This article refers to version 1.18 of the eBike Flow app and Tern bikes equipped with the Bosch Smart System only. For the latest updates, please check the Bosch eBike Systems website.
The Bosch Smart System is an e-bike drive system with nifty features to make your e-biking experience safer and more convenient. Both its hardware and software have plenty to offer, so there’s quite a bit to learn about them. This article introduces you to the very basics of the Bosch Smart System on Tern bikes to help you get started.
Contents
What is the Bosch Smart System?
Bosch Smart System Features and Benefits
- Easy-Access LED Remote
- Perfectly-Tuned Assist Levels
- Hill Hold for Safer Walk Assist
- Clear Displays
- eBike Flow App Connectivity
Which Tern bikes have this system?
Summary
What is the Bosch Smart System?
The Bosch Smart System is Bosch’s latest rendition of its eBike System and features a range of smart software improvements and performance upgrades.
The software enhancements comprise a seamless integration between your smartphone, the e-bike display, and ultimately, the bike itself. Central to this is the eBike Flow app, which functions as your e-bike’s digital key and lets you activate security features such as the eBike Lock, and eBike Alarm.
In terms of hardware, the Smart System also comes with a range of upgrades, including a motor with more torque and support, a larger battery capacity (with the option to add even more juice!), a new control unit, and displays, and the ConnectModule for GPS tracking.
Bosch Smart System Features and Benefits
Let’s explore the mentioned upgrades more thoroughly. They may sound cool, but what’s in it for you?
LED Remote on the HSD Gen 2 handlebar
1. Easy-Access LED Remote
The Smart System comes with an LED remote control that is mounted on the non-drive side of the handlebar. The LED remote makes it easy to toggle between screens and assist levels without you having to take your hand off the handlebar, which enhances your safety.
When you switch between the assist levels, the LED light on the remote will change color to indicate which level you’re in. Green is for Eco, blue is for Tour, purple is for Auto or eMTB, and red is for Turbo.
This control unit is required to operate the e-bike display and activate Walk Assist.
2. Perfectly-Tuned Assist Levels
The Bosch Smart System assist levels differ per Tern bike platform.
For the HSD Gen 2, for example, Auto is a new e-assist level—it automatically adjusts how much assistance the motor provides based on your riding conditions. For instance, when in Auto mode, you won’t need to exert more effort or switch modes when hitting a strong headwind.
Another example is the Orox and its eMTB mode. When using the eMTB mode, assistance seamlessly transitions between Tour and Turbo riding modes, ensuring a continuous and smooth shift. This guarantees a support level at least equivalent to Tour mode and the maximum support level found in Turbo mode, eliminating the need for manual switching between riding modes.
Additionally, it is possible to customize the maximum speed and cadence corresponding to each assist level via the eBike Flow App. This helps you tailor the assist levels to your specific preferences.
3. Hill Hold for Safer Walk Assist
If you currently own a Bosch e-bike owner, you may already be familiar with Walk Assist, a feature in which the motor assists while you push your bike.
To add another layer of safety, the Smart System is now equipped with Hill Hold. This function is especially useful when you need to push your bike up an incline.
When you’re using Walk Assist, Hill Hold automatically locks the wheels if the bike starts to move backward. This gives you a few seconds to regain control of your bike and prevent it (and the rest of your stuff) from rolling away.
4. Clear Displays
The Bosch Smart System comes with the Kiox 300 and Intuvia 100 displays.
The Kiox 300 display on the Orox
4.1. Kiox 300 Display
Some Tern e-bike models come with the Kiox 300, which is a color display with a structured layout and is full of helpful information divided into different categories, such as speed, cadence, and distance traveled. Each category has two levels. One level is the overview screen, and the other shows more details. To switch between these two levels, use the select button on the LED Remote.
Some highlights:
- Informative assistance: The Kiox 300 shows you the range for all riding modes, so you’ll know which one is the most efficient to reach your destination—especially when planning your trip.
- Riding style monitoring: The display takes note of your riding style and informs you whether you are performing below or above your personal capabilities.
- Smartphone charge level: As the Kiox 300 has smartphone connectivity, it also shows you how much power your phone has left. You won’t need to reach for your phone, which is also safer.
