Bosch has announced its foray into the electric bicycle hub motor sector. Named the Hub Line, the innovation promises to be a solution with reduced weight, compact dimensions and a design designed to integrate almost imperceptibly into vehicles.
Consolidated as a leader in the segment of central drive motors for e-bikes, Bosch now fills a gap in its catalog with the introduction of the Hub Line. This new engine is distinguished by its optimized weight and discreet shape. Brands such as Canyon, Gazelle, Mustache and Nicolai have already confirmed the incorporation of the system in their upcoming models, and an initial evaluation of the lightweight Canyon Roadlite:On CF has been carried out.
During the presentation of the system, Claus Fleischer, General Director of Bosch eBike Systems, highlighted the priority of designing an almost imperceptible drive. The Hub Line engine, which is the heart of this novelty, has a declared weight of 2.3 kilograms and a diameter of 100 millimeters. Unlike central drive motors, their installation in the wheel hub eliminates the need to completely redesign the bicycle frame, favoring a cleaner aesthetic. Automakers have the flexibility to apply the engine to single-gear or multi-gear bicycles. Universal Transmissions, for example, offers the UTgear H2 internal gear hub, two speeds, compatible with the engine, making it possible to combine a belt transmission with a gear system.
In terms of performance, the motor provides a continuous power of 250 watts, with a peak of 400 watts and torque of 45 Nm. These numbers position it competitively in the current panorama of hub motors, in line with models from brands such as Ampler and the Belgian Cowboy, which also use 45 Nm motors. While VanMoof stands out with a 68 Nm motor in its latest e-bikes, the Raleigh One adopts a smoother option, of 35 Nm. An important differentiator of the Hub Line, which adds value to the consumer, is Bosch’s vast and established technical assistance network for its drive systems.
Accompanying the new hub motor, Bosch revealed the PowerTube 360, a compact battery measuring 68 millimeters thick. According to company information, its 360 Wh capacity can guarantee a range of up to 80 kilometers when used in the lowest assistance mode. The choice between a permanently integrated or removable battery remains up to the bicycle manufacturers, and the Hub Line still offers compatibility with other additional batteries in the Bosch range.
Completing the proposal for an “almost invisible drive system”, Bosch has developed compact controllers. Color LED indicators or a 2.4-inch monochrome screen display information about battery level and operating mode. Additionally, similar to the company’s central drive motors, the Hub Line can be adjusted and receive future updates through a companion app.
At the launch event, several companies showcased their bicycles equipped with the Bosch hub motor. Among them, the Canyon Roadlite:On CF underwent a test, standing out for its optimization to be ultralight. This single-speed bike comes standard with a low-maintenance belt drive, side stand and lighting. For those looking for greater everyday functionality, fenders are available as optional accessories, and the rear has saddlebag supports. With this configuration, the carbon bike weighs approximately 15 kilos, but without the fenders, its weight drops to just 13.9 kilos. This number positions it as an even lighter option than many ultralight e-bikes from competitors such as Ampler, Rose and Urtopia, even surpassing the weight of several conventional bicycles.
The engine features three assistance options: Eco, Tour and Sport, as well as an automatic mode that adjusts the level of support. On the Canyon, the 45 Nm engine proved to propel the vehicle with ease, delivering robust and controlled assistance in automatic mode. Although subtle, a high-frequency hum may be noticed during operation. The system handles small hills well, but the single gear configuration, combined with the engine, may not be the best option for long, steep inclines. On flat terrain, the high gear ratio allows you to reach speeds above 25 km/h effortlessly. Once this limit is exceeded, the engine turns off completely, allowing the bike to be pedaled like a conventional model, without additional resistance. The launch price of the Canyon Roadlite:On CF with the Bosch engine is €3,000.
