Bosch Gen 5 Rumour - More Power updates coming!

[IATR]

Unpopular opinion: Bosch doesn't need more Watts, it needs a 600% multiplier. Reaching max output at 120W of input rather than 200W would make it less 'muscular' and more effective. Look at the Shimano EP801 in the 2024 E-EWS; its ability to deliver peak power earlier makes it a beast on technical climbs compared to the Gen4/Gen5 (85Nm, 600W).

They probably don't need a power update for that at all to be fair: 750w at a cadence of 70 needs about 100Nm of torque so as you say, no increase needed.

Do you really want a 6x multiplier though? I know you said it was an unpopular opinion, but I can't figure out why anybody would want it?

I'm nearly at 100w just sat in the kitchen typing this, it's an unbelievably low amount of effort... Even 200w is/would be easy enough to hold for 20 minutes for nearly everybody on here, certainly for a ten minute climb and definitely for a 2 minute section even for those just getting out once a week for a ride to the pub. Should max power not at least need some effort at the cranks?

 

[DylanJM]

They probably don't need a power update for that at all to be fair: 750w at a cadence of 70 needs about 100Nm of torque so as you say, no increase needed.

Do you really want a 6x multiplier though? I know you said it was an unpopular opinion, but I can't figure out why anybody would want it?

I'm nearly at 100w just sat in the kitchen typing this, it's an unbelievably low amount of effort... Even 200w is/would be easy enough to hold for 20 minutes for nearly everybody on here, certainly for a ten minute climb and definitely for a 2 minute section even for those just getting out once a week for a ride to the pub. Should max power not at least need some effort at the cranks?

What does it matter as long as it's user configurable? The person who wants 200% can have 200% and the person who wants 600% can have 600%. Some people just want the bare min input as they shuttle fireroads to the top of the trails.

 

[Mario Antony]

Regulation is coming. For the entire bill click on the link below. Bosch is smart to stick with 750w. Here is a bill that CA is considering to take effect in 2027.

Cliff notes:
750w peak power max
16mph limit (which would suck)
Anything over those numbers makes it a moped and requires a drivers license and registration
Manufacturers and Retailers advertising bikes that go over those numbers advertised as class 1 subject to stuff fines. $50,000 for the 2nd offense...

AB 1557

From California, anything is possible...

 

[Shaki]

and there is already official confirmation of 120 Nm on May 4th, 750 W and 600% are left and a 12 A charger is supposed to be available in December

 

[Bike Bot]

Yes, it was also now published on Bosch website: https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/news/newfeatures-2026-05

and Pinkbike among others: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/bosch...ing-motors-more-torque-higher-assistance.html

 

[FlashToBang]

Better Garmin integration announced too!

 

[nickf]

16mph would be brutal.

But still 0.6 kph faster than the current class 1 limit in Europe!

 

[Fangs2k]

Peak power aside I still prefer avinox, but I’d turn back to Bosch immediately if they made the ride feel similar/better than avinox, lighter, smaller, etc even at 750w. Just chasing peak power isn’t going to put Bosch back on the map imo.

Does the bike they’re attached to matter at all?

You come across as a motor buyer rather than an e-bike buyer?

I’m brand agnostic, have 4 different brands on my e-bikes, and might be adding a fifth, but I purchased all of them based on more than the motor alone.

All motors sold today can do a fantastic job, it just depends what that job is, what’s ’brilliant’ for one person isn’t for another etc.

You mentioned frustration earlier, people get frustrated with the constant ‘oh my god, Avinox just rendered all other motors obsolete man! ’ rhetoric, which is obviously ridiculous.

Avinox is a great system/motor, but then lots of others are as well, as are the bikes they’re attached to.

 

[nickf]

View attachment 183534

That looks like a typo on the bottom left where it states 600% support up to 15kph. Currently EU support is limited to 25 kph or 15.5 mph And then in the link to the Bosch website it states up to 20 mph (sic)!

 

[Fangs2k]

In fairness, apart from the self imposed straight jacket Bosch have put themselves in ref the 750w is enough position, I think we should remember that the CX5 getting the Nm upgrades and the multiplier increase is an ‘old’ motor now, it’s great that they’re being updated still.

I wonder what the CX6 will look like numbers wise.

I don’t own a CX5, but if I did I’d be pretty happy (as I was with the SX update last year) that Bosch are updating it and supporting it even now.

 

[Polar]

In fairness, apart from the self imposed straight jacket Bosch have put themselves in ref the 750w is enough position, I think we should remember that the CX5 getting the Nm upgrades and the multiplier increase is an ‘old’ motor now, it’s great that they’re being updated still.

I wonder what the CX6 will look like numbers wise.

I don’t own a CX5, but if I did I’d be pretty happy (as I was with the SX update last year) that Bosch are updating it and supporting it even now.

Doubt Bosch and other brands like to lose customers to Avinox.
The race has started and won't stop until it blows up.

