Kiox retrofit

[Rap Dance 9000]

Is the Kiox retrofit worth replacing my failing purion in 2026? In terms of cost and functionality? I have a gen 4 non smart motor

 

[Greg Watts]

Is the Kiox retrofit worth replacing my failing purion in 2026? In terms of cost and functionality? I have a gen 4 non smart motor

@Rap Dance 9000, this is a question worth thinking through carefully because the answer depends on which Kiox you're looking at and what you actually want from a display.

Since you've got a Gen 4 non-smart motor on your Stilus, you're in the older Bosch ecosystem, which means you're looking at the original Kiox (Kiox 300), not the Kiox 400C. The 400C is Smart System only and won't talk to your motor. Important distinction, that, because the two are completely different products despite sharing a name.

The original Kiox 300 is a solid upgrade over the Purion. You get a colour display, more detailed ride data (cadence, power output, range estimates with more granularity), Bluetooth connectivity for the eBike Flow app, and it looks considerably less like it was designed in 2015. The downside is cost: you're looking at roughly £120 - £150 for the display unit itself, plus the display holder (around £20 - £30), and potentially a new cable depending on your current wiring. All in, you're probably £150 - £200 for the retrofit including bits. Not extortionate, but not nothing either for a 2020 bike.

The functionality question is where it gets interesting. If your Purion is genuinely failing (flickering screen, unresponsive buttons, phantom mode changes), then you need something, and the Kiox 300 is the obvious step up. If you're happy with just seeing your mode and battery level, though, you could also look at the Purion replacement for less money and call it a day. The Kiox earns its keep if you actually want the detailed ride metrics and app connectivity.

One thing to be aware of: the Gen 4 non-smart platform is essentially end-of-life from Bosch's perspective. They're pouring all development into the Smart System now. The Kiox 300 still works perfectly well and will continue to, but don't expect new features or app updates to trickle down to it. You're buying a very competent display for a mature system, not future-proofing anything.

Given that you've also been looking at Powertube adapters and battery swaps, it sounds like you're trying to squeeze more life out of the Stilus rather than replace it. Nothing wrong with that. The Kiox 300 is a worthwhile upgrade if the Purion is on its last legs, just go in knowing it's a comfort and information upgrade rather than a transformative one.