For 2025, Bosch eBike Systems is integrating AI-based solutions into its Smart System, which recognizes user behaviour and learns from it, allowing for smarter route planning, navigation and more.

The new Range Control feature allows riders to plan routes via the eBike Flow app which evaluates the system weight, the elevation profile of the route, and personal riding behaviour during recent rides to indicate the percent of battery charge remaining when you reach your destination.

The predicted battery level is also updated during the journey based on your riding style. You can even set the desired minimum battery level at the destination and the smart system then adjusts the motor support accordingly. The system’s accuracy increases with more usage and data.

Riders also benefit from personalized route suggestions. The smart system knows, for example, which road types, surfaces, gradients and speeds are preferred, and makes a corresponding route recommendation.

The “current charge level” feature allows riders to track the battery status live during the charging process on the eBike Flow app and view it for better planning. The “extended navigation” feature enhances the navigation display on the Kiox 300 and Kiox 500 displays with the planned route and junctions, including all side roads. Both features are part of the Flow+ subscription service.

The new Eco+ mode lets riders save energy and increase range by turning off the motor automatically, i.e., on flat terrain and re-engaging assistance on climbs or when overtaking via an activation threshold setting. The Eco+ mode is available for all drive units with the Smart System and can be installed on e-bikes using the Flow app.

Riders with Bosch eBike ABS can now view the associated values such as brake duration in the statistics in Activity Tracking. In addition, the display of the Purion 200 control unit can now also be customized according to rider preferences.

Finally, Bosch is also expanding its eShift portfolio in the Smart System with new partner solutions from TRP and Shimano. eShift with TRP is the first electric gear shifting solution with derailleur gears in a Smart System, and riders can select automatic or manual gear shifting. Shimano’s Di2 Nexus and Di2 Cues are now compatible with eShift to ensure gear shifts are smooth and quiet for city or performance riding.

Just prior to Eurobike in early July, Shimano unveiled its EP5 and E5100 drive units targeted to commuters, weekend adventurers, and for families picking up their kids, running errands, etc.

The EP5 boasts a sleek, compact design and a maximum torque of 60Nm for a powerful yet quiet mix of reliable performance including three customizable assist modes: Eco, Trail and Boost.

Along with Auto Shift for both rear derailleur and internal hub gear (IHG) drivetrains, the E-Tube Project Cyclist App allows you to personalize your ride with up to 15 unique assist characters such as Fine Tune mode, Max Torque, and Assist Start in Basic Mode.

With pedal-assist up to 28mph (45kph), this new lightweight EP5 drive unit, Class 3 in the USA, weighs 3kg and balances performance and efficiency.

The new E5100 features up to 50Nm of torque and offers a lightweight and responsive support system at 2.4kg, along with a natural feel and reliable performance for commuting and everyday adventures.

Providing pedal-assist support up to 20mph, you can personalize your ride and customize the level of power with the E-Tube Project Cyclist App. Auto Shift is only available on internal hub gear (IHG) drivetrains.

The range of the EP500 and E5100 e-drive units is based on different battery sizes: 418Wh, 504Wh and 630 Wh. Both systems are compatible with V-brakes, disc brakes, roller brakes and coaster brakes. Shimano’s E-Bike Systems use sensors and drive unit tuning to provide optimal assistance based on real-time riding data

Earlier this year, Bafang introduced its innovative Gear Variable Transmission (GVT) technology platform along with its new G500A, an internal 5-speed automatic shift hub designed for high-powered e-fat bikes.

The new GVT system offers precise automatic shifting mechanisms and advanced transmission control, creating seamless and smooth gear changes.

Debuting at the 2024 China Cycle Show, the G500A automatic hub is belt drive–friendly and according to Bafang reduces common maintenance issues and durability concerns in shift systems, thus extending the overall lifespan of e-bikes.

Designed to effectively tackle challenging terrain, including snow and sand, the G500A can withstand torque ratings of up to 200Nm to significantly reduce the impact and possible damage to the chain and freewheel caused by high torque. It can also support higher speeds up to 45kph and 60kph.

Available with 175mm and 190mm dropout options, Bafang’s rigorous testing standards claim that each of the five gears in the G500A undergoes at least 10,000 impact tests, ensuring durability and rider confidence.

“Over the past three years, we have launched the automatic hub motor and the automatic gear hub series, both of which have received positive feedback from various markets,” commented Zou Bin, the chief engineer of the Bafang GVT system.

In the industry, the shifting performance of high-power eBikes has always been a hot topic. Due to the high output power, traditional external shifting systems face challenges with increased risk of damage. To address this, Bafang has introduced the GVT automatic shifting hub motor series including the H700, H710 and H720, covering power ranges from 250W to 1000W.

