E-Performance: The market now offers a large selection of e-bike drives, some of which differ greatly. During development, the manufacturers attach great importance to the needs of cyclists and the associated requirements for the bicycle and the drive. Because it doesn't matter whether you're motivated and with a tailwind on the way to work, with extra thrust through the forest and up the mountain or completely relaxed on a weekend tour across the country. Accordingly, the pedelec should be perfectly tailored to your own needs.
But which drive is the right one? This overview should help you through the different e-bike types and the matching Bosch Drive Units.
Bosch Active Line Plus: For the comfort-conscious
They want to be prepared for whatever the day brings, leave the city limits behind and be comfortable on excursions. “Comfort-conscious eBikers should opt for a pedelec with the Active Line Plus. Because this quiet, small and efficient drive unit brings momentum to everyday mobility,” explains Tamara Winograd, Head of Marketing and Communication at Bosch eBike Systems. The Active Line Plus offers enough power for city trips as well as for longer rides with moderate inclines - and that balanced for a comfortable driving experience.
Crucial to this are detectors inside the drive unit, such as the torque sensor, which records the driver's own performance and transmits it to the engine management system. In combination with the cadence and speed sensor, it provides just the right support for the rider. Above all, he experiences one thing: the freedom to discover new paths as he pleases and to commute comfortably from the suburbs or from the country to the city and back.
Bosch Cargo Line: For the trendsetters
The children to the day care center, a delivery to the customer or the weekly shopping home: Anyone who relies on their eBike in all situations, even transporting people and heavy loads with it, sets an example. For modern, sustainable mobility that saves costs and is fun at the same time.
Cargo bikes with an electric drive are ideally suited for such users - and the Cargo Line and the Cargo Line Speed are the ideal drives for them. "This gives eBikers powerful and flexible support of up to 400 percent - and the good feeling of being controlled and safe on the road with and without freight," says Winograd. The Cargo Line supports up to 25 km/h, the Cargo Line Speed up to 45 km/h, which pays off especially when transporting loads over long distances.
When starting off, both drive units score with controlled and powerful support. "Cargo Line drives are resilient, efficient and get the cargo bike moving quickly even with a heavy load." The DualBattery, a combination of two Bosch batteries with a total capacity of up to 1.250 watt hours, provides even more range.
Bosch Performance Line: For the dynamic
Always full of energy, be it on the long commute to work, on extended tours or when working out after work. Dynamic eBikers require a powerful drive that supports them noticeably in every riding situation. "Sporty riders of eMountain bikes, trekking bikes and gravel bikes will find the ideal drive for challenging tours, quick progress in everyday life or long commutes in the Performance Line," says Tamara Winograd.
The versatile drive unit supports up to 300 percent - and offers a strong energy boost at all cadences. In addition, the drive unit is compact and extremely quiet thanks to the special gear concept. The pedaling resistance is hardly noticeable and gives the driver a natural driving experience. The Performance Line is optionally available with eMTB mode for progressive performance development and more control on the trail.
The system is available in two versions: as a Performance Line Cruise with support up to 25 km/h or in the Speed version up to 45 km/h.
Bosch Performance Line CX: For athletes
Sporty eMountain bikers enjoy riding up the trail in Uphill Flow before going downhill. Tamara Winograd explains: "If you want it to be really sporty, we recommend the Performance Line CX." As one of the most powerful and dynamic drive units on the market, it is designed for off-road use. The drive inspires with direct response and powerful support of up to 340 percent. This is progressively accessed in eMTB mode: the motor support adapts dynamically to the individual riding style, which enables better traction and maximum riding fun, even on rough terrain, without having to switch gears.
The Performance Line CX already shows what it's made of when starting off. On challenging trails, it maximizes riding pleasure uphill and downhill with controllable, excellent handling. The freewheel completely decouples the engine and transmission. This allows the eBiker to progress efficiently even when the drive is not supporting him.
With a weight of only 2,9 kilograms and a size reduced by almost 50 percent, the drive unit enables different frame geometries with shorter chainstays and optimal integration. This makes eMountain bikers flexible and agile on the trail.
Bosch Drive Units: Links for those interested
Bosch E-Bike Systems website: https://www.bosch-ebike.com/de/
Bosch 2020: Set an example for the future of bicycle mobility
Details on the Bosch Cargo and Performance Line CX drive: New CX engine, cargo drive and more
Bosch Cargo Line under the magnifying glass: The new load drive under the magnifying glass