Product news / Bosch e-bike 2024: As has been the tradition almost every year, Bosch is presenting the e-bike innovations for the coming season at the Eurobike in Frankfurt. The spotlight here is on the Swabians' first light drive, the Bosch Performance SX. In addition, there are also new batteries, new displays, new motors in the Smart System and some updates for the eBike Flow app.
The e-bike world does not stand still, especially not these days, since the largest trade fair, the Eurobike, is only a few hours away. With Bosch, one of the heavyweights in the industry is presenting the innovations for the 2024 season today. We are giving you an overview and a first impression of the Bosch E-Bike 2024 products that we have already been able to see live.
First light drive: Bosch Performance Line SX
It was actually only a matter of time before one of the big names came onto the market with a motor for light e-bikes. Today the time has come: With the Bosch Performance Line SX. The motor itself is around 900 g lighter than the well-known Performance Line SX and is therefore roughly on par with the light competition from Fazua, TQ or Specialized. The performance data is interesting: Although Bosch "only" specifies a maximum torque of 55 Nm, which is also on par with the competition, it also speaks of a maximum output of up to 600 W. This would be the new drive despite its low weight just as strong as the aforementioned Bosch CX. In order to achieve this performance, however, the conditions must be right, such as the cadence. We got to the bottom of the matter in our extensive test both in practice and on the test bench.
Bosch Performance SX in the first test: Lighter, more compact... stronger?
Test / E-Bike: With the Performance Line SX, Bosch presents its first lightweight mid-engine. Weighing around two kilograms, it has a maximum torque of 55 Nm and an impressive maximum output of 600 watts. It is supported by the CompactTube 400, a new battery and an optional range extender with […]
Of course, Bosch sees the new drive in the light e-MTBs that are so popular at the moment, but also in e-urban and e-gravel bikes. The focus is particularly on the latter: there is even a new support level called SPRNT specifically for this, which releases a lot of power at high cadences. Bosch has also adapted the Mini Remote presented last year in a special version for racing handlebars. The very low Q-factor of 160 mm should also appeal to gravel bikers who want a little extra boost.
As part of the Smart System, the Bosch Performance Line SX is compatible with all the usual components. When it comes to the displays, the combination with the system controller in the top tube and the mini remote on the handlebars should be particularly popular. Likewise, some bikes should be equipped with the new Purion 200 Remote. Of course, the lightweight drive can also be combined with LED Remote, Kiox 300 or Kiox 500. The same applies to the batteries: Even if the previous energy storage can be used, the vast majority of Bosch SX e-bikes should be equipped with the new CompactTube 400. In this combination, the entire drive, including the mini remote, should weigh just four kilograms. For comparison: the PowerTube 750 battery alone is 400 g heavier.
New batteries: CompactTube 400, PowerMore 250 and three PowerPacks
Together with the first lightweight drive, Bosch is also presenting the smallest and lightest integrated battery in the Smart System to date. The CompactTube 400 has a capacity of 400 Wh and, weighing just around two kilograms, is significantly lighter than all other PowerTube batteries in the range. Due to its very compact design, it can also be integrated very neatly and slenderly into the down tube. Whether the energy storage is removable or permanently installed in the frame is up to the respective bicycle manufacturer. Exciting: According to Bosch, the CompactTube 400 is also compatible with the other drives from the Smart System. Nothing stands in the way of a bike with a powerful CX motor and a light 400 Wh battery.
If you want a little more capacity, you can now use a range extender for the first time in the Bosch e-bike universe. It goes by the name of PowerMore 250 and has an additional capacity of 250 Wh. On the other hand, it is surprisingly compact and the extra weight of around 1,6 kilograms is also bearable. It is mounted in the classic way on the down tube and connected to the bike's charging port with a cable.
While the CompactTube 400 and PowerMore 250 clearly focus on sporty e-bikes, Bosch is likely to have the comfort and city bike segment in mind with the three external PowerPacks, which are also new. Here, too, there is a small, light (approx. 2,2 kg) PowerPack 400 Frame with a capacity of 400 Wh. In addition, there are the two new luggage rack batteries PowerPack 400 Rack and PowerPack 500 Rack.
Finally there is also news on the subject of dual batteries: connecting two batteries for more capacity is still not possible in the Smart System. According to Bosch, however, this should gradually change. The batteries are to be given this functionality step by step. What that means exactly and whether existing systems or batteries can be retrofitted, we don't know at the moment.
Last but not least, there is also a new charger with the 2A Charger. Although the charging current is lower than with the standard charger, it is around 40 percent smaller and saves 25 percent in weight. Ideal for on the go to get a few percent in the battery during the lunch break.
Growth in displays: Bosch Purion 200 and Kiox 500
The selection of displays and controls is also growing for the coming season. Fans of the Nyon still have to be patient, but at least the Kiox 500 now has a large display. Its functionality is almost identical to that of the 40 percent smaller Kiox 300, but it also offers acoustic information, for example during navigation.
With the Purion 200, there is now also a successor to the popular Purion display in the 'old' system. The new version combines a compact, elongated color display with a control panel that is ergonomically very reminiscent of the LED Remote. The screen is as bright as known from the new Kiox and is therefore easy to read even in sunlight. Due to its narrow shape, the display almost nestles against the handlebars and is also visually very nicely integrated - despite its size. The option of combining the Purion 200 with a display like the Kiox 300 should be interesting for some e-bikers. In this way, you can read information such as speed and charge level of the battery on the Purion and have the navigation instructions displayed on the Kiox 300 at the same time.
Both new displays are also compatible with the existing drives in the Smart System and can be retrofitted.
Finally: Active Line drives in the Smart System
What is only a brief side note in the official press release is likely to be a long-awaited innovation for many bicycle manufacturers and e-bikers: With the Active Line and Active Line Plus motors, all current drives are now also available in the Smart System. This is good news for those who are looking for a city bike and don't want or need the enormous power of the Performance Line or Performance Line CX, but don't want to do without the modern features and displays of the Smart System. As a result, Bosch Smart System e-bikes should also penetrate into more affordable price regions.
Updates for the eBike Flow app: Flow+ subscription and customizable screens
The eBike Flow app has already received some exciting updates in the current season, such as the customization of the dynamic support levels Tour+ and eMTB. This constant development should continue in the coming months. In one of the next updates, the app is to be supplemented with the function of adapting the information displayed on the Kiox 300 and Kiox 500 displays to one's own needs. Up to three tiles per screen should be able to be defined in this way.
In addition, Bosch is now introducing a premium subscription with Flow+. The only content included is the eBike alarm functionality that was presented last year. In conjunction with the ConnectModule, it expands the eBike Lock to include real anti-theft protection, in that the e-bike locked via the app triggers an acoustic alarm when it moves and can also be tracked via GPS. The first twelve months of the subscription are free, after that you have the choice between a monthly subscription for 4,99 euros or an annual bill for 39,99 euros.