General e-bike questions, comments, reviews and interesting stories.

[ebikeerwidnes]

I don't know about other people - but I have had 3 modern ebikes - I don't really count the old pre2016 one I had several years ago - and I have found the gearing is a bit strange
I have reached nearly 30 mph and still not used 7th gear
given that I use basic level ebikes which are otherwise designed for commuting and general bimbling about rather than the lycra brigade - think comfy saddle and almost dutch style bars
so why put on gears that would only be useful for a properly fit person - and that person would not need an ebike and, in any case, that person would be way over the cut off speed anyway!

 

[CXRAndy]

2017 models you can still fit the speed unlocker adaptors, just not on the newer models

I've just done a Google search, even the latest version of Bosch and others you can fit override devices. Sometimes they trigger limp mode, but invariably don't. So Bosch's attempt to stop modifications hasn't worked.

With the likes of Van-Moof advertising variable speed systems on their bikes, it wont be long before this becomes the norm.

I read even though Van-Moof hasn't started production yet they have over 10000 pre orders

 

[jowwy]

I've just done a Google search, even the latest version of Bosch and others you can fit override devices. Sometimes they trigger limp mode, but invariably don't. So Bosch's attempt to stop modifications hasn't worked.

With the likes of Van-Moof advertising variable speed systems on their bikes, it wont be long before this becomes the norm.

I read even though Van-Moof hasn't started production yet they have over 10000 pre orders

but they would still be illegal to ride in the UK......

This is what Bosch say about their protection mode

"Protecting the system​

The software of the Bosch eBike systems can detect whether the pedelec has been tuned by means of a sensor while riding. It then switches to emergency mode. Consequence: an error code in the display indicates manipulation and support is reduced. The eBiker can restore the original riding settings by riding the pedelec for around 90 minutes. As soon as the system returns to normal mode, however, the manipulation check will be repeated. After the third time, limp home mode can only be deactivated by a specialist dealer using the Bosch DiagnosticTool.
Thus, this measure is yet another way in which Bosch is responding to a requirement included in current European standard (EN 15194: 2017) for electric motor-supported bicycles. This increases protection for both the pedelec and the rider. After all, improper use of the system usually reduces the service life and eBikers risk damaging the drive unit and the bike itself. The safety of a tuned eBike can no longer be guaranteed: components and the bike itself are exposed to unforeseen stresses - and the consequences are difficult to predict.."

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

but they would still be illegal to ride in the UK......

This is what Bosch say about their protection mode

"Protecting the system​

The software of the Bosch eBike systems can detect whether the pedelec has been tuned by means of a sensor while riding. It then switches to emergency mode. Consequence: an error code in the display indicates manipulation and support is reduced. The eBiker can restore the original riding settings by riding the pedelec for around 90 minutes. As soon as the system returns to normal mode, however, the manipulation check will be repeated. After the third time, limp home mode can only be deactivated by a specialist dealer using the Bosch DiagnosticTool.
Thus, this measure is yet another way in which Bosch is responding to a requirement included in current European standard (EN 15194: 2017) for electric motor-supported bicycles. This increases protection for both the pedelec and the rider. After all, improper use of the system usually reduces the service life and eBikers risk damaging the drive unit and the bike itself. The safety of a tuned eBike can no longer be guaranteed: components and the bike itself are exposed to unforeseen stresses - and the consequences are difficult to predict.."

From what I have read on other forums - it can detect some attempt to bypass the installed system but clearly not every device
However, every software upgrade has the potential to introduce new 'protection' mechanisms so a device that works today might not tomorrow
But, as the software can only be updated by a dealer - you can get round these rolling upgrades by just never updating it!

I do have to be rather suspicious that this is all more to do with protecting their revenue stream than making the bikes last longer and be safer for the rider!
After all - if other ebikes can be 're-programmed' without needed an authorised dealer to do it - then Bosch are clearly not just sticking to the law - as they imply - otherwise all the other ebikes would be illegal.
Personally I wouldn;t have bought a Bosch ebike system - but I ended up with it by an unusual series of events - having said which I think it is great and I would not try to overide the speed cutoff anyway

 

[jowwy]

From what I have read on other forums - it can detect some attempt to bypass the installed system but clearly not every device
However, every software upgrade has the potential to introduce new 'protection' mechanisms so a device that works today might not tomorrow
But, as the software can only be updated by a dealer - you can get round these rolling upgrades by just never updating it!

I do have to be rather suspicious that this is all more to do with protecting their revenue stream than making the bikes last longer and be safer for the rider!
After all - if other ebikes can be 're-programmed' without needed an authorised dealer to do it - then Bosch are clearly not just sticking to the law - as they imply - otherwise all the other ebikes would be illegal.
Personally I wouldn;t have bought a Bosch ebike system - but I ended up with it by an unusual series of events - having said which I think it is great and I would not try to overide the speed cutoff anyway

All other ebikes may not need authorised dealers to upgrade software, but their software upgrades would still need to comply with the law.

I got two bosch ebikes, both have had software updates in the past 18mths at £20 a shot to the dealer, not to bosch. I have no issue with that, as they can ensure i get the right updates and dont brick my machine.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

All other ebikes may not need authorised dealers to upgrade software, but their software upgrades would still need to comply with the law.

I got two bosch ebikes, both have had software updates in the past 18mths at £20 a shot to the dealer, not to bosch. I have no issue with that, as they can ensure i get the right updates and dont brick my machine.

My dealer does the updates for free - but I am paying him to 'service' the bike anyway about once a year - and I do tend to break something most years so he makes enough money from me one way or another!

 

[Mart44]

My e-bike is a 2017 Scott E-Silence with a Brose motor. It had a fault with battery charging when I first got it in 2018 but a firmware update cured that. Since then it has been very good. I haven't kept a record of mileage but is used most days of the week for local getting about. It is still running well but I suppose it's about time I took it back to where I bought it from (local bike shop) for a service and and any updates.