Bosch releases new replace to make stolen e-bikes (virtually) unusable

E-bike theft is a type of issues that by no means actually goes away. These of us who’ve been victims of it’s going to by no means actually neglect that feeling. In fact, good locks will help, and GPS trackers may help in getting a stolen bike again. However as soon as a motorbike is stolen, the actual incentive for thieves is straightforward: resale. And that’s precisely the issue Bosch is aiming to sort out with a brand new software program replace unveiled at CES 2026.

Bosch’s newest addition to its good system lets homeowners digitally mark an e-bike – and even simply its battery – as stolen utilizing the eBike Circulate app. As soon as that occurs, the bike is successfully flagged throughout Bosch’s total digital ecosystem. That features the Circulate app, Bosch supplier diagnostic instruments, and Bosch’s personal assist infrastructure. Briefly, a stolen Bosch-powered e-bike turns into very onerous to resell with out elevating purple flags. It’s basically an extension of the same characteristic Bosch rolled out for its batteries final 12 monthsalthough this time they’re fortunately not holding it again behind a paywall.

Right here’s the place it will get fascinating. When a motorbike is marked as stolen, anybody who tries to hook up with it utilizing the eBike Circulate app will obtain a warning that the bike has been reported stolen, full with the serial numbers of the affected elements. On the identical time, the unique proprietor is notified, and the bike is completely blocked from connecting to the app. Meaning no over-the-air updates, no switching experience modes, and no entry to Bosch’s digital options. For a lot of fashionable Bosch-equipped e-bikes, that’s an enormous downgrade in performance. It’s additionally going to boost eyebrows when somebody tries to purchase the bike however sees the bike can’t do half of what it’s imagined to do.

Sellers aren’t overlooked of the loop both. If a stolen bike reveals up for service, Bosch’s DiagnosticTool will flag it instantly. That makes it a lot more durable for stolen bikes to quietly re-enter the market via secondhand gross sales or unsuspecting restore outlets.

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The system works as a result of Bosch’s good system digitally hyperlinks the motor, battery, and show to a particular person profile. As soon as a motorbike is marked as stolen, that standing is saved centrally and might solely be eliminated by the unique proprietor. It’s a software-first method that doesn’t bodily disable the bike, however makes it far much less enticing to steal within the first place.

It’s not an ideal, airtight answer, but it surely does make the bike a a lot much less enticing steal (or purchase, for somebody on the lookout for an affordable, stolen e-bike).

Bosch says the brand new characteristic might be out there at no cost within the eBike Circulate app beginning in late January 2026. It joins current theft-protection instruments like eBike Lock, eBike Alarm, and Battery Lock, including yet one more layer of friction for would-be thieves.

Electrek’s Take

Whereas it received’t make e-bike theft not possible, I do like seeing extra options that merely make it much less fascinating to steal an e-bike. My electrical scooter, for instance, can’t be charged or battery-swapped if I mark it as stolen, which means thieves are a lot much less more likely to need it in comparison with different fashions that may truly be used after a theft.

By attacking resale worth as a substitute of simply bodily entry, Bosch appears to be becoming a member of different micromobility firms which might be taking that good step towards making stolen e-bikes lots much less price stealing. Now it’s nonetheless on all of us to make use of an excellent high quality bike lock. Or ideally, two.