According to two studies conducted by Bosch Accident Research, e-bike accidents could be reduced by up to 25 percent if the bikes were equipped with anti-lock braking systems. It shouldn't come as a surprise, therefore, that Bosch eBike Systems has responded by creating the world's first series-produced ABS for e-bikes.
The Bosch eBike ABS is designed primarily to keep riders from flying over the handlebars when applying the front brake too aggressively.
It incorporates wheel-speed sensors in both wheels. These detect when the front wheel is starting to lock up, and the rear one is beginning to lift off the ground. The system instantaneously responds by momentarily easing off on the front brake, keeping the front wheel rolling and bringing the rear wheel back down.
Not only should this minimize over-the-bars incidents, but it also ought to reduce braking distances.
Along with the sensors, the setup also incorporates a front brake activation module that sits under the handlebar stem, and a system-specific version of project partner Magura's MT5 hydraulic disc brakes.
Bosch eBike ABS should begin appearing on the bikes of selected fleet partners this fall (Northern Hemisphere), with a commercial roll-out following a year later.