Bosch’s latest software update is giving eMTB riders more power—literally. Version 1.28 of the company’s eBike Flow app, released this month, boosts the performance of select Bosch motors, including the widely adopted Performance Line CX. Riders will now see peak motor power output increase from 600W to 750W, which is the maximum allowed for Class 1 e-bikes in the U.S. The update also boosts torque from 85Nm to 100Nm.
It’s not clear why Bosch limited output below the legal ceiling in the first place, though the extra headroom now means quicker acceleration and more support when tackling steep or technical climbs.
Alongside the increase in raw power, Bosch is also introducing a new assistance mode called eMTB+. The mode is said to combine the natural-feeling control of their existing eMTB mode with the full-force capability of Race mode, offering up to 400% support depending on rider input. Bosch says the new mode can be customized in the eBike Flow app and applied via the app’s custom riding mode settings.
The update applies to current versions of the Performance Line CX motor and upcoming versions of the Performance Line SX motor (see notes). Given the number of 2025 eMTBs equipped with Bosch’s CX motor, the update is set to add more power to many brands’ top-end bikes.
However, some e-bike owners have reported issues unlocking the new settings for their bikes. A Bosch representative responded on YouTube, writing “in some cases the manufacturer will upload the upgrade in two stages (watt and NM) so please check for the second stage update after completing the first. To clarify: these are MAXIMUM values but of course depend on the limit that the bike manufacturer determines based on the mounted components and their suitability. For example, if the e-shift can only handle 90Nm, the bike manufacturer will limit this option to 90Nm. The updates will therefore differ per eBike model. Please contact your eBike manufacturer about this if you have queries.”
Along with the new eMTB+ mode and power and torque updates, Bosch added several other new features to the eBike Flow app, including the ability to share your eMTB with up to five other riders. Some of these features are only available to paying Bosch Flow+ subscribers, which has led to a few owners voicing their frustration online. Fortunately, it appears the aforementioned eMTB+ and power and torque updates are available without a Flow+ subscription.
The Bosch power boost update comes as newer, more powerful e-bike motors are becoming more widely available. U.S. availability for the Amflow PL e-bike was just announced yesterday, and that eMTB makes use of the DJI Avonix motor, which is capable of producing more than 105Nm of torque and 850W of peak power. With this update, the Bosch Performance Line CX is capable of producing more power and torque than competitors like the Shimano EP8, though it’s still less than the DJI motor. Singletracks has been testing the new Amflow PL and will publish a review of the bike shortly.
As I pointed out in an opinion piece about electronics earlier this year, firmware updates like this can significantly enhance bike performance with just a few taps in an app. It’s still early days for truly upgradable bikes, but Bosch’s move is another clear signal that we’re headed in that direction.
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