LED Remote with Intuvia 100 Display on the HSD Gen 2 P-Class
4.2. Intuvia 100 Display
Other Tern bike models with the Smart System are equipped with the Intuvia 100, a monochrome display with a simple layout that shows you all essential information, i.e., distance, riding time, range, average speed, and total distance.
The Intuvia 100 has a large black font with adjustable brightness for optimal readability. Although the Intuvia is in black and white, the LED remote will still change colors accordingly when changing assist levels.
5. eBike Flow App Connectivity
The Flow app connects your smartphone to your e-bike through the Intuvia 100 and Kiox 300 displays. The Flow app has various handy and important functions, all presented in structured overviews. To connect your bike to the eBike Flow app, download it on your phone, register your Flow account using your Bosch ID, and follow the instructions on the app.
The eBike Flow app connected to the Kiox 300 display on the HSD Gen 2
5.1. General Features
- Command center for your e-bike: Monitor your battery level, range, and distance traveled. You can also keep track of your service appointments and activity history.
- Over-the-air updates: New functions and features are installed automatically, saving you a visit to the bike shop.
- Activity tracking: Keep track of your trips, including your distance, average speed, and cadence. You can use this data to optimize your training routine.
- Navigation and route planning (Kiox 300 only): You can plan and track your rides using available route profiles.
- Third-party syncing: Plan out your ride on Komoot, and sync your data on Strava and Apple Health for convenient access on other devices.
- Riding mode customization: You can tune the different assist levels to either conserve battery life or give yourself a boost by adjusting the maximum speed and cadence.
5.2. Security Features
There are two security features that you can enable through the eBike Flow app: the eBike Lock and eBike Alarm. The eBike Alarm is completely new and requires the Bosch ConnectModule.
5.2.1. eBike Lock
The eBike Lock is available on all Tern bikes with the Bosch Smart System.
If you’d like to use the eBike Lock, you should manually enable the eBike Lock function after pairing your phone with your bike. If you want to lock your bike, simply turn off the motor by pressing the on/off button on the LED Remote.
If your bike has a Kiox 300, you can also lock the bike by removing the display. Reattaching the Kiox 300 will then unlock the bike. Please note that, on bikes with an Intuvia 100, removing the display will not lock the bike, and reattaching it will not unlock the bike.
It is also possible to unlock your bike when your smartphone is nearby—provided that the Bluetooth connection is still on.
5.2.2. eBike Alarm and GPS Tracking
The eBike Alarm and GPS Tracking are available on certain models that have the Bosch ConnectModule.
If you’d like to use the eBike Alarm, you should manually enable the eBike Lock & Alarm function when pairing your phone with your bike. Once the eBike Alarm is activated and the bike registers a sudden movement, two beeps will sound, and the LED alarm will blink.
If someone rides off with your bike, then the acoustic signal becomes louder and you’ll receive a notification on your phone. On the Flow app, you’ll be able to track the bike’s movement and location, as well as report it as stolen to Bosch.
5.2.3. Flow+ subscription
Please be aware that you will be automatically subscribed to a 12-month free trial of Flow+ upon initial activation of the eBike Lock and Alarm. Flow+ is a subscription service for e-bikes that have the Bosch ConnectModule.
After the free trial, Flow+ will be automatically renewed and you will have the choice between a yearly or monthly subscription. Please note that the subscription price will depend on your region.
You may cancel your subscription to Flow+ at any time, provided that you do so 24 hours before the current period ends. Canceling Flow+ will disable the eBike Alarm feature after the selected payment period or annual expiration date. For more information, please visit the Bosch website.
Which Tern bikes have the Bosch Smart System?
At the time of writing, the bikes listed below are equipped with the Bosch Smart System.
| Feature | HSD Gen 2 (S-Class) & Orox | HSD Gen 2 (P-Class) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Kiox 300 | Intuvia 100 |
| Flow App Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| eBike Lock | Yes | Yes |
| eBike Alarm | Yes | - |
| Location Tracking | Yes | - |
Summary
Hopefully, this guide has shown you that the Bosch Smart System is a network of cool features that make e-biking more fun, convenient, and secure. Because all its components are interconnected, you can update the system in one go and keep up with the latest advancements. The Smart System also gives a lot of insight into your riding habits and can help motivate you to improve your exercise routine. And, best of all, it adds a new layer of smart security to your ride.
Happy e-biking!
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