Smarter and safer: eCargo Bikes with Bosch drives

Stuttgart/Reutlingen – The eCargo Bike is an indispensable component of the urban mobility of the future. In fact, it is already becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to the car: According to Germany's Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV - bicycle industry association), around 120,000 eCargo bikes were sold in Germany in 2021, 53 percent more than the previous year. It has become a lifestyle product that is seen particularly often on cycle paths and streets in trendy city neighbourhoods. For good reasons: Cargo bikes do not release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, combining freedom from noise with a small footprint. They offer flexible, resource-saving and self-determined mobility.

Now customers can enjoy the advantages of the smart system with the eCargo

Bosch eBike Systems is driving this development and making cargo bikes even safer and easier to ride - with the smart system. The latest system generation for eBikes, with fully networked components and useful functions, ensures even more comfort, safety and sustainability. eCargo bikers can update their cargo bike over-the-air and also use new features.

"We are supporting the new trend in mobility by making the eCargo bike smarter and safer", says Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems. "Cargo bikes – thanks largely to our products and features – are a real alternative to cars."

Easier to start, more convenient to transport

The Cargo Line is now also available in the smart system and with a torque of up to 85 Nm, delivers powerful but natural support in every riding situation. Even when the eCargo Bike is loaded with shopping or children, transport is easy. Cargo mode, which was developed specifically for this drive unit, offers support of up to 400 percent of the power output and ensures that eBikers can start, accelerate smoothly and comfortably, even when carrying a full load. When going uphill, eBikers simply touch a button to get support from the smart walk assistance function, which makes it more comfortable and safer for them to push the eBike uphill. The integrated Hill Hold function automatically prevents the eCargo bike from rolling, out of control, backwards or downhill. For longer transport distances, or when heading for a picnic in the park, the PowerPack 725 battery is particularly practical. It has the highest energy content of all Bosch PowerPacks and therefore enables a particularly long range, even with a heavy load.

Greater safety when riding, braking and parking

Especially when travelling with children, or with heavy shopping, the optimal braking performance of the eCargo Bike is important for safety on the road. To enable eBikers to brake even more safely in critical braking situations, Bosch eBike Systems has developed the ABS Cargo function specifically for eCargo bikes. It can prevent the front wheel from locking, shorten the braking distance and reduce the risk of having an accident.

The eBike Alarm function also increases safety for the bike. It provides digital theft protection, in addition to the mechanical lock, when parking the eCargo Bike. It is always active, following initial installation with an existing GPS connection, even when the eBike system is switched off. If eBike Alarm detects slight movements, the function reacts with several short warning tones as a deterrent. If it detects stronger movements, eBike Alarm alerts the surrounding area to the attempted theft by emitting a clearly perceptible alarm tone and sends a notification to your smartphone. At the same time, the Tracking function starts to track the eBike location. To use eBike Alarm, the eBike Lock feature must be activated in the eBike Flow app and the new ConnectModule must be installed on the eBike. The key to digital theft protection is the eBike Flow app for the smartphone.

Easy navigation and route planning

The eBike Flow app also controls all functions of the smart system and even offers navigation and route planning, so that you can easily find your way around. Together with the SmartphoneGrip, which turns your smartphone into an eBike display and attaches securely to the handlebar, eCargo bikers can keep an eye on all their riding data. With the LED Remote control unit, they can call up functions, such as the navigation or ride screen, while riding but without having to take their hands off the handlebar.

All products and features are available from retailers or can be downloaded using the eBike Flow app.