Update 2nd March 2023
At the end of last year, Cube announced that it would improve the motor cover and offer a version for some ebikes that provides enough space for a Bosch Connect module. Meanwhile, this plan has become reality. Suitable motor covers are now available for the following three e-mountain bikes:
- Cube Stereo Hyprid 120
- Cube Stereo Hybrid HPC
- Cube Reaction Hybrid
The new models differ from the standard models by an additional recess. There is space for the Bosch ConnectModule. The same applies to electronic anti-theft solutions with similar dimensions, such as the BikeTrax from Powunity.
Important: The new motor covers are only suitable for the above-mentioned model series from model years 2020 to 2023.
Original post 7th November 2022
Anti-theft protection for an ebike with a Bosch drive has a new name – ConnectModule. The manufacturer used this year’s Eurobike to present its combination of alarm, motor switch-off and tracking to the public with great publicity. In the meantime, the first ebikes are on the market whose standard equipment includes this feature. In addition, there is a retrofit kit for all those who want to protect their ebike with Smart System drive even more intelligently against theft. This is a good reason to take a closer look at the installation – including the questions that may arise in this context.
1. Information on the retrofit kit
2. How to install the Bosch Connectmodule
3. Frequently asked questions about installing and activating the Bosch ConnectModule
1. Information about the retrofit kit
In our case, the starting point is an ebike that does not yet have the anti-theft protection. The bike is equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX. The ConnectModule for this is identical to the one for the Bosch Cargo Line motor. There is one small difference to the version for the Bosch Performance Line. The mounting plate of the ConnectModule looks slightly different there. In addition, the mount on the motor requires a plastic mount instead of a simple rubber stop. This can be clamped to the mounting plate of the motor.
The Bosch retrofit kit to be installed contains:
- 1x Bosch ConnectModule
- 1x mounting plate
- 1x rubber stop or 1x plastic mount (depending on the motor)
- 1x display cable 100 mm
- 1x M4x8 Torx T20 screw
The only additional tool you will need is a screwdriver. Usually a Torx T20 should fit the job.
2. How to install the Bosch Connectmodule
A short tip: Before installation, connect the ebike to the eBike Flow app and check whether the software is up to date. Then you put the bike in exactly the same condition as a mechanic in a specialist workshop would start with, for example.
The assembly does not present any major difficulties and is carried out in these steps:
- Loosen the motor cover with the screwdriver.
- Pull the existing display cable out of the slot on the motor (slot at the top directly to the left of the battery connection).
- Plug the display cable of the conversion kit into the vacated slot on the motor.
- Connect both display cables with their free ends to the ConnectModule at its two slots.
- Place the rubberised stop on the motor or clamp the plastic mount to the motor.
- Fit the ConnectModule into the rubber stop or the plastic holder.
- Lay all the existing cables so that the ConnectModule can be attached directly to the motor or the mounting plate.
- Tighten the locking screw directly on the frame or the mounting plate with the screwdriver.
- Check that all cables run smoothly.
- Reattach the motor cover with the screwdriver.
After screwing, there is still a little typing to do. Open the “Settings” menu in the eBike Flow app. The new option “Activate eBike alarm” appears there. Please click on this. In the next menu item you will find the actual command “Activate eBike lock and alarm”. Once you have confirmed this, the process is started. If the ebike is switched on during this time, the system may switch on and off a few times, the display will show a few messages and you will hear the first tones of the ConnectModule. You can wait for all this to happen until the “e-Bike unlocked” message appears on the display. At the same time, the button “Finish setup” appears in the app. Confirm this with a final click and the theft protection is installed.
As soon as you switch off your ebike, the alarm function is automatically activated from now on. If you come into the immediate vicinity of the bike with a mobile device and the eBike Flow app open, the alarm will deactivate itself.
3. Frequently asked questions about installing and activating the Bosch ConnectModule
With which drives is Bosch ConnectModule compatible?
Currently, the system can be used with most motors of the Smart System. The Performance Line Speed is still excluded from this for the time being. It is not yet clear when Bosch will also approve this motor.
When do I buy the retrofit kit and when only the single Bosch ConnectModule?
If the ConnectModule is already part of the standard equipment of the ebike, the individual device is sufficient as a replacement. For all ebikes without a ConnectModule, you need the retrofit kit including the brackets and cables.
Which mobile network does it use?
For the mobile phone connection, the device uses the network of the provider Vodafon and accesses at least the 2G mobile phone standard. If this is not available at the current location, the device usually switches to the next lower standard. The Bosch ConnectModule can also handle LTE frequencies just as well.
Does the battery of the ebike have to be removed for the installation of the Bosch ConnectModule?
No, the battery can remain in the bike and the ebike system can remain switched as well.
Does the Bosch ConnectModule fit under the motor cover of every bicycle manufacturer?
Not according to our experience. Specifically, we know of several models from Cube and Riese&Müller where it does not fit. In some cases, people have managed to fit the device into the cover anyway. For example, they have clamped the ConnectModule without the corresponding mounting plate on the opposite side of the motor. This can work, but is of course not recommended by Bosch and can only be done at the user’s own risk.
In order to ensure more transparency, Bosch will probably provide the bicycle manufacturers with the label “ConnectModule ready”. Bulls is one of the first brands to make use of this. You should specifically ask at the respective dealers and actually also get an answer for which bikes the anti-theft device is already approved. KTM ebikes with the Bosch Smart System have been compatible with the ConnectModule since model year 2022.
In the meantime, several manufacturers seem to be revising their motor covers. Cube, for example, is planning to offer something suitable “soon”. The cover should be available for order via dealers and probably already have its own article number.
Has the Bosch ConnectModule been approved by all bicycle manufacturers who install the Smart System drive?
Up to this point, apparently not yet. One example we know of is the Malaguti Brenta HT5.1 from the 2022 season. Given the abundance of bicycle manufacturers and models, this is probably not an isolated case.
Bosch ConnectModule cannot be activated via the eBike Flow app.
Sometimes several attempts are necessary. Check whether the mobile phone connection works. If in doubt, try it in the open air, not in the basement or in your home.
The Bosch ConnectModule is correctly installed and its internal battery is charged. However, an error message still appears.
Cause number one could be that the eBike Lock and the alarm are not yet activated in the eBike Flow app. Restarting the app and activating the alarm could solve the problem.
We do not know the exact cause of the second problem – but we do know the solution!
1. Uninstall the eBike Flow app.
2. Remove the ebike with Smart System from the Bluetooth list of the mobile device.
3. Restart mobile device.
4. Reinstall the eBike Flow app, open it and log in with your existing account.
5. Switch on the ebike (bike at standstill).
6. Press the on/off button for approx. 3 seconds.
7. Release as soon as the top charging status LED flashes blue and indicates the pairing process.
8. Follow the instructions of the app.
The tips mentioned so far have not been successful for me.
There is a reset button on the back of the ConnectModule. You can use it to restart the device. To do this, you have to approach the motor again. However, your problem may be solved afterwards. It does not hurt to reinstall the app in this context.
Pictures: Elektrofahrrad24; Bosch eBike Systems
