Bosch drive systems are among the most popular in the electric bike industry. Their motors have become a preferred choice for many riders and manufacturers by offering a blend of performance, versatility, and reliability.
Bosch e-bike motors consistently perform well when compared to similar competition from brands like Shimano, Brose, Yamaha, and Bafang.
In this article, we’ll overview the Bosch brand and discuss the different motor lines. We’ll also examine why Bosch motors are popular and how they compare to other market alternatives.
Finally, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular models that use the brand so you can decide if a Bosch electric bike is the right choice for you.
Overview of Bosch E-Bike Motors
Bosch e-bike motors are some of the best-regarded on the market. The German engineering and technology company has been in operation since 1886 and brought this experience to the e-bike industry in 2011.
Bosch specializes in mid-drive systems, offering a range of options across three ‘lines,’ Active, Performance, and Cargo.
In 2021, Bosch premiered its new Smart Systems. These systems are used on all new Bosch-equipped e-bikes. However, they still support the previous generation of systems.
As a German brand, all Bosch e-bikes fit the EU regulations of 250W max power and don’t have throttles (which are banned in the EU).
Active Line
The Bosch Active Line has two options; the Active Line and Active Line Plus. These motors are more affordable, lighter, and have lower torque than other options. For this reason, they’re suited to commuters, cruisers, and general recreation e-bikes.
Performance Line
Bosch’s Performance Line is the most expansive, consisting of six distinct drives. These motors are generally used on performance-focused e-bikes like gravel, mountain, and heavy-duty city or touring models.
Cargo Line
The Cargo Line is a drive system designed for the best electric cargo bikes. To be able to haul huge loads up to 551 lb (Urban Arrow Family e-bike), this motor has the highest torque output and assistance percentage of all their options. Not all cargo builds use this system, but the heavy-duty ones do.
Why Do So Many Riders Prefer Bosch E-Bike Motors?
Canyon’s Grail:ON gravel electric bike with a mid-drive Bosch motor.
Bosch e-bike motors are among the most popular because they balance performance and reliability while also being feature-rich. In addition, the company offers a range of options for different riding styles and bike types, and the systems are versatile, fitting a broad range of bike designs. Let’s take a look at some of the specific features.
- Sensors – Bosch combines three sensors to measure pedal power—torque, cadence, and speed—at a mind-blowing rate of over 1,000 times per second. This highly sensitive measurement results in an extremely natural power transfer.
- Batteries Versatility – The PowerTube (integrated) and PowerPack (non-integrated) batteries come in capacities ranging from 400 Wh to 750 Wh and have dual battery capability. Manufacturers can also integrate the battery into the frame or mount it on the tubing or rack. Likewise, they can choose if it’s removable or not.
- Different Display Options – Bosch offers multiple display and control designs, ranging from a minimalist integrated system controller to the high-tech Nyon bike computer.
- Weight and Size – Bosch motors are relatively lightweight. Additionally, the compact design of these motors reduces their weight and improves the bike’s ergonomics, ensuring a natural pedal position (Q factor).
- Extra Features – Some other noteworthy features of Bosch electric bike motors include automatic gear shifting, ABS braking with Magura, TRP, and Tektro products, and walk-assist and hill-hold modes. All of these features are not available on all Bosch systems. The systems also have a shift detection feature to protect the drivetrain by reducing motor power when shifting gears.
Flow E-Bike App
All new generation ‘Smart System’ Bosch electric bikes are compatible with the Flow companion app. This app has a premium subscription with some extra features. Through this app, Bosch e-bike owners have the ability to:
- Access over-the-air updates
- Tune the assistance levels for more assistance or to increase the range
- Lock the drive unit so only the owner can open it
- Access route navigation
- Activate the e-bike alarm and tracking (Flow+ premium feature)
Are Bosch E-Bike Motors Superior to Other Market Alternatives?
Bosch is the most established and popular manufacturer of e-bike systems. With over a century of experience in engineering, they have developed a reputation for quality and reliability that is hard to match.
