Claus Fleischer, CEO Bosch eBike Systems

Bosch eBike Systems CEO Claus Fleischer

‘Preserving bicycle classification for e-bikes is essential’

Since establishing Bosch eBike Systems within the Bosch Group in 2009, the company has leveraged technological competencies from automotive electronics and sensor systems to power tool battery technology. For Bosch eBike Systems CEO Claus Fleischer, their systematic technology transfer approach, building on Bosch's foundational expertise in electric drive systems, is one of the three key elements of their success within the bicycle industry.

The bicycle industry seemed guaranteed long-term growth with the rise of the e-bike. The challenges posed by the pandemic have not yet been resolved, although the end of the industry's biggest problems seems in sight. However, new problems are emerging, both geopolitically and within international trade flows. How is Bosch eBike Systems responding to the uncertainty around United States tariffs?

Planning certainty and stabilisation of trade relations

“For Bosch, as an international company, global trade under fair competitive conditions is of great importance. The fact that the US and the European Union have announced a compromise can, therefore, in principle, be regarded as a signal for greater planning certainty and stabilisation of trade relations. The next steps involve awaiting negotiations on the further details of the potential agreement and the approval of EU member states,” explains Fleischer.

“At present, US tariff structures primarily affect bicycle manufacturers rather than component suppliers, as duties are typically calculated based on the frame country of origin. However, future regulatory changes could potentially extend to component supply chains. Our approach involves continuous assessment of goods flows against evolving trade legislation.”

Legal classification of e-bike systems

Bosch supports the recommendation of the German industry association ZIV to limit peak power to 750 watts to help maintain bicycle status and preserve active mobility in Europe. Without such limits, increasingly powerful e-bikes may be perceived as motorcycles, potentially resulting in e-bikes falling under type approval and losing freedoms such as cycling infrastructure access, exemption from insurance requirements, and trail access. “The primary challenge for the industry, beyond ongoing market consolidation, is to maintain legal bicycle classification for e-bike systems,” Fleischer confirmed to Bike Europe. “With nearly 16 million e-bikes on the road in Germany and over 30 million across Europe, preserving bicycle classification is essential to ensure continued access to infrastructure. The current 250-watt continuous rated power definition originates from outdated standards for brushed motors and was already obsolete when introduced. The absence of clear EU-wide definitions for peak motor power creates regulatory uncertainty that could affect bicycle status.”

Product innovation and new technology

“A key to our success is our modular system architecture and the continuous development of our systems. With today’s Smart System, we offer a perfect interaction between drive unit, battery, display and digital services with the greatest possible flexibility. With over-the-air software updates, the system continues to develop, with new features and new opportunities for e-bike drivers. We provide more than 100 bicycle manufacturers with coordinated system portfolios where drive units, batteries, displays and digital services are designed to function as integrated solutions rather than separate components.”

From optional features to standard expectations, connected bicycle systems are transitioning month after month. Each trade show provides a wide range of new digital technologies. “The integration of physical cycling with functionality that can enhance utility, including digital theft protection, navigation integration and artificial intelligence applications such as ‘Range Control,’ designed to optimise range planning, will be rolled out over the market.”

Fully connected riding experience

“For example, our smart system enables continuous feature updates over-the-air, providing access to capabilities for personalisation and security applications, including e-bike lock, e-bike alarm and battery lock. Through digital control, individual components such as e-shift electronic gear shifting and ABS braking systems are seamlessly integrated into the e-bike drive system, creating a fully connected riding experience. Future development includes Vehicle-to-X communication technology designed to make cyclists digitally visible to other road users and provide early warning systems for greater protection in traffic.”