ABS, automatic shifting or an immobilizer: it already works in modern e-bikes

Nobody would get into a car without ABS today. Legislation requires it, and its effectiveness is checked even by vehicle inspection stations. A brake assist is simply taken for granted. The active safety system that in cars and motorcycles prevents wheel lock-up, skidding and loss of control over the vehicle during sudden braking has found its use in e-cycling as well.

The principle was known, but the developers at Bosch eBike Systems had to adapt the system in size and weight, as well as to the different demands of an e-bike. The result is an almost invisible solution – a connoisseur recognizes it by a small unit on the fork and the slightly different look of the brake discs. Although unobtrusive, it works great. Thanks to ABS, the rider doesn't have to fear locking the front wheel, which almost always ends in a fall.

Sensors placed on the bike monitor the rotation speed of the wheels. If the front wheel is at risk of locking during hard braking, the system adjusts the braking pressure and thereby preserves the stability and controllability of the bike. Especially on a slippery surface, this significantly reduces the risk of an accident. According to Bosch data, the ABS system can prevent up to 29% of falls. The system also prevents the risk of the rear wheel lifting and the rider then going over the handlebars if the rider suddenly or too forcefully squeezes the front brake lever. Research shows that the front brake is significantly more effective than the rear one, and using it shortens the braking distance.

When you don't have to think about shifting

Another innovation brought to series production is automatic shifting, which Bosch eBike Systems is developing together with leading derailleur makers, including the Shimano brand. Put simply, it does exactly what we are used to from automatic transmissions in passenger cars. It means you ride, and instead of shifting you concentrate only on riding. The eShift system evaluates your cadence, the slope of the terrain and the selected assist mode on its own to choose the ideal gear. The result is smooth power delivery, quiet operation and lower wear on the drivetrain. If you are one of the riders who prefer manual shifting, you can of course keep using it – eShift will just offer you a recommendation of the ideal moment to shift, clearly shown on the display.

The app helps you track down a stolen e-bike

Development hasn't stopped at security either. E-bikes are expensive and, unfortunately, also attractive to thieves. That is why Bosch makes it possible to lock the motor and the battery via a mobile app. After switching off, the motor locks and is reactivated only after pairing with the Bosch eBike Flow app. Identification happens automatically via Bluetooth, so you can happily leave your phone in your pocket. The mobile app also stores all the data about the e-bike, including the serial number, which in case of theft can be used for identification and as proof of ownership when dealing with the police or the insurance company.

For a small extra charge you can add the premium Flow+ service, which activates the eBike Alarm guarding function using GPS tracking. If the bike moves unexpectedly, the app immediately sends a notification. And if a theft happens anyway, you can follow the bike's position in real time and track it down.

Technologies that we consider standard in the automotive world today are gradually becoming a given in e-bikes as well, so we can rely on them even when we swap the steering wheel for handlebars. Thanks to them, riding becomes a more comfortable, safer and smarter experience.