FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bosch has updated the Kiox, its handlebar-mounted computer for e-bikes with Bosch drive systems, with an electronic bike lock system.
Users will be able to buy a $8.99 update to the Kiox, via a mobile app, that will lock the bike's motor when the Kiox is removed from the bike. The motor will make a sound to let the user know it is locked and a lock icon appears on the display.
The company said the lock complements a traditional mechanical lock since the bike can still be swiped and pedaled without the motor's assistance. But the company said "riding enjoyment is drastically cur-tailed without motor support, making the bike much more difficult to sell."
"The fact is that digital solutions can't replace a classic mechanical bicycle lock, but they can enhance the traditional solution," said Claus Fleischer, the CEO of Bosch eBike Systems.
"With Lock, we have now developed a function that gives e-bikers more security and makes things a little harder for bicycle thieves because it significantly reduces the value of the e-bike," he said.
"We are committed to developing products and digital solutions that deliver more riding enjoyment, comfort and safety in e-biking. We are constantly working on this. It is conceivable that many other theft-related functions will be developed in future," added Fleischer.
