The Bosch Smart System answers one question: what can an electric bike offer besides pedal assistance? E-bikes have become hugely popular in recent years, and as the market grows, so does the demand for more advanced systems. That is exactly where the Bosch Smart System comes in, a new generation of connected technology that turns an e-bike into a digitally connected, safer and more personalized way to ride and train.
Unlike older generations of Bosch systems, Smart System is not just a motor and a battery. It is a complete digital ecosystem that ties the motor, display, battery, app and security features into one package. In this guide we explain how it works, what's new, and why it is becoming the standard for modern electric bikes.
In short: what the Bosch Smart System brings
- Digital ecosystem: Connects the motor, battery and display to your phone (the Flow app) through cloud technology (the BES3 platform).
- Theft protection: eBike Lock, Battery Lock and an integrated GPS alarm turn your phone into the only key that starts the bike.
- OTA updates: The system keeps getting new features (like the eMTB+ mode and more torque) through wireless updates.
- Compatibility: Older generations of Bosch motors cannot use Smart add-ons.
What exactly is the Bosch Smart System?
The Bosch Smart System is the new generation of the Bosch eBike platform, also known by its technical name, the BES3 platform. The main difference from older Bosch systems is that all components are fully connected through software and cloud infrastructure.
The core components of the system include:
- Drive unit (motor)
- Battery (Smart PowerTube/PowerPack)
- Display (Kiox and Purion series)
- LED Remote or Mini Remote controller on the handlebar
- Sensors measuring cadence and torque
- Bosch eBike Flow app
The system's biggest strength is continuous Over-The-Air software updates without a trip to a Bosch e-bike service. Your bike can get completely new features and better performance even several years after you buy it. For hands-on help with the drive unit, you can also check our Bosch ebike service at MTB Evolution.
How does it work on the trail?
The principle is based on incredibly fast communication between all components, in milliseconds. When the rider starts pedaling, the sensors measure how hard you push the pedal and your cadence (pedaling speed). The motor processes that data, an algorithm instantly decides how much assistance is needed, and the battery delivers the required energy.
All of this data is synced with the app at the same time. Unlike older systems, your phone and the app become the central "brain" of the whole ecosystem.
The Flow app: the heart of the system
The Bosch eBike Flow app gives you full control of the bike from your smartphone. With it you can fully personalize the riding modes. For each mode (Eco, Tour+, eMTB, Turbo) you can individually adjust:
- Maximum power (assistance)
- How quickly the motor responds to pedal pressure
- Maximum torque
- Acceleration aggressiveness
The app also works as a top-notch ride tracker (it logs distance, elevation, speed and battery use) and reminds you of regular service intervals.
The Bosch Smart System changes the rules of the game because the bike is no longer a static piece of hardware. Through OTA updates, your motor can become more aggressive, faster and smarter overnight, without turning a single bolt.
— Marko Ristivojević, Bosch eBike Expert
Latest software updates
Bosch keeps improving the platform, and newer versions have brought significant performance gains. Compatible motors (such as the Performance Line CX Race) now get a more aggressive motor response and a stronger Extended Boost, which helps you over obstacles when you stop turning the pedals.
This is especially useful for enduro riding, extremely steep climbs and technical trails, where heavy eMTBs need raw power at the critical moment. To see what the latest update brought, read Bosch Performance 2.0, and for app news see Bosch eBike Flow App 1.36.
The new eMTB+ mode
One of the biggest novelties is the dynamic eMTB riding mode. Its advantages include better control on technical climbs (the motor adds more aggressive support by itself when it detects resistance) and a much more natural feel of assistance. Because of this, riders rarely need to switch modes manually during fast riding. We explained every mode in detail in our guide to Bosch riding modes.
Bosch Smart System and theft protection
The number of e-bike thefts is rising in the Balkans, so digital features are now just as important as a good mechanical lock. In our guide to buying a used Bosch e-bike we covered the risks in detail, and our overview of bike theft protection shows how to combine locks and trackers. Here is how the new system protects you:
- eBike Lock: Your phone (or Kiox display) becomes a digital key. Without it, the motor stays locked and assistance is disabled.
- Battery Lock: This new function prevents theft of the expensive battery, because a stolen battery won't work on another system.
- eBike Alarm & GPS: If the bike has a ConnectModule, the system detects movement, sets off an audible alarm, sends a notification to your phone and starts live GPS tracking of the bike's location.
Displays and smart shifting (eShift)
Bosch now offers several ways to show your data. Purion 200 has a compact design with integrated controls, Kiox 300 is great for MTB riders thanks to its rugged build and navigation, and the Mini Remote gives you a completely clean cockpit with no screen, perfect for hardcore trail riders.
Another great innovation is Bosch eShift support for electronic shifting. The system can change gears automatically or briefly (within a millisecond) reduce motor power at the exact moment of the shift, which drastically cuts wear on the chain and cassette. Healthy batteries matter just as much, so see our e-bike battery maintenance guide as well.
Is it worth buying?
The biggest advantages are full personalization, strong digital security, connectivity with fitness platforms (Garmin) and the fact that the system keeps evolving for years after purchase. The main downsides are greater dependence on the app and the fact that older generations of Bosch motors are not compatible with these new Smart add-ons.
If you are buying a new electric bike, the Bosch Smart System is currently one of the most advanced options on the market. It is an especially good choice for eMTB and enduro riders, but also for touring riders who want solid theft protection and reliable navigation.
The full list of compatible components and instructions is published by Bosch eBike Systems.
Own a Bosch Smart bike? We do software updates, diagnostics and setup with the Bosch Diagnostic Tool 3 in our workshop.
Book an appointmentFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Bosch Smart System (BES3)?
The Bosch Smart System is a new generation of the eBike platform that connects the motor, battery and display into one digital ecosystem through cloud technology and the Flow app.
Does it protect my bike from theft?
Yes. eBike Lock and Battery Lock use your phone as a digital key, and with a ConnectModule you also get an audible alarm and GPS tracking of the bike's location.
Can I ride a Smart System bike without a phone?
Yes, the bike works normally and gives standard assistance without a phone. You need the phone to adjust modes, for OTA updates and for unlocking if eBike Lock is activated.