E-bike tuning - for e-bikes/pedelecs with BOSCH motor
BOSCH - EFFICIENCY & INNOVATION
BOSCH - The BOSCH eBike Systems division was founded in 2009 as part of the globally operating group. Thanks to many years of experience in the automotive and motorbike sectors, the Swabians were able to gain a foothold in the market from a standing start, so to speak. The great technological know-how quickly turned the start-up into a global player whose products are now installed in over 70 bicycle brands. BOSCH produces more than just drivetrains: on-board computers, batteries or accessories - the manufacturer stands for innovation in all areas. With the development of the first ABS for e-bikes that is ready for series production, they set new standards in 2017.
WHICH BOSCH MOTORS ARE THERE AND WHICH ONE DO I HAVE?
The name of the motor manufacturer is usually on the housing of the drive. With BOSCH, in any case, the name cannot be overlooked. 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 motors with year of manufacture (as of May 2021):
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 divided 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. The engines from 2020 onwards are also referred to as Gen 4 engines. Actually, they should detect and prevent tuning, but the manufacturers of the tuning modules are working on an equal footing and are already offering modules that prevent software deactivation. Now that you have been able to determine the year of manufacture and model of your engine with the help of the data sheet, you only have to find the right module for it. In addition, you should also make sure that your display is compatible with the corresponding module. Have a look at our product descriptions or let our customer advisors help you.
The following list shows you which modules we at SIP Scootershop offer for BOSCH engines:
SPEEDBOX
The manufacturer from the Czech Republic has gained experience in the production of tuning chips since 2014. Its modules are installed directly on the engine and are suitable for all BOSCH engines. The Speedbox 3.0 is built for the 4th generation engines, i.e. from 2020. The Speedbox 2.0 works with the older models, i.e. also with the BOSCH Classic drives.
POLINI
The Italians are the only manufacturers of e-bike and pedelec motors who also offer tuning modules. Polini offers tuning for the 2nd and 3rd generation BOSCH motors, but also for the brand new models. The modules are installed invisibly in the motor housing from the outside.
VOLSPEED
TLI Elektronik GmbH from Ehekirchen in Bavaria offers state-of-the-art tuning modules for BOSCH engines under the label "VOLspeed". A special feature is the "dynamic mode", which mitigates the so-called "wall effect". The new VOLspeed 3 module is not suitable for BOSCH engines built before 2014.
ASA SPEED
The tuning specialists from near Freiburg have concentrated on Bosch and Yamaha drives for e-bikes and pedelecs. The modules are installed directly on the motor and impress with their self-calibration for all tyre sizes and the permanent display of the actual speed ridden.
BADASS
E-bike and pedelec tuning from Lower Franconia. The so-called Badass Box is not installed on the motor, but simply attached from the outside and works with most BOSCH motors. Version 4 is the latest model and offers a range of over 7,000 kilometres.
PEARTUNE
The Czech manufacturer builds tuning modules for the engines of many well-known manufacturers. They feature clever functions such as a chip lock, which is also built into the MSO 4.0 tuning module for the latest BOSCH engines. This allows the chip to be manually turned off and made invisible.
WHAT TUNING VARIANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BOSCH DRIVES?
At SIP Scootershop we offer the following tuning modules for BOSCH motors:
BOXES
These small boxes are plugged onto the sensor of the bike or pedelec and now this tool halves the transmitted speed, doubling the motor support. It is a wireless device that can be removed again in no time. The manufacturer Badass is the market leader here.
TUNING MODULES
These modules contain a chip and cables with connectors. They are installed invisibly under the engine cover and clamped between the sensor and the control unit. Many modules can even be switched on or off via the display while driving. The latest modules, such as the Speedbox B, also have integrated app control via Bluetooth. The control and also the reading of the motor data can be done with the smartphone. However, tools are required for installation and removal. In the following, we will go into more detail about these modules.
The motors are controlled by a speed pulse that tells them how fast a pedelec or e-bike is travelling. If the pulse reaches 25 km/h, the motor switches off. However, if only every second signal of the impulse comes through, 50 km/h can be reached, because the motor is "fooled" into thinking it is travelling at a different speed. With cheap modules, the speedometer then simply displays half the speed.
More sophisticated chips are more advanced: they halve the impulse only from 23 km/h or, in some drives, they are directly connected to the data transmission between sensor and motor, so that the speedometer always shows the correct values. The most modern tuning modules, for example from VOLspeed or Speedbox, even display the total kilometres driven and average speeds correctly.
However, the software version of the bike and pedelec must also be kept in mind. A carelessly installed update from the manufacturer can abruptly end the tuning pleasure. Be careful, because the motor manufacturers and tuning experts are constantly playing a cat-and-mouse game.
Want to know more about e-bike tuning?
Here you'll find all the information you need on the subject: Finding the right tuning module.
And our FAQ on the subject of Speedbox and BOSCH.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
It should be noted that the operation of this type of modified electric bike on public roads may be against the law in some countries. The dealer accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by the use of tuning products. Electric bicycles equipped with tuning products must not be used on public roads, cycle paths and squares. Electric bicycles equipped with tuning products may only be used on private property and at your own risk.