Rear Hub Motor

Bosch has widened its e-bike strategy with Hub Line, a complete system built around a rear hub motor. The move matters because Bosch has long been associated with mid-drive units, while this new platform is aimed at riders who want a more agile feel and almost no noticeable pedaling resistance above 25 km/h. The new setup also shows that Bosch is still thinking in systems, not just standalone motors. Manufacturers can pair the drive unit with a battery, controls, and display from one connected ecosystem, which keeps the integration story central to the company’s e-bike business. A compact motor tuned for city riding The main drive unit in Hub Line weighs 2.3 kilograms and measures 100 millimeters in diameter. Bosch says it can deliver up to 400 watts of peak power and 45 Nm of torque. That compact shape is meant to help the motor blend into the frame more cleanly than a typical hub motor. Bosch is clearly trying to make the hardware feel less exposed and more like part of the bicycle itself. For now, those specifications apply to the European version. Bosch has also indicated that versions for less restrictive markets may follow later. A slimmer battery package for urban e-bikes Alongside the motor, Bosch introduced the PowerTube 360 battery. It measures 68 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.1 kilograms, making it slimmer than many battery packs in the same class. The battery offers 360 Wh of capacity, which is lower than the segment average, but Bosch sees it as a strong fit for urban e-bikes. Manufacturers can install it permanently or use it as a removable unit depending on the bike design. For riders who need extra range, Bosch also offers the PowerMore 250 as a range extender. That gives brands a way to add flexibility without moving to a much larger main battery. Controls built for a cleaner cockpit Bosch has also replaced the LED Remote with a new LED Controller. The redesigned unit is smaller and uses five buttons positioned for easy thumb access. There is also the Intuvia 200 display with a 2.4-inch screen. Together, these parts suggest that Hub Line is meant to be a more refined control package for modern urban e-bikes. Focused on city bikes and partner brands Bosch is positioning Hub Line primarily for city e-bikes. The lighter battery, compact motor, and reduced visual bulk all match the requirements of everyday urban riding. As usual, Bosch is not selling complete bicycles. Instead, it is supplying the system to manufacturers, which means Hub Line bikes will reach customers through partner brands that integrate the components into their own models. Vello is among the first companies to announce models compatible with the new system. Early partners like that suggest Bosch wants to expand its footprint in e-bikes beyond the mid-drive category that made it a market reference. Source: www.notebookcheck.net

Bosch Steps Into Hub Motors, Promising A Lighter Ride With Less Drag