Derestricting/tuning E-Bike with Bosch Cx motor

[Nicolaj 50]

Hello everyone,

I’m considering tuning / derestricting my e-bike.

My bike dealer told me that it’s not recommended, because the next time the bike goes in for service and the shop connects it to the Bosch diagnostic system, the motor could automatically be locked if the system detects that the bike has been ridden faster than the legal limit of 25 km/h.

Can anyone confirm if this is true, and whether it’s possible to avoid this happening?

I’ve also been advised elsewhere to derestrict the bike using this:
Bosch | E-Bike Tuning | Badass eBikes

Is this the best system?
I’ve been told it can’t be detected and that you don’t need to open the motor housing. Supposedly it’s quick and easy to install on the bike.

For reference, I have a:
KALKHOFF IMAGE 5 SEASON LIMITED ENVIOLO BELT DRIVE with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

Finally, I want to mention that I’m not interested if this could damage the bike or cause electronic errors. If that’s a risk, I won’t do it.

So, should I go ahead with it — what are your experiences?

Thanks in advance ;-)

 

[Joecrow]

I’m considering tuning / derestricting my e-bike.

Don't mess around with those electronic boxes, they are expensive and invariably result in errors and problems! Try reading this thread, for a lower cost alternative, ignore the first post and read on for more info. or go direct here:-

Ebike Doctor

 

[Nicolaj 50]

Don't mess around with those electronic boxes, they are expensive and invariably result in errors and problems! Try reading this thread, for a lower cost alternative, ignore the first post and read on for more info. or go direct here:-

Ebike Doctor

Hi Joecrow

Thank you for your answer.

So if I chance to a bigger wheel, then the bike will be faster But will the system shut down, when Bosch find out that it goes faster, when it will have its yearly service?

 

[Joecrow]

Hi Joecrow

Thank you for your answer.

So if I chance to a bigger wheel, then the bike will be faster But will the system shut down, when Bosch find out that it goes faster, when it will have its yearly service?

Hi Joecrow

Thank you for your answer.

So if I chance to a bigger wheel, then the bike will be faster But will the system shut down, when Bosch find out that it goes faster, when it will have its yearly service?

Sent you a PM!

 

[Mario Antony]

Hello everyone,

I’m considering tuning / derestricting my e-bike.

My bike dealer told me that it’s not recommended, because the next time the bike goes in for service and the shop connects it to the Bosch diagnostic system, the motor could automatically be locked if the system detects that the bike has been ridden faster than the legal limit of 25 km/h.

Can anyone confirm if this is true, and whether it’s possible to avoid this happening?

I’ve also been advised elsewhere to derestrict the bike using this:
Bosch | E-Bike Tuning | Badass eBikes

Is this the best system?
I’ve been told it can’t be detected and that you don’t need to open the motor housing. Supposedly it’s quick and easy to install on the bike.

For reference, I have a:
KALKHOFF IMAGE 5 SEASON LIMITED ENVIOLO BELT DRIVE with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

Finally, I want to mention that I’m not interested if this could damage the bike or cause electronic errors. If that’s a risk, I won’t do it.

So, should I go ahead with it — what are your experiences?

Thanks in advance ;-)

Check Rudie over FB (Rudolf Beukers).
45euros and you can choose between 32km/h USA or just go full moon 64km/h

 

[Nicolaj 50]

Check Rudie over FB (Rudolf Beukers).
45euros and you can choose between 32km/h USA or just go full moon 64km/h

Thank you so much.
Do you know if problems will come , when I bring it to service and they plug it in to the Bosch computer?
And can I use the flow app as normal?

 

[501AM]

I have not bought it myself, but from what I understand, if you get the code from here, you can flash the firmware back and forth between the EU (25 km/h) and NA (32 km/h) yourself, they also have a 45 km/h setting, but that apparently can trigger the Bosch anti-tampering as that changes the wheel circumference.

EBTsmart Unlock Key für Bosch Smart System mit und ohne Felgenmagnet

E-Bike Tuning Shop

www.ebiketuningshop.com

 

[Joecrow]

I have not bought it myself, but from what I understand, if you get the code from here, you can flash the firmware back and forth between the EU (25 km/h) and NA (32 km/h) yourself, they also have a 45 km/h setting, but that apparently can trigger the Bosch anti-tampering as that changes the wheel circumference.

