Bosch Unveils “Battery Lock” Update to Combat eBike Theft, But It Comes at a Cost
Last Updated on January 6, 2025 by Kristina
Bosch has unveiled an exciting new feature that could become a powerful tool in the fight against eBike theft. At CES 2025, the company introduced the Battery Lock, a digital security feature designed to protect eBike owners from the growing threat of battery theft. As eBikes become increasingly popular, the value of their components—especially the battery—has made them prime targets for thieves.
A Step Towards More Secure eBikes
According to Gregor Dasbach, Head of Digital Business at Bosch eBike Systems, the battery is “one of the most valuable eBike components.” Recognizing the rise in battery thefts alongside the surge in eBike popularity, Bosch has developed the Battery Lock as a way to safeguard these critical components. The new feature will be available as part of an over-the-air update for those with a Flow+ subscription.
This update, which is set to roll out in the summer of 2025, allows owners to remotely disable stolen eBike battery packs. When a battery pack is removed from an eBike and inserted into another bike equipped with Bosch’s smart system, the Battery Lock feature will automatically disable the electric motor. This makes it impossible to use the stolen battery, essentially rendering it useless. The added security also means reselling stolen battery packs becomes a challenge for thieves.
How Does It Work?
The Battery Lock complements the mechanical locks already in place on Bosch-powered eBikes with PowerTube and PowerPack battery packs. When the eBike is switched off, the system automatically engages the digital “lock,” securing the battery in place. This digital locking mechanism strengthens traditional security measures, such as bike locks, by preventing the battery from being used or resold once stolen.
Bosch’s existing security features, like the eBike Lock and eBike Alarm, also work in conjunction with the Battery Lock. The eBike Lock shuts down the bike until it’s reactivated via the Bosch smartphone app or by removing the Kiox 300/500 digital displays. Meanwhile, the eBike Alarm notifies the owner of any suspicious movement and triggers both acoustic and visual alerts to deter thieves.
For more detailed information on Bosch’s innovative eBike security systems, visit the official Bosch eBike website.
A Growing Problem
With the rise in eBike popularity, bike theft has evolved into a more lucrative crime. While thieves may have once focused on stealing entire bikes, the more valuable components—such as batteries—are now often targeted. Bosch’s Battery Lock seeks to disrupt this trend, offering eBike owners peace of mind knowing that their battery is protected.
The new feature will be compatible with Bosch’s entire smart system range, including DualBatteries and the PowerMore 250 Range Extender. Bosch’s partners, including major cycling brands like Bergamont, Cannondale, Canyon, and Raleigh in the UK, are expected to roll out the update to thousands of customers by summer 2025.
Security for Every Ride: The Explorer Nomad and Its Anti-Theft Alarm
While Bosch’s Battery Lock feature is a significant leap forward in protecting eBike batteries, other eBikes like the Explorer Nomad are already offering additional layers of security. The Explorer Nomad—an affordable foldable eBike—comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm, making it a great option for riders concerned about bike security. Priced at just $499, it combines both affordability and peace of mind for eBike owners.
This built-in alarm system on the Explorer Nomad provides peace of mind by alerting the owner to any suspicious activity, ensuring that your bike is protected from theft. Whether you’re storing it in a city apartment or leaving it locked outside for a few minutes, the anti-theft alarm serves as a powerful deterrent, just like Bosch’s Battery Lock.
Key Security Features of the Explorer Nomad:
- Anti-Theft Alarm: This feature makes the Explorer Nomad stand out, offering added security by alerting you to tampering attempts. It’s the perfect complement to Bosch’s Battery Lock, ensuring both your bike and its valuable components are safeguarded.
- Lighting System: The Explorer Nomad also includes a front and rear lighting system, which includes turn signals, headlight, and tail light, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.
The Explorer Nomad combines affordability, convenience, and security, with the anti-theft alarm being a key feature for anyone looking to protect their eBike investment.
The Cost of Security
While the Battery Lock feature is a major step forward in eBike security, it does come with a price tag. To access this feature, users must subscribe to Bosch’s Flow+ service. After an initial free trial period, the subscription costs £35 / €40 / AU$60 (around $45) per year. This means that while the feature is a valuable tool for combating theft, it may not be within reach for everyone.
For those who choose not to subscribe, their Bosch battery packs will not be protected by the Battery Lock, leaving them vulnerable to theft.
Conclusion
Bosch’s new Battery Lock feature is a promising development in the fight against eBike theft, offering enhanced security and protection for battery components. However, the subscription cost for Flow+ may be a barrier for some eBike owners. As the popularity of eBikes continues to rise, innovations like the Battery Lock and security features found on bikes like the Explorer Nomad may become a necessary investment to protect valuable components from thieves. If you’re an eBike owner, you’ll want to consider whether the peace of mind is worth the ongoing subscription fee—or if an eBike with built-in security features like the Explorer Nomad might be a better fit.
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Photo credit via Bosch
Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
