Are Bosch E-Bike Motors Good?

History of Bosch E-Bike Motors

Bosch Motorsports has been involved with the sport of racing since 1903. In 1954, a Mercedes Benz 2.5-liter with a Bosch mechanical direct gasoline injection system won the Grand Prix. This was the beginning of a long and storied history through the 20 and 21st centuries as a partner, supplier, and sponsor of motorsports.

In 2009 Bosch made history by evolving into mortors for E-bikes. For over a decade, they’ve provided powerful drive units and durable batteries to e-bike manufacturers in Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. Bosch is undoubtedly the biggest name in e-bike systems today.

Headquartered in Abstatt, Germany, Bosch continually uses its expertise and forward-looking engineering to produce drive systems with a natural ride feel and maximum efficiency. Every day Bosch is looking for innovative ways to make e-biking more powerful, more intuitive and more high-tech, and customizable than ever.

What motors does Bosch Make Today?

Today Bosch makes a line of e-bike motors with five categories of drive systems for almost every kind of rider and bike: Active Line, Active Line Plus, Cargo Line, Performance Line, and the Performance Line CX. Let’s break down each one.

Active Line

The Active Line makes getting around town fun, no matter what time of the day- even during rush hour. This lightweight and quiet drive system has controlled acceleration and nearly unnoticeable pedal resistance once over 20 mph. It nicely integrates into the bike frame. It’s also a Red Dot Design Award winner.

• System: Bosch eBike System 2
• Gear Type: Hub/Derailleur
• Max Support: 250W
• Max Torque: 40 Nm
• Weight: 6.3 lbs

Active Line Plus

Active Line Plus takes you beyond the streets and opens up more options wherever your day might take you. This is a quiet yet powerful drive unit that will have you riding comfortably off-road. While less than a pound heavier than the Active Line, it’s still lightweight and has a quiet drive system that has controlled acceleration and nearly unnoticeable pedal resistance once over 20 mph. It nicely integrates into the bike frame.

• System: Bosch eBike System 2
• Gear Type: Hub/Derailleur
• Max Support: 250/270W
• Max Torque: 50 Nm
• Weight: 7.1 lbs

Cargo Line

This drive system is designed specifically for cargo bikes, whether that cargo is groceries or your kids. The Cargo Line Drive Unit responds well, and with this year’s release, the torque has been increased to 85 Nm. What this means to you is more power when you need it, especially at lower cadences. This is especially helpful when starting off or accelerating, most notably when moving a full load.

• System: Bosch eBike System 2
• Gear Type: Hub/Derailleur
• Max Support: 400W
• Max Torque: 85 Nm
• Weight: 6.3 lbs

Performance Line

This line is the most versatile drive system from Bosch. The Performance Line will have a drive system to suit how and where you ride in town or out in the country. With five variations, this drive system is sure to please.

• System: Bosch eBike System 2/The SMART System
• Gear Type: Hub/Derailleur/Hub Gear
• Max Support: 300/340W
• Max Torque: 65/85 Nm
• Weight: 6.3/7.1 lbs

Performance Line Cruise

Excellent acceleration, and with 65 Nm of torque to a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Performance Line Sport

Geared toward high pedal cadence cycling. It weighs 7 pounds and will assist to speeds beyond 20 mph, with a max speed of 28 mph.

Performance Line Speed

Designed for e-bikes capable of a max speed of 28 mph, this 85-Mn gets you to reach higher velocities with ease and helps you quickly cover long distances.

Performance Line CX

The CX drive system is compact but packs a big punch. Designed with high-quality materials, this majorly powerful drive is outfitted with sophisticated sensors, giving eMTB riding a whole new feel. The torque is a beefy 85 Nm, so destinations are far from limited. Featured motor controls and enhanced eMTB mode make the CX the best in its class.

Performance Line CX (SMART)

Providing robust acceleration after obstacles and tight turns at a low cadence, the motor offers powerful assistance starting up a hill. It also provides support at high cadences. The max torque of 85 Nm will be noticeable in your mountain biking.

• Intuitive handling: If you like a sporty feel, the eMTB mode is for you. Lots of control and technical assistance with the Extended Boost makes your ride even more enjoyable.
• Maximum agility: A multi-sensor concept for control and agility–even on the most technically challenging trails.
• More input and range: Tour+ mode eliminates manually switching between riding modes providing a smooth ride every time–even when tacking far distances. Saves energy by increasing the rider’s input.
• A personal riding experience: Customize the riding modes using the eBike Flow app to make each excursion just the way you like it. You control all the variables like; max speed, torque, and levels of support which you can adjust quickly with the app, and then off you go.

Which e-bike brands use Bosch motors?

• Riese & Muller
• Tern
• Haibike
• Cannondale
• Bulls
• Moustache
• Gazelle
• Flyer
• Benno
• Butchers and Bicycles

Final Verdict: Are Bosch Motors good to use?

The center ofevery e-bike review is its motor. All Bosch motors are powerful mid-drive (situated at the crack of the bike) that provide a natural ride feel and help balance the overall weight of the e-bike.

Bosch motors assist up to the legal speed limit, and there are four modes to choose from: turbo, sport, tour, or eco. Use these to provide a spurt of power or to increase your range. Bosch motors measure speed, torque, and acceleration 1000 times a second to make the ride feel as natural as possible. This rations the power according to how you use it.

Bosch motors come from a company with over 100 year experience in motorsports. Their motors are used on premium-level e-bikes and you should expect high-quality, durability and power from this engine.