That one seems very expensive and hardly that competitive with the various hardware offerings but good to know there are more about. The e-bike doctor offers the same on and off service but not sure how much they currently charge but last I saw they were much cheaper, certainly maybe not as competitive as Rudi who originally charged €75 and later a €30 offer to emtb forum members.

 

[Mario Antony]

Thank you so much.
Do you know if problems will come , when I bring it to service and they plug it in to the Bosch computer?
And can I use the flow app as normal?

Yes you can use Flow app normally - I used, but if it's set @64km/h, distance and speeds will be ½ of reality.
- Latetly, started using Garmin watch, to track the rides, and save Phone battery

Don't know the plugin at the shop. Sorry, don't use any shop myself, and do it all by myself.

PS: it's around 45€ upgrade through Rudie (check FB for Rudolf Buckers)

 

[Paul F]

Hello everyone,

I’m considering tuning / derestricting my e-bike.

My bike dealer told me that it’s not recommended, because the next time the bike goes in for service and the shop connects it to the Bosch diagnostic system, the motor could automatically be locked if the system detects that the bike has been ridden faster than the legal limit of 25 km/h.

Can anyone confirm if this is true, and whether it’s possible to avoid this happening?

I’ve also been advised elsewhere to derestrict the bike using this:
Bosch | E-Bike Tuning | Badass eBikes

Is this the best system?
I’ve been told it can’t be detected and that you don’t need to open the motor housing. Supposedly it’s quick and easy to install on the bike.

For reference, I have a:
KALKHOFF IMAGE 5 SEASON LIMITED ENVIOLO BELT DRIVE with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

Finally, I want to mention that I’m not interested if this could damage the bike or cause electronic errors. If that’s a risk, I won’t do it.

So, should I go ahead with it — what are your experiences?

Thanks in advance ;-)

Your bike dealer is not correct. There are different speed limits for differet countires and even regions. I have been using delimiters for many years and they woerk very well. You will need to remove the over casing for the motor to connect the chip. Follow the instructions and its simple to plug in.

 

[Nicolaj 50]

Check Rudie over FB (Rudolf Beukers).
45euros and you can choose between 32km/h USA or just go full moon 64km/h

Thank you for your advise
I will guess that it might be the best solution, in regards for securing that BOSCH wouldn't shut down the motor, if I keep it at 32 KM/h Mode, when I bring it to the e-bike mechanic for service.
But I am ofcause not sure.
It could be nice to hear from people in this forum, if they have heard any motor shutdown problems on there E-Bikes after installing the US MODE or other kind of tuning metodes for that matter.

 

[sharkimano]

Thank you for your advise
I will guess that it might be the best solution, in regards for securing that BOSCH wouldn't shut down the motor, if I keep it at 32 KM/h Mode, when I bring it to the e-bike mechanic for service.
But I am ofcause not sure.
It could be nice to hear from people in this forum, if they have heard any motor shutdown problems on there E-Bikes after installing the US MODE or other kind of tuning metodes for that matter.

I've had Speedbox chip installed. Worked for a while. I made the mistake of using Flow app and Bosch flagged it twice and put it in the limp mode. ( I guess flow app can detect the speed from the phone ) I did not want to take a chance for a third flag which would brick the bike so I installed the US FW. But even though the Flow app allows up to 32km I could never get past 30 km with motor support. (!?) Something to do with how Bosch tapers off support as you get closer to the limit. (Although in 25 km mode this was never a problem ?) This option should be safe since the bike reads the actual speed. If you live outside of USA it's like you bought the bike there and brought it to Europe. The GPS can flag that you are not living in USA but so far I never had any problems.

 

[dikkieduk]

only used my bike (from new) with a speedbox (for 5000 km now) no problems , but never used the flowapp myself.


Dealer used the flowapp (without speedbox connected ), then the app got stuck in the middle of updating,

motor had to be sent to bosch ; software was replaced under warranty ,without any comments ,problems or costs.