 

[russ_e]

I hope we can access this in the UK on Monday morning

 

[adamdavies11b]

Doubt Bosch and other brands like to lose customers to Avinox.
The race has started and won't stop until it blows up.

I think the next move is battery tech not power. That race has already been won with avinox

 

[Suns_PSD]

 

[Imanol]

I'd bet something that the power will actually increase, even though they officially stick to 750W. On the one hand, they won't admit the mistake of trying to impose a 750W limit, but on the other hand, they want to compete with Avinox in wheel power. Is another Bosch-Gate brewing? It would be a classic German scandal, just like TDI-Gate.

 

[Suns_PSD]

An interesting tidbit from the Alex video is that to activate Traction Control you need to be in turbo mode, set at -2. And also possibly MYB+ set at default (not certain of this one).

I don't think the Gen5 is the 'old motor'. I think it's the most advanced e-bike motor made built with forward capability regarding ABS, TC & additional power ports and will serve the market for many years to come. It's an intentional decision to keep power at 750 watts, it's not a lack of capability.

Regarding the fast charger, simply put they damage the battery and it's not something I need so I'll skip on it. But if I take a 1 week riding trip or the like I might order one just for the trip. Bosch claims due to smart technology, they can do 500 fast charges and still maitain 70% battery capacity. Spesh claimed 350 charges for the same metric; I read this somewhere but am unable to locate.

Keep in mind that the testers are getting new bikes often and going through many units annually so are unlikely to experience the significant degradation of multiple fast charging events.

 

[trekRailIRL]

It would be interesting to see the power curves for the new update vs the old.

Was that ever available for the old one?

It looks like the motor already hits max power at relatively low cadence on the above chart.

Interesting (but makes sense) that the extra torque and assist is only available up to 15kph .

Looking forward to giving it a spin. Also must try that change to the dynamic setting for traction.

 

[Fangs2k]

I don't think the Gen5 is the 'old motor'. I think it's the most advanced e-bike motor made build with forward capability regarding ABS, TC & additional power ports and will serve the market for many years to come. It's an intentional decision to keep power at 750 watts, it's not a lack of capability.

Yes, I should have put ‘old’ in inverted commas.

I just meant it’s out there, was out there when the M1 was launched and is still out there now with the M1 superseded.

Having worked with Bosch in an aviation capacity, I’ve no doubt at all that they know what they’re doing and could do anything they turn their minds too. They will also, even now, take their time with updates to make sure they’re fit for purpose and won’t harm longevity/reliability.

 

[Mutna]

Doubt Bosch and other brands like to lose customers to Avinox.
The race has started and won't stop until it blows up.

Exactly this!

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I'd bet something that the power will actually increase, even though they officially stick to 750W. On the one hand, they won't admit the mistake of trying to impose a 750W limit, but on the other hand, they want to compete with Avinox in wheel power. Is another Bosch-Gate brewing? It would be a classic German scandal, just like TDI-Gate.

I've thought this myself and mentioned it in the past (ala diesel-gate)... there's a lot of marketing and #'s being thrown around. Are they just "claiming" their still 750W, but secretly delivering a more powerful motor.

It'll be interesting to see what this update ACTUALLY tests at by one of the publications (eMag or Velomotion).

Honestly, diesel-gate was a huge pee-pee slap as we say. Huge fines and blow to reputation. I work in the aerospace industry and our prior parent company faced similar problems, but related to export of technology. They were hit with the biggest government fine to the time. Afterwards, we had to do so much export control training and the entire process to export data become very complicated... an over-correction due to incident.

So to say, I'd be wary they are fudging to much...

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

That looks like a typo on the bottom left where it states 600% support up to 15kph. Currently EU support is limited to 25 kph or 15.5 mph And then in the link to the Bosch website it states up to 20 mph (sic)!

The 15 KPH is being stated at a press launch video linked by @Suns_PSD

They state the added support is beneficial at lower speeds like exiting corners and up steep climbs where it'll be more noticeable vs. higher speeds. While I agree with the first part of the statement, I think its a byprdouct of not upping the power levels. You can't accelerate at higher speeds with increasing the power.

The added torque is going to help at lower cadence and speeds, period. I do see on Bosch's US site for the update launch, a note:

Time will tell if that's a typo... maybe in the past that note stated 340 or 400% till 20 mph, which would align with US Class I requirements.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

An interesting tidbit from the Alex video is that to activate Traction Control you need to be in turbo mode, set at -2. And also possibly MYB+ set at default (not certain of this one).

from the video... TC is in Turbo with -2 and eMTB+ in 0 ("little bit"), but "more" in -2.

*edit*

After finishing Alex's video... the power update is meh, like we speculated it'll only deliver the added torque at low cadences. I came from riding a ton of gravel and XC'ish to MTB, so I naturally like a cadence ~80-90 rpm. It'll be lower if I'm truly grinding out a punishing climb or if I'm fatigued.

