Harry Kooros
Bosch eBike Systems has unveiled its first-ever hub motor, marking a significant shift for the German brand as it expands beyond the mid-drive systems that have become synonymous with its name.
Called the Hub Line, the new motor has been developed specifically for urban e-bikes, with Bosch targeting riders seeking lighter, sleeker and more discreet electric bikes for commuting and everyday transport.
Delivering 45Nm of torque and weighing approximately 2.3kg, the Hub Line is designed to provide responsive assistance in stop-start city riding while remaining virtually resistance-free once riders exceed the 25km/h assistance limit.
The launch is notable because Bosch has long focused on mid-drive motors, while much of the lightweight urban e-bike segment has been dominated by hub-drive systems from brands such as Mahle, Hyena and Bafang.
The arrival of the Hub Line signals Bosch’s intention to compete more directly in this rapidly growing category.
To complement the new motor, Bosch has also introduced the PowerTube 360 battery, its slimmest battery to date. Offering 360Wh of capacity and weighing around 2.1kg, the battery has been designed to integrate neatly into modern e-bike frames, allowing manufacturers to create bikes that more closely resemble traditional bicycles.
Bosch claims the system can deliver more than 80 kilometres of range in Eco mode.
Like Bosch’s existing drive systems, the Hub Line is fully integrated into the company’s Smart System ecosystem, giving riders access to navigation, theft protection, over-the-air software updates and personalised settings through the eBike Flow app.
Alongside the Hub Line launch, Bosch also announced a range of supporting products, including the new Intuvia 200 display, a redesigned LED Controller and an updated ConnectModule featuring more precise Bluetooth-based theft tracking.
Bosch also used the announcement to reveal a new-generation Active Line Plus mid-drive motor and a larger PowerTube 720 battery, reinforcing its commitment to both lightweight urban e-bikes and more traditional city and trekking platforms.
Availability and specification details for complete e-bike models equipped with the new Hub Line system are expected to be announced by individual bike manufacturers.