The main competitors in the mid-drive category are Shimano, Bafang, Brose, Fazua, Giant, and Yamaha. In one extensive on-the-ground eMTB test, Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor topped the list against Brose’s Drive S Mag/Turbo, Shimano’s EP8, and Yamaha’s PW-X3. However, the other motors also performed well, outperforming the Bosch motor in specific metrics.
Motor performance is subjective to a certain extent, with each rider enjoying a specific type of ride feel or preferring how it performs in the context of the other components and geometry. Because of that, it’s hard to definitively say which motor is best.
Bosch electronics are the most widely used on the best mid-drive ebikes, so this is where riders have the largest choice if they want a Bosch system.
Popular E-Bike Brands and Models that Use Bosch Motors
Many of the electric bike industry’s biggest brands use Bosch e-bike motors. This is a testament to their quality, performance, and reliability. You can see the full list on this link, but some popular names include Niner Bikes, Scott, Canyon, Trek, and so on.
A small part of all the brands that use Bosch ebike motors.
Some popular e-bikes with a Bosch motor that use the Active Line systems include Cannondale’s Adventure Neo and Gazelle’s Medeo T9 city bikes, the Electra Townie Go! cruiser, and the Tern HSD S8i utility e-bike.
Examples of Bosch electric bikes that use Performance Line systems include the Cannondale Moterra Neo and Topstone Neo mountain and gravel lines, Trek’s Allant touring and Powerfly mountain bikes, the Haibike ALLMTN mountain bikes, and Gazelle’s Ultimate C380+.
Finally, models that use the Bosch Cargo Line drive include Trek’s Fetch+, Urban Arrow’s Family and Shorty, Tern’s GSD S10, and the Yuba Spicy Curry.
9 of the Best E-Bikes with a Bosch Motor
- Trek Verve+ 4S
- Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB
- Electra Townie Go 5i
- Orbea Wild M20
- Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
- Gazelle Ultimate C380+
- Tern Quick Haul D8
- Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 Remixte
- Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2
1. Trek Verve+ 4S
- Price: $3,500
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport, 65 Nm
- Battery: 500 Wh PowerTube
- Range: 70 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Shimano Deore 10-speed, MT200 hydraulic discs
The Trek Verve+ 4S is a new release for 2023, adding a top-end model to the popular electric hybrid family. Like the others, this build is available in a standard step-over or low-step frame.
Trek designed the Verve+ as its comfort-focused and easy-to-use model with enough versatility and capability to crush hills, haul heavy groceries, and ride on light off-road terrain when necessary.
- Read More: Trek Verve+ 2 Electric Bike Review
To accomplish this, Trek chose Bosch’s Performance Line Sport motor, tuned for a max torque of 65 Nm. Load the rear rack with up to 55 lb, and you’ll still have more than enough kick.
As mentioned, you can feel confident taking this bike on light gravel or dirt roads with its 50 mm Bontrager E6 Hard-Case Lite tires and suspension seatpost.
The Verve+ 4S competes well with models like the popular Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 and the Gazelle Ultimate T10, offering similar functionality and pricing with minor differences in performance.
All things considered, if you want a comfort-focused Bosch mid-drive electric bike from a leading brand like Trek, the Verve+ 4S is a worthy consideration.
2. Gazelle Avignon C380 HMB
- Price: $5,000
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line, 75 Nm
- Battery: 625 Wh PowerTube
- Range: 96 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Enviolo 380% Trekking CVT, Magura CT4 hydraulic discs
Gazelle’s Avignon C380 HMB is the newest model released to the brand’s US lineup and one of the best e-bikes with a Bosch motor.
The Avignon is positioned at the top of Gazelle’s range and is among the highest quality and most expensive urban e-bikes on the market. There are few options in the city e-bike category at this price range.
Trek’s Allant+ 8S and Specialized’s Turbo Vado 5.0 are two notable competitors. However, neither is optimized for pure comfort like the Avignon.
Gazelle chose a Gates Carbon belt drive system with an Enviolo Trekking hub for this bike. This system is ideal for urban-style e-bikes as it lasts up to three times longer and is virtually maintenance-free. In contrast, the bikes mentioned above have external derailleurs.
The Avignon C380 has everything you’d expect of a bike at this price. Gazelle’s attention to detail in design is second to none, and they offer world-class warranties and support to back it up.
