Overview
The BOSCH eBike Systems division, which was launched in 2009 as a branch of the globally active company, was immediately able to establish itself on the market thanks to its extensive experience in the automotive and motorbike industries. Its considerable technical expertise quickly transformed the newly founded company into a global player whose products are now installed in more than 70 bicycle brands. However, BOSCH not only manufactures drives, but also On-Bord Computers, Batteries and Replacement Parts, and is synonymous with innovation in all of these areas. With the introduction of the first production-ready ABS for e-bikes in 2017, they once again set standards.
The Engines
At BOSCH eBike Systems, the drives are called "Drive Units". You can now use the data sheet to find out which model you have. A compact overview of the available BOSCH Engines with year of manufacture (as of July 2023):
2011: (Gen 1) Bosch Classic Drive Unit / 25 km/h
2012: (Gen 1) Bosch Classic Drive Unit Speed / 45 km/h
2014: (Gen 2) Performance Line / 25 & 45 km/h
2014: (Gen 2) Active Line / 25 km/h
2015: (Gen 2) Performance Line CX / 25 km/h
2018: (Gen 3) Active Line / 25 km/h
2018: (Gen 3) Active Line Plus / 25 km/h
2020: (Gen 4 ) Performance Line CX / 25 km/h
2020: (Gen 4) Cargo Line/ 25 & 45 km/h
2020: (Gen 4) Performance Line Speed / 45 km/h
2022: (Gen 4) Smart System (BES3) / 50 km/h
Engines are categorised into so-called generations (Gen). At BOSCH, Engines up to 2012 belong to Gen 1, up to 2015 to Gen 2 and so on, see the list above. Engines from 2020 onwards are also referred to as Gen 4 drives. They should actually recognise and prevent tuning, but the manufacturers of Tuning Chips are working at eye level and are already offering modules that prevent software shutdown.