 

[Nicolaj 50]

only used my bike (from new) with a speedbox (for 5000 km now) no problems , but never used the flowapp myself.


Dealer used the flowapp (without speedbox connected ), then the app got stuck in the middle of updating,

motor had to be sent to bosch ; software was replaced under warranty ,without any comments ,problems or costs.

Thank you for the answer. In regards to the flow app then I am forced to use it, Because both me and my wife are using the bike.

I wish I was not forced to pay money because we are 2 users ?

 

[sharkimano]

only used my bike (from new) with a speedbox (for 5000 km now) no problems , but never used the flowapp myself.


Dealer used the flowapp (without speedbox connected ), then the app got stuck in the middle of updating,

motor had to be sent to bosch ; software was replaced under warranty ,without any comments ,problems or costs.

I had heard it's never recommended to update if you have Speedbox connected or not.

 

[Joecrow]

But I am ofcause not sure.
It could be nice to hear from people in this forum, if they have heard any motor shutdown problems on there E-Bikes after installing the US MODE or other kind of tuning metodes for that matter.

It is very clear from the questions you have asked, that you are very uncertain about de-restricting your e-bike. To be honest though I doubt that asking here for other people experiences will help you much, so many have horror stories resulting from de-restricting their own bike or have heard them from others, mainly concerning the chip or speed box versions. The US firmware config download is relatively new and seems to, so far, to offer a more reliable, safer alternative, but that can very quickly change!
If you are not sure and are not prepared to deal with any potential consequences of de-restricting your bike, my advice is don't do it!

 

[Ark]

if the system detects that the bike has been ridden faster than the legal limit of 25 km/h.

so do people brake going downill now, also you can pedal faster than 25kmh sounds like nonsense.

some bike shops probably arent happy to work ont he bike and you will have no warranty anyway..

can just buy a new motor online

 

[Nicolaj 50]

It is very clear from the questions you have asked, that you are very uncertain about de-restricting your e-bike. To be honest though I doubt that asking here for other people experiences will help you much, so many have horror stories resulting from de-restricting their own bike or have heard them from others, mainly concerning the chip or speed box versions. The US firmware config download is relatively new and seems to, so far, to offer a more reliable, safer alternative, but that can very quickly change!
If you are not sure and are not prepared to deal with any potential consequences of de-restricting your bike, my advice is don't do it!

Joecrow
You are so right on, what you are saying.

I will also keep on using it, as it is. And if I don´t use it so much, because it drives so slowly, then I will consider it again.
Thank you for your opinion ;-)

 

[Ringer]

Had a Badass derestrictor for 10 years -no problems. Purchased bigger sprocket up front and tootle along at 30 mph.
by the way, i'm 77.

 

[Purple parznip]

Hello everyone,

I’m considering tuning / derestricting my e-bike.

My bike dealer told me that it’s not recommended, because the next time the bike goes in for service and the shop connects it to the Bosch diagnostic system, the motor could automatically be locked if the system detects that the bike has been ridden faster than the legal limit of 25 km/h.

Can anyone confirm if this is true, and whether it’s possible to avoid this happening?

I’ve also been advised elsewhere to derestrict the bike using this:
Bosch | E-Bike Tuning | Badass eBikes

Is this the best system?
I’ve been told it can’t be detected and that you don’t need to open the motor housing. Supposedly it’s quick and easy to install on the bike.

For reference, I have a:
KALKHOFF IMAGE 5 SEASON LIMITED ENVIOLO BELT DRIVE with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

Finally, I want to mention that I’m not interested if this could damage the bike or cause electronic errors. If that’s a risk, I won’t do it.

So, should I go ahead with it — what are your experiences?

Thanks in advance ;-)

Volspeed ,does the bike have a rim magnet?
I would recommend this,ebiketuner.co.uk,£220 worth every penny,my motor is out of warranty,gen 4 ,so i sent it to performance line,had it fully overhauled with the upgrade,added the chip and the bike has a new lease of life,can set assistance up to 28 mph,easy to fit too.

 

[Nicolaj 50]

Volspeed ,does the bike have a rim magnet?
I would recommend this,ebiketuner.co.uk,£220 worth every penny,my motor is out of warranty,gen 4 ,so i sent it to performance line,had it fully overhauled with the upgrade,added the chip and the bike has a new lease of life,can set assistance up to 28 mph,easy to fit too.