Add this premium Bosch electric bike to your shortlist if you want a comfort-focused city bike to last a lifetime.
3. Electra Townie Go! 5i
- Price: $2,950
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
- Battery: 400 Wh PowerPack
- Range: 70 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
The Cruiser e-bike category mainly comprises affordable hub-drive e-bikes such as the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser, Blix Sol Eclipse, and Electra’s cheaper models.
Electra’s Townie Go! 5i offers a more refined ride experience with its premium Bosch electronics, competing with models like the Evelo Galaxy Lux and Specialized Turbo Como 3.0.
Compared to the Galaxy Lux’s Dapu 500W, 100 Nm motor, the Townie Go! 5i offers less power. However, the Bosch system is more reliable, feature-rich, and easier to service. Likewise, the Turbo Como 3.0’s motor isn’t quite as refined but has the same torque and power.
This Bosch e-bike has other unique features, like an integrated ABUS wheel lock, a Shimano Nexus 5-speed hub for lower maintenance, and Flat Foot Technology that lets you get your foot down while sitting without compromising the pedaling position.
Overall, this is a solid choice if you want the relaxed ride position of a cruiser e-bike paired with the natural feel and smooth performance of Bosch’s Active Line Plus motor.
4. Orbea Wild M20
- Price: $7,299
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm
- Battery: 750 Wh PowerTube
- Range: N/A
- Gears and Brakes: Shimano SLX 12-speed, MT420 hydraulic disc
Orbea’s Wild M20 is one of the newest iterations in the popular Wild series. This build is the top of three carbon-framed Bosch e-bikes.
This 160 mm-travel e-bike straddles the trail and enduro mountain bike categories. It competes with models like Cannondale’s Moterra Neo 3 and Marin’s Alpine Trail E2.
All three have similar trail performance, and the Moterra Neo shares the same Bosch motor and battery. However, the Alpine Trail’s Shimano EP8 motor is less powerful than the Performance Line CX.
The Wild M20 also has better brakes, more robust Maxxis tires, and Race Face AR 30c wheels. Orbea Bikes and Marin Bikes chose similar Fox Float Performance suspension components, which are higher-end than the RockShox ones Cannondale chose.
All things considered, the Wild’s geometry encourages aggressive downhill riding. The industry-leading electronics give you the super-human ability to get to the top over and over again. Consider the Orbea Wild M20 if you want a premium carbon trail/enduro e-MTB.
5. Cannondale Adventure Neo 4
- Price: $2,875
- Motor: Bosch Active Line, 40 Nm
- Battery: 400 Wh PowerTube
- Range: 64 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Shimano Altus 9-speed, MT200 hydraulic disc
The Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 is the second tier in a four-bike series of comfortable urban commuters.
This e-bike stands out for its versatility, comfort, and premium Bosch electronics. With an urban-centric design, Cannondale chose the basic 40 Nm Active Line motor and the smallest battery available.
The stable handling, wide tires, and comfy saddle mean you can confidently take the Adventure Neo off-road onto light gravel and dirt if you need to make a detour.
This Bosch e-bike competes with models like the Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0 Step-Through and Gazelle Arroyo C7, which are comfort-focused city e-bikes in the $3,000-$3,500 range.
Both the Turbo Vado and Arroyo have higher-torque motors and larger batteries. However, the Adventure Neo 4 costs much less and offers a comparative quality of components.
Add the Adventure Neo 4 to your shortlist if you want a stylish, ultra-comfortable commuter.
6. Gazelle Ultimate C380+
- Price: $3,999
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed Gen 4, 75Nm
- Battery: 500Wh PowerTube
- Range: 55 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Enviolo 380% Trekking CVT, Shimano MT420 hydraulic disc
The Gazelle Ultimate C380+ is the ‘performance’ model in the brand’s lineup, featuring a high-torque motor, a 28 mph max speed, and a premium Gates Carbon belt drivetrain with hub gearing.
If you like to go fast on your daily commute without sacrificing comfort, the Ultimate C380+ could be the bike for you. Many Bosch mid-drive electric bikes are limited to 20 mph max speed, so this Class 3 e-bike stands out.
