Bosch Motor Basics
There are some key details to consider when deciding on the best ebike motor for you. Each motor can be broken down to torque, class, and system.
- Torque is a measurement of the rotational force generated by the motor, essentially how hard the motor can turn the wheels. Torque is measured in “Newton meters” (Often abbreviated as Nm). Higher Newton meters means more boost when tackling steep hills or getting started from stopped. You may be interested in an ebike with higher torque if your area doesn’t have proper cycling lanes and you’re concerned about being able to compete with cars on the road. More torque also comes in handy for those with mobility limitations.
- Class is how different ebikes are categorized. A class 1 ebike provides pedal assist up to 20 mph. A class 2 ebike is any ebike with a throttle and provides pedal assist up to 20 mph. A class 3 ebike provides pedal assist up to 28 mph. While the ebike classifications are generally standard throughout North America, individual states and cities often have their own regulations surrounding ebikes so double check your local laws before hitting the trails.
- There are two Bosch Systems currently offered in our line. The BES2 option (Bosch Ebike System 2) is paired with a simple Purion display and the BES2 version of the ebike’s specified motor. The BES3 or Smart System ebikes in our line are paired with a color Purion 200 or Kiox display and are compatible with some extra smart features. The main aspect that differentiates these two systems in regards to the motor is that certain Smart System motors have added torque and all Smart System bikes have more customizable assist mode options. Smart System ebikes in our line are denoted by the Smart System added to their title.
Power Amplification
On Bosch systems there are different assist modes. Each mode amplifies your pedaling by a certain percentage. BES2 system bikes come with set modes which include Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo. Smart System ebikes come set with Eco, Tour, Auto, and Turbo and are easily customized through the Bosch Flow app. Check out the table to see how much your pedaling power is amplified with each pedal stroke. It’s like having super powers!
1. Bosch Active Line – Smooth and Efficient for Everyday Rides
The Bosch Active Line motor is ideal for riders looking for a smooth and quiet ride. With torque amplification of up to 40 Nm, this motor is designed for low to moderate support. It delivers power in a natural way that enhances your pedaling without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for city commuting or leisurely weekend rides. This motor can be found on the Medeo T9 City.
Key Features:
- Torque: 40 Nm
- Designed for urban commuting and light cycling
- Ideal for riders who prefer a more natural, relaxed cycling experience
For riders who want a gentle yet supportive boost, the Active Line motor amplifies your pedal power to give you enough assistance to tackle slight inclines and urban landscapes comfortably. It’s all about providing a natural feel, rather than extra force, for easy navigation around town.
2. Bosch Active Line Plus – More Power for Versatile Performance
The Active Line Plus motor offers a significant upgrade from the Active Line, with a higher level of torque. With torque amplification reaching 50 Nm, this motor is perfect for riders who want a bit more power, particularly on hills or uneven terrain. While it still focuses on providing a natural pedaling experience, the Active Line Plus gives you that extra edge to help you power through more challenging environments, whether you’re tackling inclines or enjoying a longer ride in the countryside. This motor can be found on the Medeo T9 (pictured above) the Ultimate C8, Arroyo C8, and the Arroyo C7.
Key Features:
- Torque: 50 Nm
- Enhanced support for more demanding terrain
- Ideal for versatile cycling, from city streets to longer rural routes
For those who need that extra push on more varied terrain but don’t want a motor that feels too aggressive, the Active Line Plus is a perfect choice.
3. Bosch Performance Line – High Power for Sportier Rides
For riders seeking a sportier, more dynamic eBike experience, the Bosch Performance Line motor is the answer. This is the most powerful motor you can find on a Class 1 ebike in our fleet. With 65 Nm of torque on Bosch system two models and 75 Nm of torque on the current generation Smart System counterparts, the Performance Line delivers strong and reliable amplification that lets you take on steeper climbs and faster speeds. This motor is ideal for riders who want more support without sacrificing natural feel, whether you’re riding on rugged trails or pushing yourself during a challenging ride. This motor can be found on the Medeo T10 (pictured above), the Ultimate C380, the Ultimate T10, the Avignon C380, and the Arroyo C5.
Key Features:
- Torque: 65-75 Nm
- Perfect for more active riders who prefer sporty, dynamic assistance
- Handles challenging climbs and rougher terrains
With its strong power amplification, the Performance Line strikes a balance between ease and excitement, allowing riders to enjoy both everyday cycling and more adventurous off-road rides.
4. Bosch Performance Line Speed – Fast and Powerful for High-Speed Riders
If you love to push the limits of speed, the Bosch Performance Line Speed is the motor for you. Designed for eBikes that exceed the standard 28 mph (45 km/h) speed limit, this motor provides torque of 85 Nm. The added power enables you to maintain high speeds while still providing smooth support during pedaling, making it ideal for fast commuters or eBikes designed for more aggressive riding. This motor is found on all of our class 3 ebikes including the Eclipse C380+, the Eclipse T11+, the Ultimate T10+, The Ultimate C380+, and the Medeo T10+.
Key Features:
- Torque: 85 Nm
- Designed for eBikes with higher top speeds (up to 28 mph or 45 km/h)
- Perfect for fast commuting or performance-oriented riders
Whether you’re or looking for a more powerful assist to make your commute faster and more thrilling, the Performance Line Speed motor delivers that extra kick.
Motor Options Less Relevant to Our eBikes
While Bosch offers a range of additional motors, such as the Performance Line Sprint, Performance Line SX, Cargo Line, Performance Line CX, and Performance Line CX Race Limited Edition, these are typically reserved for high-performance mountain bikes, cargo bikes, or specific race-oriented applications. They’re not found on our lineup of bikes offered in North America because we specialize in commuter style ebikes. The motors we choose to spec on our fleet are the best choice for riders looking for an effective and comfortable car replacement or an enjoyable ride for weekend cruising.
In Conclusion,
Bosch’s diverse motor offerings cater to various riding preferences and needs. Whether you’re commuting on an urban eBike, tackling steep hills with ease on the Performance Line, or zipping through town with the Performance Line Speed, each motor provides specific advantages. The Active Line and Active Line Plus offer smooth, effortless rides for urban cycling, while the Performance and Performance Line Speed motors bring more power and speed for sportier riders.
Understanding the differences in power amplification between these motors can help you choose the perfect eBike for your lifestyle. We’re proud to offer eBikes equipped with Bosch’s reliable motors, ensuring that you can enjoy every ride with confidence and ease.
