Bosch eBike Systems MY2027: the Hub Line motor arrives unexpectedly. We tested it.
In Hamburg, those expecting a standard presentation had to change their minds. Bosch, always synonymous with central motors in the e-bike world, unveiled a new product line that redefines the very concept of urban e-bikes, providing a lightweight, minimalist, and surprisingly capable alternative to the traditional ecosystem.
Hub Line: The Disappearing Motor
The star of the event is Hub Line, a hub motor particularly designed for urban e-bikes. The numbers speak for themselves: 45 Nm of torque, up to 400 W of assistance, and only 2.3 kg in weight, with a diameter of just 100 mm, making it almost invisible when integrated into the rear wheel hub. Above 25 km/h, the motor completely shuts off, offering no resistance to pedaling, just like all e-bikes. We produced a dedicated video to showcase the new components, including an on-the-spot test ride.
Our impression from the first rides on the streets of Hamburg — riding a Gazelle Curb — was decidedly positive. The 45 Nm may seem low on paper, but in turbo mode, the push is real and convincing: better an honest figure and solid performance than inflated numbers with questionable behavior. The motor's response to pedaling is smooth and without noticeable lag, thanks to the advanced sensors that continuously calibrate assistance.
The Auto mode deserves special mention: the management algorithm automatically adjusts the level of assistance based on the context (uphill, flat, downhill), and on the segments we traveled, the behavior seemed well-calibrated, even considering they were prototypes.
PowerTube 360: Slim by Design
Completing the Hub Line system is the new PowerTube 360, the slimmest battery ever proposed by Bosch within its intelligent system. With only 68 mm in diameter, weighing 2.1 kg, and a capacity of 360 Wh, it ensures a range of over 80 km in Eco mode, integrating into the frame tubes so discreetly that it’s hard to distinguish the e-bike from a regular bike. For those needing greater distances, the DualBattery system includes the Range Extender PowerMore 250.
An interesting tidbit from the conference: some of the e-bikes on display — like a compact frame BMX-style model — had the PowerMore 250 mounted directly as the main battery, demonstrating the flexibility of the Bosch ecosystem.
Integrated Gears (and Dual-Speed Option)
One of the most interesting aspects of Hub Line is the possibility of integrating two gears directly inside the motor, at the choice of the partner manufacturer. For now, the gearshift is manual, but Bosch does not rule out developing an algorithm for automatic management based on speed or pedaling style in the future. The models we tested were configured single-speed — suitable for a predominantly flat city like Hamburg — but the dual-gear option is already available for brands that want to use it.
Controls and Display: Minimal Philosophy
In line with the DNA of the new system, the user interface focuses entirely on simplicity. The new LED Controller — heir to the LED Remote — is about 65% smaller than its predecessor: five ergonomic buttons under the thumb, tactile and acoustic feedback, automatic LED brightness adjustment, and a handy 10W USB-C port for charging external devices.
For those who prefer having a bit more information in view, there's the new Intuvia 200: a 2.4-inch grayscale display, ultra-slim, with automatic brightness up to 1,000 cd/m² and excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Sleek design, robust monoblock frame resistant to weather conditions: no frills, just what you need.
ConnectModule: More than a GPS Tracker
Presented as "more than just a locator," the new Bosch ConnectModule introduces Bluetooth® Low Energy technology, allowing precise e-bike localization with an error margin of just a few meters — useful even in closed environments like basements or inner courtyards, where traditional GPS often fails. The mounting system has been made more flexible to simplify installation on compatible models. Advanced tracking features are included in the subscription service Flow+.
Active Line Plus: More Powerful, Lighter, Greener
Alongside the innovations of the Hub Line, Bosch also unveiled the new generation of Active Line Plus, a substantially updated central motor. Torque increases to 60 Nm, peak power to 600 W with maximum support of 340%, while the volume reduces by 17% and the weight drops to about 2.7 kg, which is 550 grams less than the previous version. This achievement is due to a new two-stage transmission that also simplifies integration into the frame.
There’s also an environmental aspect not to be overlooked: the motor housing uses about 40% recycled aluminum, reducing CO₂ emissions by nearly half compared to conventional aluminum. The plastic components also use recycled materials.
Alongside the Active Line Plus is the new PowerTube 720: 3.9 kg in weight, energy density of about 185 Wh/kg, and a range that can exceed 185 km in Eco mode. The compact design allows deeper integration into the frame, lowering the center of gravity and improving handling, even with loaded saddlebags. It is interchangeable with PowerTubers of 360, 540, 600, and 800 Wh, as long as the frame has been designed for this purpose.
Certified by Bosch: A Passport for the Used Market
Among the most concrete innovations for end users is Certified by Bosch, a system of digital certification that accompanies second-hand e-bikes with a QR code containing all relevant data: year of production, kilometers traveled, battery health status, and notifications in case of theft or blocked components. The model draws inspiration from the automotive sector — where similar certificates are already the norm — and aims to make the used e-bike market more transparent and reliable for buyers.
The Ecosystem Expands: Smart Accessories and Connected Helmet
A detail that emerged during the road test worth mentioning: Hub Line supports communication with external accessories through the Bosch ecosystem. In Hamburg, we were able to personally verify the integration with a smart helmet synced with the brake, which activates a rear blinking light on the helmet when braking. The ecosystem is also open to visor, smart glasses, and other accessories that manufacturers can develop independently — an innovation space still waiting to be explored.