Bosch eBike Systems, a trailblazer in the electric bike industry, is celebrating its 10th anniversary in North America in 2024. Since its inception, the brand has been a leader in equipping eBikes with powerful drive units and best-in- class connected systems and is proud to have served riders within North America for the past decade.
Established in Germany in 2009 as an internal start-up and officially launched in 2010, Bosch eBike Systems was born out of the Bosch Group’s expertise in technology behind cordless powertools, electric motors, electronics, and sensor technology—a deep bench of knowledge, given that Bosch is the largest automotive parts and sensor supplier in the world and provides sensors to over half the world’s mobile devices. Derived from this bedrock of Bosch’s almost 140-year history, the eBike division has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation dedicated to transforming the way consumers approach transportation and experience cycling.
Bosch introduced its eBike systems to the United States market at the Sea Otter Classic in 2014 with OEMs Felt, Haibike and Lapierre as the Silver-level Sponsor and Official eBike System Sponsor of the event. At this time, eMobility and eBikes were the ideal answer to trending topics in 2014, including a focus on climate protection and a shift towards urbanization. Upon its entry to the North American market, Bosch eBike Systems also became a coalition member of People for Bikes and founding member of their new eBike subcommittee, which created the 3-class model legislation that has since rolled out across 48 states.
Bosch embodies a heritage synonymous with innovation, quality, and, above all, safety both for the rider and as it relates to technology. The brand has played an integral role in furthering battery safety, having helped write and set the standard for UL 2849 in 2021, which covers the electrical system of eBikes powered by a lithium- based battery. In addition to adhering to UL 2849, Bosch eBike batteries are also certified to UL 2271, another safety standard applicable to batteries for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs).
Coupled with the brand’s commitment to adhering and setting the bar for industry safety standards, the Bosch Group has a deep history of developing rider-first technology and products that put an emphasis on performance and safety. Recent technology innovations include the introduction of the first eBike ABS system in 2018, the fully connected smart system in 2022, which empowers riders with real-time updates, and ongoing involvement in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication.
“As a 30-year veteran of the Bosch Group, I’m incredibly proud to have been able to be a founder of our eBike division, but more so, to bring the operation to Southern California and integrate into the lifestyle and culture in a way that best serves our 40+ U.S. and Canada-based bike brands, thousands of bike shops, key cycling, and safety advocacy groups, and the customers who buy these bikes,” said Claudia Wasko, VP/GM Bosch eBike Systems, Americas. “I’m confident we’re just getting started and look forward to what the future holds as we continue to deliver innovative products and connected technology that empower riders.”
Bosch eBike Systems, a continued sponsor of Sea Otter Classic, will be there again April 18-21, 2024 in Monterey, CA. At the festival, the brand will host a celebratory afternoon with longtime collaborators on a scenic ride covering 17 Mile Drive before offering free demo rides to all Sea Otter attendees on bikes powered by their latest technologies including the new Performance Line SX, the brand’s lightest and most compact drive unit.
