The eBike advisor

Find the right eBike

Launching the eBike advisor

Are you new to the world of eBiking?

The electric bike market is as diverse as your life and each eBike as individual as your requirements. Which eBike suits you best? What equipment is important to you? We'll familiarize you with the basics, show you what makes an eBike an eBike, and tell you everything else you need to know: from the drive unit to the display, from eCity to eCargo, from on-road to trail. With the interactive eBike advisor, in just a few clicks you can find out which eBike type you are and get an initial idea of your perfect eBike.

What is an eBike?

Electric bikes help you get around better in the city, with your family 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 or exhaust fumes. In return, the focus is on the fun--even on longer routes. And, of course, an incomparable riding experience.

No wonder electric bikes are booming. Its advantages are both fascinating and convincing. However, understanding the variety of eBikes can be a challenge. The quality, capabilities and serviceability vary greatly.  But don't worry: We'll explain everything you need to know about eBikes here.

5 good reasons why switching to an eBike makes sense:

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 assistance compensates for differences in performance and makes the tour a shared experience.

You save time

On a distance of up to 10 kilometres (just over 6 miles), the eBike is the fastest means of transport in the city.

eBike Class

Don't get confused: The generic term "eBike" has become established, but there are actually three types of electric bikes. The differences lie in the motor power, the type of support and the legal requirements. Bosch only creates drive units for Class 1 and 3 eBikes. Read on to learn more about the model legislation for the 3-class system.

Throttle assist (Class 2)

Throttle assist - up to 20 mph (Class 2)

With eBikes in general, you control the motor not by your pedaling frequency or intensity, but by a twist grip or shift knob. While these eBikes have pedals, you don't have to pedal for motor assistance. This makes them fundamentally different from bicycles and pedal assist eBikes.

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 20 mph. 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 license 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 28 mph. They are therefore classed as mopeds. For their riders this means that a driver's license 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 components

The drive unit, display and battery are the components that make an eBike an eBike. These are supplemented by digital services and apps. All these components are most effective when thought of as a single unit and designed as a system. This way, they work together in harmony. The result is maximum efficiency and comfort – and a one-of-a-kind riding sensation.

Display

Important information where you need it

The display is the control center on the handlebar. It allows you to display various information such as range or selected riding mode and gives you the opportunity to change the support levels. Displays are available in many variants and with different functions.

Apps & portal

Digital extensions

Apps enhance your eBike experience with a wealth of digital features. Navigation or route planning, range information or important training data: you get pure riding enjoyment and also arrive at your destination in good shape. Elevation or pulse, speed or cadence – various apps can automatically record and analyze your performance. You can monitor your training performance at all times and easily share it with friends using your favorite apps such as Strava, komoot, Apple Health or Google Fit.

Battery

The energy source

The eBike battery is where the eBike motor gets the energy to power you along wherever you go. It supplies the eBike motor with power and has a major influence on the range. That's why there are eBike batteries for different requirements, and also for different types of installation and mounting.

Drive unit

The (mid-drive) motor of your eBike

Many of the most premium electric bikes use mid-drive motors. There's a good reason for this: It sits at the bottom bracket in the middle of the bike, which lowers the center of gravity and leads to balanced weight distribution. Both of these factors make handling easier, and the direct power transmission to the chain also conveys a natural ride-feel. And because the Bosch eBike motors measure important riding data over 1,000 times per second with their sensors, they always provide you with the optimum performance.

eBike types

Commuting to work or an adventure in the country, from transport to trail, from clean to functional: a wide range of eBikes is available. We show you the most common types here.

Interesting facts about eBikes

Range

What is the range of a single battery charge? This is a common question for many riders. There is a vast number of factors that have an effect on the range. Sometimes a single battery charge will take you less than 30 miles, while at other times it will take you much farther than 60 miles.

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 calculator tool makes it possible to estimate typical range under various parameters.

To the Range Assistant

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 or arrive at the office without breaking a sweat - your eBike will help you have limitless fun!

More about support levels

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.

More about eBike safety

Connectivity

Whether you're using a connected computer or smartphone, Bosch has intelligent solutions to connect you to the digital world when riding your eBike. This opens up a whole new range of options for eBiking – including navigation, fitness, communication and 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.

More about connectivity

Sustainability

Sustainability is a community project. Everyone can contribute to protecting resources and reducing emissions - out of respect for nature and future generations. Our mobility, specifically traffic-based mobility, is responsible for more than a fifth of all CO2 emissions worldwide. Using an eBike helps to lower this value.

It enables us to reduce traffic and relieve the environment. An eBike makes the journey to work more relaxed and allows us to do without our cars more often, whether for transporting people or loads. It requires little space and causes neither noise nor exhaust fumes. The switch is a win for the environment. And therefore for every one of us.

More about sustainability

Health

Physical activity is good for you. The World Health Organization 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 having plenty of fun.

More about eBike health

Why an eBike with Bosch system?

Bosch eBike systems is synonymous with ...

… a perfectly harmonized system
The drive unit, battery and display are designed as one system and work together in harmony. The result is maximum efficiency and comfort – and a one-of-a-kind riding sensation.

...custom combinations
With a modular product portfolio, Bosch offers riders the optimum drive system for every requirement.

...innovative solutions
The first production-ready ABS for eBikes, the first fully connected computer in the bicycle industry or the dynamic Performance Line CX: we develop solutions that enhance our customers' mobility.

… connected Biking
Our connectivity products add a digital dimension to the eBiking experience, making it even more comfortable, action-packed, and individual.

...unbeatable reliability
Our products are synonymous with maximum quality and reliability.

... an extensive range of services
Every product is only as good as its service. Bosch eBike systems therefore provides specialist dealers with intensive training to turn them into eBike specialists.

... a wide choice of manufacturers
More than 100 well-known bicycle brands trust "Bosch ePowered" products and install our drives in their portfolio.

Bosch eBike systems is synonymous with ...

… a perfectly harmonized system
The drive unit, battery and display are designed as one system and work together in harmony. The result is maximum efficiency and comfort – and a one-of-a-kind riding sensation.

...custom combinations
With a modular product portfolio, Bosch offers riders the optimum drive system for every requirement.

...innovative solutions
The first production-ready ABS for eBikes, the first fully connected computer in the bicycle industry or the dynamic Performance Line CX: we develop solutions that enhance our customers' mobility.

… connected Biking
Our connectivity products add a digital dimension to the eBiking experience, making it even more comfortable, action-packed, and individual.

...unbeatable reliability
Our products are synonymous with maximum quality and reliability.

... an extensive range of services
Every product is only as good as its service. Bosch eBike systems therefore provides specialist dealers with intensive training to turn them into eBike specialists.

... a wide choice of manufacturers
More than 100 well-known bicycle brands trust "Bosch ePowered" products and install our drives in their portfolio.

Which eBike is right for you?

Our interactive eBike advisor helps you find the right eBike for your needs. Try it out now!

Launching the eBike advisor

More information about eBikes: