Technology company Bosch has expanded its anti-theft measures for e-bikes by letting users lock the battery via a smartphone app.
Batteries are already mechanically locked onto the e-bikes, particularly for models which have removable batteries like the PowerTube and PowerPack.
But the new feature, presented at the CES trade show in Las Vegas on 6 January, will mean that the battery will not be able to be used on other bikes if it is removed after being locked via the eBike Flow app.
The digitally locked battery will deactivate the motor system of any e-bike on Bosch’s smart system.
The feature will be available with an over-the-air update on the Flow app from summer 2025, for bike users with a subscription.
Any e-bike batteries and battery combinations will be compatible with the new digital lock system, the company said. This includes DualBatteries and the PowerMore 250 Range Extender.
The Kiox 300 or Kiox 500 eBike display screens can also lock the battery.
The new feature will add to the existing features, such as the eBike Lock and eBike Alarm – which inform users with a push notification when their bike has been stolen. The eBike Alarm also tracks the bike location.
A theft report is generated with all the important data about the bike, gathered via the bike’s digital registration. It includes a live tracking link for the police.
Gregor Dasbach, head of digital business at Bosch eBike Systems, said: “The battery is one of the most valuable eBike components. The expansion of our digital theft protection portfolio brings us a big step closer to our vision of ensuring that no e-bike with a Bosch system is stolen in the future.”