“Over 40 e-bike brands globally, including Dutch iMove and France’s Eovolt, have integrated our GVT products across urban, touring, cargo, and fat e-bike categories,” said Yingzhe Wang, Bafang’s head of R&D. “Without the need for shifting cables or external cassettes, you’ll find more folding bikes and urban shared bikes equipped with GVT series products. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore more possibilities on this platform.”

In mid-June, Mahle SmartBike Systems launched its new X30 drive system for e-bikes. The exciting new system features a lightweight hub motor delivering 45Nm of torque and is designed to perform well on any terrain.

Weighing just 1.9kg (4.2 pounds), the X30 is compatible with all the components, accessories, and digital environment of Mahle’s X20 system, claimed as the lightest e-bike drive system in the world.

The new X30 can be equipped with Pulsar ONE, eShifters, iX2 (237Wh) or iX3 (350Wh) batteries and even Mahle’s e185 External Battery eX1 that’s designed to fit into a water bottle holder. The e185 features 171Wh of capacity for up to 55km of additional range, for almost 190km capacity in total.

The versatile X Series platform also allows the integration of a pedal assist sensor, and a cadence and torque sensor, for more precise watt analysis and motor response.

Together with AI, the system can learn from the rider’s behaviour and adapt to both the rider and their environment for an improved riding experience.

According to Mahle, the design of the new rear hub motor allows for increased energy efficiency by 15%, compared to a mid-drive motor, and is suitable for all types of riders including road, city, trails and even children’s e-bikes.

For bicycle manufacturers, the new X30 system can also be customized according to the DNA of bicycle brands via motor mapping. Mahle is already working with industry partners such as Bianchi, Husqvarna and Stevens, among others.

Global automotive supplier ZF Group debuted its new 48-volt drive system for e-bikes at Eurobike 2024 in Frankfurt. The ZF Bike Eco System includes a motor, battery, control unit, app and a connection to the cloud.

The core component is the ultra-compact CentriX mid- drive unit that’s available in two versions: the CentriX 90 with 90Nm of torque and a maximum output of 600 watts targeted at mountain, trekking or SUV-style e-bikes, while the CentriX 75 with a torque of 75Nm and a maximum output of 450 watts is designed for gravel, commuter, or urban e-bikes.

Based on a 48-volt architecture and delivering 250 watts of continuous power, ZF offers two lithium-ion battery options, including 504Wh and 756Wh units, which are mounted in the downtube using an innovative rail system and can be removed for charging.

The Core Controller is integrated into the top tube and displays information such as the battery charge status via an intuitive circular LED display. As an option, a remote or high- resolution 2.8-inch colour display with touch functionality can be connected to the handlebars. In addition, smartphones can also be charged via innovative magnetic spring contacts.

The ZF app can be accessed with Bluetooth for more features such as navigation, route recording, bike status and over-the-air software updates via the cloud, while additional comfort and safety features are planned for the future as the system expands.

The ZF Bike Eco System also provides interfaces and integration options for third- party providers. Germany’s Raymon Bicycles is one of the first bicycle manufacturers
to partner with ZF for its new Tarok full-suspension eMTB with 160mm of travel, available in early 2025.

At Eurobike in Frankfurt this past July, DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, unveiled its Avinox Drive System for eMTBs, winning a Eurobike Award in the Best Components category.

At the heart of the Avinox Drive System is a compact drive unit that weighs 2.52kg yet delivers an impressive 105Nm of torque and is remarkably quiet. The new system features DJI’s Smart-Assist Algorithm, which leverages multi-sensor fusion to automatically and continuously adjust assistance based on riding resistance.

Riders can choose from four assist modes — Auto, Eco, Trail, and Turbo — or activate Boost mode for an extra surge of power when needed. The system offers two lightweight, high-energy density battery options: 600Wh and 800Wh.

A 2-inch OLED full-colour control built-in touchscreen display serves as the interactive hub of the system and the Avinox app allows for further customization for a more personalized riding experience. The system also includes innovative dual Wireless Controllers with Bluetooth connectivity for added convenience.

DJI’s new Amflow PL electric mountain bike is equipped with the DJI Avinox e-bike drive system and offers 850W of peak power (with 250 W nominal power) in a lightweight package at 19.2kg.

The four-bar linkage structure boasts improved pedalling efficiency, and the full suspension by Fox delivers smooth riding over varied terrain. The Amflow PL frame structure is compatible with both 27.5” and 29” rear wheels.

Amflow PL also has Walk mode, Auto Hold and Hill Start Assist. When connected to the Avinox app, riders have access to customizable parameters, Anti-theft Mode1 and Remote Locating.