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Alongside Shimano and SunTour, Bosch, one of the world’s biggest engineering brands, has led the development of electric bike motor technology.
The German manufacturer is renowned for its powerful and efficient motors, and it has produced a wide range of motor designs suitable for a variety of e-bike riders.
From commuters to mountain bikers, weekend leisure riders to cargo riders, there’s a Bosch motor for every e-bike user. There’s a range of different models available at different price points.
In this article, we’ll discuss what makes Bosch motors so popular, which are the most powerful Bosch motors, and provide more details on exactly which bike brands use Bosch motors. We’ll also look at which of those are the pick of the bunch.
eBikes with Bosch Motors (Top Picks)
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Trek Allant+ 9.9s
A sleek and powerful electric bike designed for urban commuting and recreational riding.
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Schindelhauer Heinrich
A stylish and minimalist urban bike designed for practicality and performance.
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CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625
A versatile and reliable electric mountain bike with excellent handling and performance.
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Cannondale Canvas Neo 2
A sporty and comfortable electric bike designed for urban exploration and adventure.
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Raleigh Centros Hub
A comfortable and practical electric bike designed for urban commuting and leisure riding.
Why Are Bosch E-Bike Motors So Popular?
Bosch motors deliver three essential components that make for an excellent e-bike riding experience: power, efficiency, and a fantastic-feeling ride. This, combined with the wide range of motors on the market, is what makes Bosch motors so popular — they’re dependable, and suitable for a variety of riders.
The compact size of Bosch’s motors reduces weight, making the e-bike more efficient. Three sensors measure pedal power, cadence and speed over 1,000 times per second to ensure the e-bike is totally in sync with its rider, and that the power delivered feels as natural as possible.
All Bosch motors are located in the crank, which makes them mid-drive motors. Putting the motor at the bottom of the frame means that the bike feels stable, as the weight of the motor sits at the lowest point of the bike.
As we’ve already mentioned, the Bosch e-bike motor range is extensive, with motors specifically designed for any and all e-bike uses.
For example, there’s the Active Line for everyday cycling around town (perfect for environmentally-savvy commuters), the Cargo Line for supporting heavy loads, the Performance Line for bike tours, and the powerful Performance Line CX for demanding e-MTB rides.
What Bikes Have the Bosch Motor?
Bosch motors are used by a wide variety of e-bike brands. From Pegasus to Raleigh, and Trek to Canyon, dozens of the most famous brands use Bosch motors on their electric bikes.
Here is a full list of bike brands which use Bosch motors, as listed on the Bosch eBike website.
Bike Brands with Bosch Motors:
- Advanced
- Apache
- Atala
- Batavus
- Benno
- Bergamont
- Bergstrom
- Bianchi Lif-e
- Bionicon
- Breezer
- Brennabor
- Bulls
- Butchers & Bicycles
- Cannondale
- Canyon
- Carqon
- Carver
- Centurion
- Conway
- Corratec
- Crescent
- Cresta
- Cube
- Diamant
- DutchID
- Ebike-manufaktur
- Electra
- Excelsior
- Falter
- Flyer
- Focus
- Fuji
- Gazelle
- Gepida
- Ghost
- Granville
- Greens
- Gudereit
- Haibike
- Hercules
- HNF-Nicolai
- i:SY
- Ibex
- Kalkhoff
- Kayza
- KETTLER Alu-Rad
- Koga
- Kona
- Kreidler
- KTM
- Lapierre
- Lehmkuhl
- Lombardo
- Maxcycles
- Mondraker
- MORRISON
- Moustache
- Nicolai
- Niner
- Norta
- Orbea
- Oxford
- Pegasus
- Peugeot
- Pfau-tec
- PRICE
- QiO
- Raleigh
- Reise & Müller
- Rose
- Ruff Cycles
- Schindelhauer
- Scott
- Simplon
- Stevens
- Swype
- Tern
- Thompson
- Tour de Suisse
- Trek
- TRENGA DE
- Trenoli
- Univega
- Urban Arrow
- VELO DE VILLE
- VICTORIA
- Whistle
- Whyte
- Winora
- Yuba
- Zemo
What is the Most Powerful Bosch Motor?
The Bosch Performance Line CX is the most powerful motor to be produced by the manufacturer. It’s a compact and lightweight motor designed for “a unique eMTB experience”, according to the Bosch website. It supports with torque of up to 85 Nm “for powerful acceleration with compact dimensions”.
The 85 Nm maximum torque makes it possible to accelerate faster, especially at low cadences, and enables you to start off on steep terrain much more easily. This has a noticeable effect on the way you ride.
As with the rest of Bosch’s top-end motors, the Performance Line CX comes with the Bosch smart system so you can individualise your ride by fine-tuning components to your own personal needs.
For example, there are special riding modes, Smart Push Assist for helping out on steep climbs, a Hill Hold function with automatic rollback protection, an eBike Lock for extra security, and over-the-air updates so the smart system is always up to date.
In terms of power, the Performance Line CX’s eMTB mode is specifically designed for sporting use. Because you don’t have to switch between riding modes so often, you have the utmost control and intuitive handling, and will be able to handle challenging segments and manoeuvre over obstacles like roots and stones using the motor’s Extended Boost and intuitive pedal pressure.
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Best E-Bikes with Bosch Motors [Top 5]
- Trek Allant+ 9.9s [REVIEW]
- Schindelhauer Heinrich [REVIEW]
- CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 [REVIEW]
- Cannondale Canvas Neo 2 [REVIEW]
- Raleigh Centros Hub [REVIEW]
1. Trek Allant+ 9.9s
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£5,900 -
$5,999 -
€5,949
Prices are approximate
Bosch Motor: Performance Line Speed
Weight: 23.4 kg
Range: 120 km
Wheel Size: 27.5”
Gears: 12-Speed
The Trek Allant+ 9.9s is a high-end commuter bike with all the bells and whistles, including the Bosch 350-watt Performance Line Speed motor, the fastest and most powerful motor that Bosch makes.