At an updated price of $4,000, this e-bike is excellent value. It competes with models like Trek’s Allant+ 7 and Cannondale’s Tesoro Neo X 2. However, it outperforms these bikes thanks to its smooth and maintenance-free belt drivetrain, ideal for urban riders.
Additionally, the Ultimate C380+ has a more refined finish and comfortable ride quality, despite offering high speeds. Unfortunately, the motor is tuned for 75 Nm of torque instead of the 85 Nm it’s capable of.
Overall, this is one of the best-value Bosch e-bikes in the high-end category, thanks to its recent reduction in price from $5,000.
7. Tern Quick Haul D8
- Price: $2,999
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, 50 Nm
- Battery: 400 Wh PowerPack
- Range: 65 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Shimano Altus 8-speed, hydraulic disc
The Tern Quick Haul D8 is a compact cargo e-bike designed for those with light to moderate carrying needs (110 lb in total). It’s easily among the best cargo e-bikes with a Bosch motor.
This bike falls neatly between cheaper hub-drive cargo e-bikes like the Aventon Abound and Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5, and heavier-duty cargo models like the RemiDemi 10D (reviewed below) and Yuba’s FastRack.
Tern is well-known for producing durable and reliable cargo bikes with a broad range of easy-to-use accessories. However, the prices typically exceed $5,000. With this model, you get a lower capacity (331 lb), but you get all the same quality and functionality.
Of course, you get more carrying capacity and power with the Abound and RadWagon 5 for a lower price. In contrast, higher-end cargo e-bikes can haul over 400 lb, have more space, and have extra functionality.
Nonetheless, if you don’t need to carry huge loads and have a medium-sized budget for a bike with premium mid-drive Bosch electronics, the Tern Quick Haul D8 is a solid choice.
8. Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 Remixte
- Price: $4,650
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed, 85 Nm
- Battery: 625 Wh PowerTube
- Range: 105 miles
- Gears and Brakes: Shimano Deore 12-speed, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
The Tesoro Neo X 1 Remixte by Cannondale is a high-speed urban e-bike equipped for urban riders and commuters.
This 28 mph model benefits from the 85 Nm torque from Bosch’s top-end motor. So if you like to go fast, it’s a worthy consideration. Moreover, with 625 Wh of juice,you can get up to 105 miles of range in Eco mode.
The 29 x 2.25 Schwalbe G-One tires are puncture-resistant and shock-absorbent and capable of handling some light off-road paths.
At this price, the Tesoro Neo X 1 competes with models like Gazelle’s Medeo T10+ and Specialized Bicycles’ Turbo Vado 3.0, both Class 3 e-bikes. However, this ebike has a better 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and a more capable off-road build.
The Tesoro Neo X 1 weighs just 55 lb, which is relatively lightweight for a bike in this category. Therefore, don’t look past this Bosch electric bike if you want speed and urban functionality at a reasonable price.
9. Co-op Cycles CTY e2.2
- Price: $3,699
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line Sport
- Battery: 625 Wh PowerPack
- Range: 60 miles
- Gears and Brakes: microSHIFT Advent 9-speed, Tektro Gemini SL 4-piston hydraulic disc
The final model on our list of Bosch e-bikes is a heavy-duty commuter ebike. Co-op Cycles is a specialist in this category, and the CTY e2.2 is their flagship model.
The aluminum frame is pretty common on modern e-bikes and gives the CTY e2.2 an extra level of durability and comfort that’s not achievable at a reasonable price.
This Class 3 e-bike can haul loads up to 300 lb (including rider and cargo) and has tons of urban-friendly accessories, such as fenders, lights, a rear rack, a kickstand, and so on.
The CTY e2.2 is powered by a reliable, smooth, and quiet Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor, paired with a 625 Wh PowerPack battery. You’ll be able to achieve speeds of up to 28 mph and maintain them for around 60 miles on a single charge.
This ebike also has a front SR Suntour suspension fork with 80mm of travel and versatile 27.5 x 2.4 in. tires—therefore, you can rest assured that it is comfortable and ready for different types of terrains.
Your Feedback is Important!