How the Bosch anti-theft device for electric bike batteries works

As the result of technological evolution, a new ugly practice which has emerged in the world of two-wheelers. We have gone from the theft of bicycles to the theft of electric bicycle batteries, but now the German company Bosch wants to put a stop to it by exploiting new technology.

The solution, unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, is called 'Battery Lock' and, as the name suggests, allows the owner to lock the e-bike's battery, effectively rendering it useless. Let's take a closer look at how it works.

Just the app

Normally, batteries are mechanically protected by a padlock, but Battery Lock works differently, because it integrates defence at a digital level. Simply download the eBike Flow app and activate the function to automatically lock the battery every time the e-bike is switched off.

"If a locked battery is inserted into another e-bike with an intelligent system," Bosch explains, "it automatically deactivates the motor's support for pedalling, rendering the entire e-bike completely unusable. This also makes resale of the battery useless, which reduces the risk of theft.

Battery Lock can also be deactivated if, for example, you wish to share the battery with friends or family. Battery Lock is also compatible with all batteries and battery combinations in the smart system. It also works with DualBatteries and the PowerMore 250 Range Extender.

Battery Lock can be activated from the app

Photos by: Bosch

Battery Lock active

The function will be available from next summer through over-the-air (OTA) updates 'as part of the paid Flow+ subscription'.

All security at your disposal

"With the new Battery Lock function," the company concludes, "Bosch eBike Systems enriches its current range of digital security solutions and provides e-bikers with even more protection against theft.

"With the eBike Lock function, which is already available, the Kiox 300 and Kiox 500 phone and display act as digital keys to activate the pedalling motor support. eBike Alarm informs users of the location of their e-bike and sounds the alarm in the event of suspicious movements. If the e-bike is stolen, users receive a push notification on their phone and location tracking begins.

In case of theft, the theft report summarises all important data about the e-bike and the crime, so that it can be transmitted to the police together with a real-time tracking link. Finally, the eBike pass acts as a digital vehicle logbook that shows e-bikers all important information about their e-bike.

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