It has a carbon frame and fork, a Shimano XT 1×12 drivetrain, and quad-piston hydraulic brakes, and offers an incredibly smooth ride that’s almost effortless.
This bike has a fantastic range of up to 120km, so could well last a whole week of commuting on a single charge. Even then, it only takes 3 to 4 hours to charge. Its quick charge speed and long-range mean that it could be great for people who want a trekking bike as well as a commuter bike. However, some components, such as the pedals, may need swapping out for something a bit more comfortable for longer rides.
The controller is a COBI SmartphoneHub controller made for Bosch by COBI, which connects to your smartphone and pairs with Apple Health, Google Fit, Strava, and Komoot. It can even show you an overview of training data and connect with a heart rate monitor. It also has a GPS and live weather, everything you’ll need whether you’re cycling for day-to-day commuting or for longer treks.
2. Schindelhauer Heinrich
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£4,995
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$4,900
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€4,995
Prices are approximate
Bosch Motor: Active Line Plus
Weight: 23.7 kg
Range: 120 km
Wheel Size: 27.5”
Gears: 8-Speed
The Schindelhauer Heinrich is a gorgeous-looking bike, but its beauty runs far deeper than just its good looks.
This all-rounder is powered by the Bosch Active Line Plus motor, offering 250 watts of power, which is quiet and operates without a gearbox for a smooth, gentle ride. The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is removable and fully charged in 4.5 hours.
It has a light aluminum frame and fork, Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal gear hub, and hydraulic disc brakes, resulting in a lovely, smooth ride that feels light as a feather. It also has an incredible range of up to 200km in eco mode, but even riders that prefer to go faster or have more baggage can get a good 80 to 120km on a single charge.
Speaking of baggage, commuters and trekkers alike will enjoy the baggage carrier mounted directly to the frame, which means handling is not affected even when the bike is fully loaded.
This bike suits both seasoned riders and those new to the sport, thanks to its versatile, well-rounded design and complete range of features.
3. CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625
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£2,999
-
$3,300
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€3,400
Prices are approximate
Bosch Motor: Performance Line CX
Weight: 23.7 kg
Range: 225 km
Wheel Size: 27.5”
Gears: 11-Speed
The CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 packs a punch with Bosch’s most powerful Performance Line CX motor, which is exactly what you need for explosive eMTB adventures.
The high torque motor peaks at 85Nm, ensuring the most exciting time out on the trails, and the bike has a massive 625Wh battery that integrates into its sleek aluminum PowerTube frame.
The 100mm high response X-Fusion MIG32 Air forks with lockout can handle anything out on the trails, and you can put faith in its reliable Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.
Also essential for an eMTB with this kind of power are the 2.60″ Schwalbe Smart Sam tyres, which have excellent grip and help the rider handle the bike on any surface with ease, so you’re always in full control.
The CUBE Reaction Hybrid Pro 625 is great for riders who want the versatility of a choice of terrain, whether that’s off-road single track, bridleways, or tarmac. Plus, with the power coming from that Bosch motor combined with the Shimano Deore 11-speed derailleur, you’ll be able to handle even the steepest of inclines for maximum eMTB fun.
4. Cannondale Canvas Neo 2
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£3,500
-
$3,800
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€3,900
Prices are approximate
Bosch Motor: Performance Line Cruise
Weight: 21.7 kg
Range: 142 km
Wheel Size: 29”
Gears: 9-Speed
The Cannondale Canvas Neo 2 is a stylish urban e-bike that is ideal for cycling through bustling city streets whether for commuting or weekend leisure.
It’s built for speed, visibility and handling, and is powered by the Bosch Performance Line Cruise motor packing 65Nm of torque. With a range of up to 142km, the city really is your oyster: you won’t need to worry about running out of charge on your way to work, Sunday morning brunch or on a sunny park ride.
The aluminium frame and carbon fibre fork keeps the bike light and easy to handle, while the Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes are reliable no matter your speed.
The Maxxis DTR-1 tyres are grippy and minimise the impact of bumps in the road, resulting in a deliciously smooth ride, while the integrated pannier rack and fenders mean you can comfortably use the Canvas Neo 2 for any activity.
Plus, it has bright front and rear lights and a weather-sealed battery cover, so you’re ready to ride whatever the weather.
5. Raleigh Centros Hub
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£3,099
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$3,400
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€3,500
Prices are approximate
Bosch Motor: Bosch Performance Line
Weight: 28 kg
Range: 200 km
Wheel Size: 27.5”
Gears: 8-Speed
Want to take your powerful e-bike off-road? The Raleigh Centros Hub is designed for trails, bikepacking trips, and all kinds of off-road adventures, fully equipped with mudguards, a pannier rack, powerful disc brakes, and more, so you have everything you need to explore on two wheels.
With a range of up to 200km on a single charge, you’ll really be able to adventure on this e-bike. The built-in Modular Rail System allows you to add accessories to your bike, for example, water bottle holders, and an additional battery and range extender, so you won’t need to worry about your ride being cut short by a flat battery.
The Bosch Performance Line motor is powerful and reliable, so you can take on anything the trails throw at you with speed and confidence. The powerful motor is combined with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and Schwalbe Marathon Almotion tyres, giving you grip, stopping power, and superb handling control where you need it most.
Choose from an aluminium frame in crossbar or low-step style depending on your preference, so while you can trust that the Centros Hub has everything you’ll need for your biggest adventure as standard, you also have full capability to customise and add components to create your perfect ride.
