You save time
On a distance of up to 10 kilometres, the eBike is the fastest means of transport in the city.
eBike variants
There are actually three types of electric bikes. The generic term 'eBike' has become accepted, but conceals the differences between the variants. These varients lie in the motor power, the type of support and the legal requirements. To keep it simple, we refer to 'eBikes' always as a synonym for a pedelec.
Pedelec
Pedelec
Strictly speaking, most eBikes are pedelecs ("Pedal Electric Cycle") – i.e. a bicycle with an electric supporting motor. It supports you with a maximum permissible rated continuous output of 250 watts when you pedal. Up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. If you want it to go even faster, you have to do it with pure muscle power. As a result, pedelecs are legally considered bicycles. You don't need a licence or insurance to ride them.
S-pedelec
S-pedelec
The S in S-pedelecs stands for "Speed". They operate in the same way as pedelecs, their more powerful electric motor, however, provides acceleration to a speed of 45 km/h. They are therefore classed as mopeds. For their riders this means that a driver's licence is required and, in addition to an insurance obligation, a helmet must be worn. Caution, in many places, the use of cycle lanes is also forbidden – obtain information on what the laws are in your particular country.
eBike
eBike
With eBikes in general, you don't control the motor through your pedalling frequency or intensity, but through a twist grip or shift knob. You don't have to pedal for motor support. This makes them fundamentally different from bicycles and pedelecs, and there is mandatory insurance and a helmet must be worn.
eBike components
Drive unit, display and battery are the components that make an eBike an eBike. These are supplemented by digital services and apps. All of these components are most effective when thought of as a unit and designed as a system: In this way, they work together in harmony. This results in maximum efficiency and comfort – and a unique riding sensation.
eBike types
For the commute to work or the adventure in nature, from transport to trail, from clean to functional: eBikes are available in a wide range of variants. We show you the most common types here.
The classics
eCity bike
City eBikes are the perfect way to avoid traffic jams in a congested city.
eTrekking bike
Trekking bikes with electric drives are the perfect choice for recreational cyclists and adventurers.
eMountain bike
eMountain bikes are made for powerful eBiking in the mountains and on rough terrain - guaranteed fun on any surface.
eCargo bike
Whether picking up the kids from kindergarten or carrying the weekly shopping, cargo bikes are the alternative means of transport.
The specialists
Urban eBike
eUrban bikes are stylish eBikes that take you safely through the urban jungle - perfectly connected to the digital world.
Speed Pedelec
Speed Pedelcs are up to 45 km/h fast and ideal for longer distances, such as your daily commute to work.
SUV eBike
eSUV bikes or crossover eBikes are sporty all-rounders that make you feel just as comfortable on asphalt as on off-road trails.
eGravel Bike
eGravel bikes are the off-road version of the eRoad bike: The wide tyres provide plenty of comfort even for sporty riding.
eRoad bike
eRoad bikes are the racing bikes among eBikes and the perfect training partner for sporty and longer rides on asphalt.
Things to know about eBikes
Range
What is the range of a single battery charge? This is a common question for many eBikers. There is no definitive answer. The number and variety of influential factors is simply too great. Sometimes a single battery charge will take you less than 50 kilometres, while at other times it will take you much further than 100 kilometres.
Range is influenced by the rider and the chosen support mode, as well as the drive unit or battery installed in the eBike. Environmental factors such as temperature, wind conditions and riding surface also play a key role in how far you can get on a battery charge. Our range assistant tool makes it possible to estimate a typical range under various parameters.
Support levels
The eBike expands your muscle power with motor power. You decide how much extra power it provides. Simply by using your own power and selecting the assistance level. Whether you want to work up a full sweat, arrive at the office without sweat stains or make a good run - your eBike will help you. A push of a button is all it takes. Only your riding fun always remains at maximum.
Safety
We care about your safety. Only when you feel safe on your eBike can you really enjoy the flow. That is why we are dedicated to the issue with full commitment and from all angles. Because how safe you feel is influenced by many different factors: A safety-conscious and responsible driving style, structural conditions such as the cycle path network and infrastructure and, last but not least, appropriate product solutions.
Every day we work passionately to develop innovative and inspiring products and are committed to safer infrastructure and responsible eBiking. So that you can ride in a relaxed, sustainable and, above all, safe way.
Connectivity
Whether you're using a connected on-board computer or a smartphone, Bosch has intelligent solutions to connect you to the digital world when you're riding your eBike. This opens up a whole new range of options for eBiking - whether for navigation, fitness, communication or entertainment.
Thanks to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in combination with smart features such as navigation, route planning, fitness and environmental conditions, you are now even better informed. Performance data such as altitude, speed, cadence and heart rate profiles can be recorded and evaluated. You can share information and stay in touch with friends on the go - that's what online services like Strava and komoot are all about.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a joint project. Everyone can contribute to protecting resources and reducing emissions - out of respect for nature and the next generation. Especially in traffic: Our mobility causes more than one fifth of all CO2 emissions worldwide. Riding an eBike helps to lower this value.
Because it can provide relief for traffic as well as for the climate. An eBike makes the way to work more relaxed and the car often dispensable, whether for transporting people or loads. It takes up little space and doesn't cause noise or exhaust fumes. The switch is a win for the environment. And therefore for all of us.
Health
Physical activity is good for you. The World Health Organisation recommends 150 minutes of exercise each week to strengthen the cardiovascular system and prevent disease. This doesn't necessarily mean having to work up a sweat. Moderate exercise is enough to promote health. Anyone riding an eBike is not just keeping the body and mind active, but also enjoying plenty of fun.
Why choose an eBike with a Bosch system?
