Many ebike riders use their smartphones while riding. They use them to navigate, record tours or listen to music. But especially on longer rides, it can be annoying when your smartphone battery suddenly runs out. Fortunately, Bosch ebike systems allow you to charge your smartphone directly via the ebike battery. In this article, you will learn how charging works on the various Bosch displays and what you need to keep in mind.
1. Which Bosch displays feature a charging function?
2. Connecting and charging your smartphone on a Bosch ebike
3. Tips and tricks for charging your smartphone on a Bosch ebike
1. Which Bosch displays feature a charging function?
Before you grab a cable, it is important to make an important distinction: Bosch divides its drives into the classic system with the E-Bike System 2 and the new Bosch Smart System. The displays are not compatible with each other.
Displays for the Bosch E-Bike System 2
These displays all use the special micro USB-A connector. You can usually recognise them by the fact that they do not work with the eBike Flow app, but with the eBike Connect app or no app at all.
Bosch Intuvia display
The charging port on the Bosch Intuvia is located on the upper right edge of the housing behind a rubber cap. Here, we recommend using a slightly longer EBIKE24 charging cable to allow sufficient flexibility when positioning the smartphone on the handlebars.
Bosch Kiox display
On the Bosch Kiox, however, the charging socket is located in the middle at the bottom. Both the original Bosch cable and our longer EBIKE24 cable fit here.
Bosch SmartphoneHub
The Bosch SmartphoneHub has a micro USB-A port on the side. Since the smartphone sits directly on the hub, an angled cable is ideal. This keeps it neatly organised and prevents unsightly kinks or cable breaks. Since standard cables from Bosch are often too short, the longer, angled EBIKE24 cable is once again the best choice.
Displays for the Bosch Smart System
In this case, Bosch has modernised the hardware. The following components are part of the Smart System:
Bosch Kiox 400C display
The Bosch Kiox 400C display provides a USB-C port on the top. This serves as a power source for your smartphone and connects to the Bosch diagnostic tool in a bike workshop. To charge, you will need a suitable EBIKE24 USB-C cable with an angled plug.
Bosch SmartphoneGrip for Smart System
With a Bosch SmartphoneGrip, you can charge your smartphone both via cable and inductively. For smartphones without inductive charging, you will need the micro USB-A cable mentioned above. Due to its greater length, we recommend our EBIKE24 charging cable with an angled plug. If your mobile phone supports inductive charging, you can simply place your smartphone on the holder.
2. Connecting and charging your smartphone on the Bosch ebike
Once you have selected the correct cable, follow these steps to connect it:
- Switch on your ebike.
- Connect the USB cable to the display and your smartphone.
- For inductive charging with SmartphoneGrip: simply place your smartphone in the holder.
Your smartphone should now be charging via the ebike battery. Please note, however, that the charging power is limited and the charging process may take longer than when using a power socket.
3. Tips and tricks for charging your smartphone on a Bosch ebike
- Cable length: A longer cable offers more flexibility when positioning your smartphone but can also be annoying. Find the best compromise for you.
- Angled cables: Angled cables are particularly recommended for the SmartphoneHub to prevent cable breakage.
- Adapter: With a micro USB to USB-C adapter, you can also charge devices with a USB-C connection.
Pictures: Elektrofahrrad24 GmbH
