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Bosch Announces "Battery Lock" Function for Smart System eBikes

If this is part of the Smart System subscription then I would pay it. If the battery lock feature is additional, then I would hesitate. But cars charge a fee for similar services, like the OnStar emergency tracking feature on General Motors vehicles. To increase deterrence a self-stick warning label could be placed on the battery, issued upon activation of the service. If Bosch is concerned about owners using expired labels, to avoid the fee renewal, an expiration date could be printed on it.
 
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I converted to a Tern Quick Haul Sport in September. I've been reading about the Smart System with interest -- but it doesn't look like my bike is equipped with that particular feature. Is this something I'd have to upgrade to in order to take advantage of these security features? I keep my bike in the house so really only need to worry when I'm out and about.
 
I converted to a Tern Quick Haul Sport in September. I've been reading about the Smart System with interest -- but it doesn't look like my bike is equipped with that particular feature. Is this something I'd have to upgrade to in order to take advantage of these security features? I keep my bike in the house so really only need to worry when I'm out and about.
Unfortunately, it isn’t compatible with your bike. Your bike has the Bosch eBike System 2 and none of the new “smart system” eBike System 3 parts or tech will work on your bike.
 
Requiring a subscription is a great way for people not to buy it. The idea is interesting as it makes your bike a paper weight if it's stolen. My lectric bike can do that since the batter is locked in place, the only downside on that bike is the batter is inside the frame and not external like the Bosh system (which I wish I had since folding the thing to remove the battery sucks).
 
Requiring a subscription is a great way for people not to buy it. The idea is interesting as it makes your bike a paper weight if it's stolen. My lectric bike can do that since the batter is locked in place, the only downside on that bike is the batter is inside the frame and not external like the Bosh system (which I wish I had since folding the thing to remove the battery sucks).
Bosch’s batteries lock on, I think all e-bike batteries lock on. The idea of this is that the battery can no longer be used if it’s not paired with the head unit that its registered to.
 
Not a bad idea, but on its own, not worth the additional cost. It would only protect the battery in cases where someone steals it while off the bike—assuming the thief has a Bosch-equipped bike or intends to resell it, which seems unlikely. If the battery is on the bike, a thief would likely be targeting the entire bike rather than just the battery.

We've never had a battery theft among the many Terns we've sold. Whole bike theft? Yes. Bikes stolen without the battery? Also yes.

In a scenario where the bike is stolen but you still have the battery, does the old battery become useless if you replace the bike?
 
Not a bad idea, but on its own, not worth the additional cost. It would only protect the battery in cases where someone steals it while off the bike—assuming the thief has a Bosch-equipped bike or intends to resell it, which seems unlikely. If the battery is on the bike, a thief would likely be targeting the entire bike rather than just the battery.

We've never had a battery theft among the many Terns we've sold. Whole bike theft? Yes. Bikes stolen without the battery? Also yes.

In a scenario where the bike is stolen but you still have the battery, does the old battery become useless if you replace the bike?
That's interesting especially if you're London based. I live in Sheffield and know a few people that have had their Bosch batteries stolen. Really common on the FB pages too. There's a whole industry built around Bosch battery theft!
 
London, Ontario, Canada. Little London across the sea. Haven’t had to replace a customer battery, just bikes. We’ve recovered bikes when thieves have shown up to buy a charger!
 
London, Ontario, Canada. Little London across the sea. Haven’t had to replace a customer battery, just bikes. We’ve recovered bikes when thieves have shown up to buy a charger!
Ahh I see. Yeah it's a thriving industry over here unfortunately. I could get a frame mounted Bosch battery off within 10sec with a screwdriver and a small hammer, makes far less noise than cutting a lock or bike stand.
 
I pay for Flow app now. $40/ year is a small price to pay for the alarms and if more features are added, that is a plus. I did get the first year free with my new bike.
 
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