It will help boost acceleration as your cadence picks up from a stop, but once you settle in... the added torque will dissipate. One could use this to their advantage by keeping cadence low and gearing lower (harder gear). You'll still top out at 750W, so I doubt it feels anywhere near an Avinox in terms of raw power.

 

[Fangs2k]

I've thought this myself and mentioned it in the past (ala diesel-gate)... there's a lot of marketing and #'s being thrown around. Are they just "claiming" their still 750W, but secretly delivering a more powerful motor.

You think Bosch would get slapped with some kind of sanction if their motors are found to be putting out more than 750w and ‘other motor manufacturers’ taking the ‘pee pee’ with a straight up 1500w wouldn’t?

Can’t see it myself, though the German DIN standards and laws take a dim view of products not putting out the advertised power, so perversely they’d be in more trouble ‘at home’ for that than the other way around.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

The video below really discusses the nuances of the power update... think of it as a short "boost" of power on the hardest part of your ride. Its not going to assist you up the entire hill, even at low cadence.

Overall, this is NOT a more powerful motor based on this update... it may feel like easier to achieve power (600% assist) and in limited cases you'll get a temporary 20 Nm boost.

The input in 60 RPM and 100W, at 20 seconds they bump the input to 200W and you can see the motor respond with a temporary boost in power as compared to the prior 100 Nm update.

 

[russ_e]

Good review of the power outputs here

 

[Mario Antony]

Ok, great news to all waiting for Supercharging!

All Smartsystem batteries are compatible with the 12A (500W has Bosch calls it)!
The question now is:
"Me want!tak'ma bakarus!!!"

Garmin must put watches working with Bosch, but it seems it will only release for newer models...buuh!
I still like my Forerunner 955, and it's in excelent working conditions........

I'm in the "old" CX4, but don't fancy any of those features:
600%, Boost up to 15km/h (why)
Overun on all modes and with the ability to set up

Being CX4 only 600W, and having Turbo Mode all max, and feeling very unatural, the 600% will feel even more awkward!

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

You think Bosch would get slapped with some kind of sanction if their motors are found to be putting out more than 750w and ‘other motor manufacturers’ taking the ‘pee pee’ with a straight up 1500w wouldn’t?

Can’t see it myself, though the German DIN standards and laws take a dim view of products not putting out the advertised power, so perversely they’d be in more trouble ‘at home’ for that than the other way around.

Your first statment would only apply to USA and other countries with don't follow the EU reg for 250W (thermal continuous rating), where actual mechanical power OR peak is not defined. In the US, the regulations are varied so it gets a little messy. We have a federal consumer product safety commission (CPSC) law regarding bicycles and specifically for ebikes it states a class I is 750 W (1 h.p.) and assisted to 20 mph. Folks argue the interpretation... is it thermal, mechanical, continuous, peak, etc...

Your second statement, I would wager companies can't under-deliver is the real issue. Over-delivering may be an issue if it breaks laws. However, all these motors comply with 250W thermal continuous rating (EU) per their manufacturers. So if a motor puts out more mechanical power than claimed, I don't see the issue in the EU.

In the US, a 1000W class I motor may be illegal depending on how one interprets the law. At the end of the day, were just talking a lot, speculating, etc... until we see actual independent motor data, that's all we can do.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Here's a chart illustrating the 600% assist and cutout at 15 KPH. This may be an EU only restriction derived from ZVS (i.e. German bicycle industry), which Bosch CEO is member of. On Bosch US site, it notes 600% up to 20 MPH (32 KPH).

Velomotion states it quite abrupt as assist level drops right at 15 KPH and not smooth or gradual decay like the 120 boost.

 

[HanzFranz]

WTF… up to 15 km/h and then it drops to 400%?! Sorry, but what a pointless load of nonsense. If Bosch doesn’t bring out a new, competitive system next year, that’s it. Most people look at the specs, and 1500 watts is simply double 750… and again — only up to 15 km/h?! This update is, and remains, a complete scam.
Everything else also feels extremely outdated compared to Avinox. Even the charger isn’t coming until the end of ’26?! China is just miles ahead of us… unfortunately.
Hopefully Bosch at least communicates the 15 km/h limit properly everywhere…
By the way, the motor is now also much louder than before the update!

 

[Suns_PSD]

The 15 KPH is being stated at a press launch video linked by @Suns_PSD

They state the added support is beneficial at lower speeds like exiting corners and up steep climbs where it'll be more noticeable vs. higher speeds. While I agree with the first part of the statement, I think its a byprdouct of not upping the power levels. You can't accelerate at higher speeds with increasing the power.

The added torque is going to help at lower cadence and speeds, period. I do see on Bosch's US site for the update launch, a note:

View attachment 183550

Time will tell if that's a typo... maybe in the past that note stated 340 or 400% till 20 mph, which would align with US Class I requirements.

Something about that old formula, Power = Torque * RPM.

If they kept the high torque AND the rider was adding in high RPMs, they would blow past the 750 watt legal limit.

As a result, they can only offer the high torque at a low cadence.