Bosch has done what many thought would never happen. After building its reputation exclusively on mid-drive systems, the German e-bike giant has introduced its first-ever rear hub motor, the Bosch Hub Line. We had the opportunity to see the new system in person for the very first time at Eurobike.

The Hub Line is designed primarily for urban and commuter e-bikes, delivering 45 Nm of torque while weighing just 2.3 kg / 5.1 lb. It is powered by Bosch’s new 360 Wh PowerTube battery, which weighs only 2.1 kg / 4.6 lb and features an exceptionally slim 63 × 58 mm / 2.5 × 2.3 in cross-section. That compact battery could eventually open interesting possibilities for future recumbent frame designs. The system is fully integrated into Bosch’s Smart System ecosystem and supports the latest displays, controllers, software updates, navigation, theft protection, and other connected features.Unlike Bosch’s more powerful Performance Line CX, the Hub Line isn’t intended for aggressive mountain biking. Instead, it offers the smooth, quiet ride and low drivetrain wear that have long made hub motors attractive for commuters, touring cyclists, and many recumbent riders.The motor can be paired either with a conventional multi-speed cassette or with a single rear sprocket for chain- or belt-driven single-speed bicycles. While the latter makes perfect sense for urban bikes, most recumbent applications would almost certainly benefit from a traditional geared drivetrain.

In our Premium article, we take a much deeper look at why Bosch’s move is so significant.

  • Why Bosch’s first hub motor is such a big deal.
  • How the Hub Line compares with Bosch’s other drive systems.
  • Technical details, Smart System, battery, and compatibility.
  • Why hub motors still make perfect sense for many riders.
  • What the Hub Line could mean for the future of recumbent bikes and trikes.
  • Our thoughts on pricing and market positioning.

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