Bosch have been developing e-bike motion systems since 2011. The motor itself is usually called «drive unit».
What models of Bosch e-bike motors exist?
At the time of writing this post, there are five generations of Bosch motors available, but their official naming may be confusing, as Bosch re-use the same product names for all motors. It must be noted that the Active Line, Performance Line, Performance Line CX names are product segmentation names, and do not show the generation of the motor. Here is a quick summary of the motors released up until 2023:
- Bosch Generation 4 (2020+) and Bosch SmartSystem (2022+) – Smaller than the Gen2 motors, visible radiator fins, and large chainring. In 2022, the Gen4 motors received a software and electronics update – Bosch SmartSystem. Mechanically, the motors are the same.
- Bosch Generation 3 (2018 – 2020) – Large front chainring, mostly fitted to urban bikes.
- Bosch Generation 2 (2013 – 2019) – The longest running Bosch motor, fitted to a wide variety of bicycled. Identified by a small front chain ring. Due to the long product life these are often confused.
- Bosch Generation 1 (2011 – 2013) – The first Not integrated and hanging under the bike.
Bosch Gen 4 & Bosch SmartSystem Motors (2020 – Current)
The Gen 4 motors were the true replacements of the Gen 2 motors. They were designed and implemented as a universal motor for hybrid, mountain, city and cargo bikes.
The motors has a significantly smaller package than the Gen 2 motor, however, it is still able to provide high output (similar levels to the Gen 2 actually). The Gen 4 motors are over 1kg lighter than the Gen 2s. The new internal gearing also gives a much smooter transition, quieter drive, and reduced internal resistance, making pedaling even without asistance easier.
The only downside we can find of these motors is that they are a little bit more difficult to repair.
All Gen 4 and SmartSystem motors have a large chainring, and visible radiator fins.
We are yet to see if Bosch will release a service kit for these motors, although we already have one of our own design.
Pictures of Bicycles with Bosch Gen4 and SmartSystem motors
Bosch Gen 3 Motors (2018 – 2020)
These are usually fitted to urban bikes. Their primary benefit is the silent drive and battery efficiency. They have samilar product nameing (Active Line, Active Line Plus), which often leads to confusion.
The easiest way to recognize the Gen 3 motors is by the large chainging they all have, and the oval shape of the whole motor.
Pictures of Bicycles with Bosch Gen3 motors
Bosch Gen 2 Motors (2013 – 2019)
This is arguably the most popular motor. Due to the long period of manufacture, and the few updates this motor got over the years, it is often confused with the Gen3 motor.
Bosch have released a service kit for this motors, that replaces the drive side bearing. Unfortunately, the bearing on the other side of the shaft is the one that suffers most from water damage, but isn’t covered in the kit.
We service these motors regularly and have all parts needed for the mechanical service in stock.
These motors may be either silver or black, and can be mounted horizontally or at an angle. They also have different plastic cases, making them look quite different.
There are segmented into three product lines – Active Line, Performance Line and Performance Line CX. Many confuse the Performance line CX motors as Gen3, or Gen4, but that is incorrect. While more powerful and with a different looking plastic case, the internals are the same as all Gen2 motors.
The easiest way to recognize the Gen2 motors is by the small chainging they all have.
Pictures of Bicycles with Bosch Gen2 Motors
Bosch Gen 1 Motors (2011 – 2013)
The first drive unit by Bosch is coloquilaly known as the Bosch Gen1 motors.
They are easily recognized, as the motors aren’t well integrated into the frames and sort of hang under the bikes. and the chainrinng.
These motors were built between 2011 and 2013, after which the Gen2 motors started replacing them.
Although reliable, these motors are seen less and less on the roads.
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide repair services for these motors at the moment.
Pictures of Bicycles with Gen 1 Motors
Frequently Asked Questions
You can open all of the Bosch motors, but for repairability, the Gen2 motors are best, followed by the Gen4 motors. We, at VELOTEC, stock parts and work on Gen2 and Gen4 motors mainly.
You can open all of the Bosch motors, but for repairability, the Gen2 motors are best, followed by the Gen4 motors. We, at VELOTEC, stock parts and work on Gen2 and Gen4 motors mainly.
You can open all of the Bosch motors, but for repairability, the Gen2 motors are best, followed by the Gen4 motors. We, at VELOTEC, stock parts and work on Gen2 and Gen4 motors mainly.
You can open all of the Bosch motors, but for repairability, the Gen2 motors are best, followed by the Gen4 motors. We, at VELOTEC, stock parts and work on Gen2 and Gen4 motors mainly.
You can open all of the Bosch motors, but for repairability, the Gen2 motors are best, followed by the Gen4 motors. We, at VELOTEC, stock parts and work on Gen2 and Gen4 motors mainly.
You can open all of the Bosch motors, but for repairability, the Gen2 motors are best, followed by the Gen4 motors. We, at VELOTEC, stock parts and work on Gen2 and Gen4 motors mainly.