Boschâs latest control unit, the Bosch LED Controller, is one of the manufacturerâs small but impressive highlights for the 2027 season. Despite its truly compact dimensions, it offers all the key functions and is extremely intuitive to use. So, itâs good news that you can retrofit it to an ebike with Boschâs Smart System with minimal effort.
Video tutorial on retrofitting Bosch LED Controller
1. Ebike used for the conversion and necessary tools
2. Preparing to replace the Bosch LED Remote with the Bosch LED Controller
3. Step-by-step installation guide
4. ID conflict arising when retrofitting the control unit
5. Special case: ID conflict on ebikes with electronic gear changes
1. Ebike used for the conversion and necessary tools
From our small company fleet, we have chosen a KTM Macina Cross 720 for the project. On this bike, we will replace the existing Bosch LED Remote with a Bosch LED Controller. The ebike is from the 2024 model year. The fact that it has already been ridden for a few kilometres is irrelevant to the project. After all, the Bosch LED Controller can not only be combined with all Smart System displays, but can also replace other control units in addition to the LED Remote, such as a Bosch Purion 200 or a Bosch Mini Remote.
Initial configuration of our ebike system
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX â BDU374Y
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 750
- Control unit: Bosch LED Remote
- Display: Bosch Kiox 300 + Bosch SmartphoneGrip
For once, the list of tools required is very short. In all likelihood, a few Allen keys will suffice for you as well. To remove the Bosch LED Remote and fit the Bosch LED Controller, youâll need a 3-millimetre Allen key. On our KTM Macina Cross 720, we also need to unscrew one of the indicators from the Busch + MĂźller Turntec T2, a screw-on grip and a brake lever. For this, weâll use a 5-millimetre Allen key. If thereâs another lever on your ebike â such as a gear lever or a remote for the seatpost â that needs removing, you should be able to do so with similar tools.
2. Preparing to replace the Bosch LED Remote with the Bosch LED Controller
Before you start converting from the Bosch LED Remote to the Bosch LED Controller, itâs advisable to update the Bosch eBike Flow app. This ensures that all components of the ebike system are running the same, up-to-date software version. This virtually eliminates any risk of software incompatibilities later on. At present, app version 1.36 or later should be installed.
The next step is to remove the ebike from the eBike Flow app. It may sound odd, but there is no alternative. After all, youâre changing the control unit. As a result, the ebike will also be assigned a new Bluetooth ID. Once fitted, this must be re-registered in the app along with the ebike.
To remove the ebike from the app, navigate to the ebike in the app and then go to the eBike settings. There, you can delete the ebike. Before doing so, to be on the safe side, deactivate the eBike Lock function in the app, if you use it.
3. Step-by-step installation guide
Unlike the LED Remote with its hinge, the LED Controller is attached to the handlebars using a clamp. This inevitably means that all other parts in the way must first be removed from the handlebars. Using Allen keys, we unscrew the indicator, the grip and the brake lever from our ebike. As mentioned, the list of parts you need to remove will be slightly different. Once only the LED Remote remains on the left-hand side of the handlebars, disconnect the display cable that connects it to the relevant display, another control unit such as the Bosch System Controller, or directly to the motor; then loosen its mounting and slide it off the handlebars.
Now you can slide the new LED Controller onto the handlebars and tighten it slightly using the 3-millimetre Allen key. Next, reattach all the parts you previously unscrewed including the grip to the handlebars. Align everything so that you can comfortably reach the relevant levers and buttons whilst your hand is grasping the grip. The key factors here are the distances from the grip and the angles at which the parts are mounted on the handlebars. Once youâve found the right position for the control unit, you can tighten it securely with a torque of one newton-metre. Finally, simply plug the display cable into the new LED Controller. Done.
In just a few moments, in our example, youâll be able to operate the Bosch Kiox 300 mounted on the ebike and the Bosch SmartphoneGrip. First, press the start button on the control unit to switch on the ebike system. Hold the button down until the small battery symbol on the LED Controller flashes blue. The colour indicates that pairing with the eBike Flow app is in progress. This may take a little longer in some cases, as the system first needs to recognise the new component. After that, youâre ready to go.
4. ID conflict arising when retrofitting the control unit
Changing the control unit â such as swapping the Bosch LED Remote for a Bosch LED Controller â typically results in an ID conflict with the Bosch Smart System. This is still the case. However, Bosch has been handling this differently within its ebike systems for some time now. The conflict is no longer shown on the display. At least not whilst you are fitting a new control unit. The conflict still persists in the background, however.
If, on the other hand, the control unit was previously in use on another ebike, an orange message regarding the ID conflict will appear on the display. You can, however, safely confirm this using the select button. The next time the ebike is connected to Boschâs diagnostic software at a specialist dealer, the dealer can easily resolve the ID conflict. Until then, there are no restrictions whatsoever on the use of the ebike.
5. Special case: ID conflict on ebikes with electronic gear changes
However, the situation is different if the ebike is fitted with electronic gears and these are directly connected to the system. You can recognise this, amongst other things, by the fact that the display explicitly shows the gear currently selected in the gearshift. In such a case, once the control unit has been replaced, the system no longer recognises the rear derailleur. Consequently, you will no longer be able to change gears. This problem can only be resolved by a Bosch partner at a specialist retailer. There, not only will the ID conflict be resolved, but the rear derailleur will also be reconnected to the ebike at the same time. The good news is that the whole process takes less than two minutes.