Thanks ;-)

 

[Team @ ebiketuner]

Volspeed ,does the bike have a rim magnet?
I would recommend this,ebiketuner.co.uk,£220 worth every penny,my motor is out of warranty,gen 4 ,so i sent it to performance line,had it fully overhauled with the upgrade,added the chip and the bike has a new lease of life,can set assistance up to 28 mph,easy to fit too.

Thanks for the recommendation, we're at ebiketuner.com just incase people are wondering...

 

[Joecrow]

Volspeed ,does the bike have a rim magnet?
I would recommend this,ebiketuner.co.uk,£220 worth every penny,my motor is out of warranty,gen 4 ,so i sent it to performance line,had it fully overhauled with the upgrade,added the chip and the bike has a new lease of life,can set assistance up to 28 mph,easy to fit too.

I can not understand why anyone would pay so much for these hardware de-restrictors with their known issues with Bosch Smart System motors, particularly Gen 5, when the Firmware options are so much more competitively priced.

Had a Badass derestrictor for 10 years -no problems. Purchased bigger sprocket up front and tootle along at 30 mph.
by the way, i'm 77.

OK, but that isn't going to work on a modern Bosch Smart System bike is it?

 

[Ringer]

I can not understand why anyone would pay so much for these hardware de-restrictors with their known issues with Bosch Smart System motors, particularly Gen 5, when the Firmware options are so much more competitively priced.

OK, but that isn't going to work on a modern Bosch Smart System bike is it?

Yes it is,look it up and you’ll see that it can be done .

 

[Joecrow]

Yes it is,look it up and you’ll see that it can be done .

Yes, but at the eye watering cost of €249,- for the Bosch Gen 5 motor version and it needs to be powered by a separate AA battery. imo!
I also strongly suspect if a larger chain wheel were fitted it would not take long before it got detected (cadence vs speed) and started reporting errors.

 

[Ringer]

Yes, but at the eye watering cost of €249,- for the Bosch Gen 5 motor version and it needs to be powered by a separate AA battery. imo!

Yes it’s more money than it used to be, how much is an AA battery?
If you want to the extra speed then go for it.

 

[Purple parznip]

I can not understand why anyone would pay so much for these hardware de-restrictors with their known issues with Bosch Smart System motors, particularly Gen 5, when the Firmware options are so much more competitively priced.

OK, but that isn't going to work on a modern Bosch Smart System bike is it?

I have a gen 4 smart system,added a volspeed to it,never ever had and issue,it cuts out the harsh speed limiter,you can have assistance up to 28 mph,but i have set mine to 21 mph,which is perfect for me,the speed limiter harsness was a pain in the ass fir me,not to gain faster speeds,battery drain is fine too,i just turned up eco 2 clicks and tour 2 clicks,if bosch sorted out the harshness of the speed limiter,i would probably not have bought a chip.

 

[Purple parznip]

Yes, but at the eye watering cost of €249,- for the Bosch Gen 5 motor version and it needs to be powered by a separate AA battery. imo!
I also strongly suspect if a larger chain wheel were fitted it would not take long before it got detected (cadence vs speed) and started reporting errors.

Look at volspeed rim magnet chip,its plug and play,doesn’t need a separate battery,works with gen 4 and gen 5 bosch,e bike tuner.com

 

[Ringer]

I have a gen 4 smart system,added a volspeed to it,never ever had and issue,it cuts out the harsh speed limiter,you can have assistance up to 28 mph,but i have set mine to 21 mph,which is perfect for me,the speed limiter harsness was a pain in the ass fir me,not to gain faster speeds,battery drain is fine too,i just turned up eco 2 clicks and tour 2 clicks,if bosch sorted out the harshness of the speed limiter,i would probably not have bought a chip.

Mine doubles the speed to @30mph

 

[Joecrow]

Yes it’s more money than it used to be, how much is an AA battery?
If you want to the extra speed then go for it.

For that price nowadays you can get at least 5 bikes de-restricted with the FW change. It's a no brainer choice!