· Electric push assist for a range of up to 80 kilometers

· Computer control means support with the best possible efficiency

Bosch will be building electric drives for e-bikes in the future and wants to become one of the leading providers in this expanding market. At their Reutlingen location, a separate product area is built up that will transfer the group's extensive technological know-how in electronics and electric drives, sensors and battery technology into the new product for the bicycle industry. The core of the e-bike drive is the drive unit, consisting of an electric motor with control unit and sensors. Electric power – the fuel for an e-bike – is provided by the included battery pack, the charger replaces the gas station, and the control computer on the handlebars also provides the usual bicycle computer functions. The new push assist will be exclusively shipped to OEMs; no upgrade kits are planned. The first presentation of electric bikes with the Bosch drive will be at the international bicycle trade show “Eurobike” in Friedrichshafen, which will also be open to consumers on September 4.

Well-balanced support while pedaling
Modern electric bikes have nothing in common with the old days of the traditional “bicycle with auxiliary motor” concept; e-bikes with the Bosch drive are high-tech machines that don't just replace pedaling, but rather support it. Only when muscle power is exerted will the electric drive add motor force. How much force is automatically determined by the electronics depending on the rider's exertion – more on hills than on flat stretches – and also based on the rider's selection of more or less support. Depending on which level of support is selected, a battery charge at the highest level of support is good for about 35 kilometers, but at lower levels distances of up to 80 kilometers are possible. The Bosch drive is effective at speeds up to 25 kilometers per hour; above that speed, the e-biker is pedaling alone. The reason: This is the only way the e-bike can legally remain a bicycle, and thus free of helmet, license plate, and insurance obligations.

Lithium-Ion-Battery as power source
The Bosch drive unit is designed for installation in the middle of the frame. There, its weight has less, and therefore a positive effect on riding behavior. From the point of view of efficiency, however, an electric drive can't be too light, so the e-bike system from Reutlingen is also one of the lightest. High demands can be made on for quality and reliability, because many years of the experience of many years has gone into all components of the drive – experience Bosch has gathered with technologically related components. The battery, for example, uses the same lithium ion technology as the mini-battery screwdriver “Ixo”, the most widely sold power tool in the world.

So that the auxiliary power of the electric motor can always be measured accurately and no milliampere of power or meter of range be wasted, the control electronics of the drive must know how fast the rider is moving and how hard he or she is pedaling. This data is pulled several time per second from three sensors in the drive unit, and used to calculate the exact motor support appropriate to the current situation. For example, if a headwind comes up, the e-biker has to pedal harder to keep the same speed. The pedal force sensor reports this to the computer in the drive unit, which reacts immediately and supports the rider with a little more motor power.

With innovative technology and attractive design, the Bosch high-performance drive from Reutlingen delivers pure riding fun – and not only for the young at heart. This combination is also appropriate for youth, couples, and families, as well as career professionals who commute cost-effectively and conveniently by e-bike.

For more information please visit: www.bosch-ebike.com

Contact:
Julia Patzelt
phone: +49 7121 35 35883

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI7066 - May 26, 2010