Bosch introduces digital certificate for used e-bikes

Starting in July this year, Bosch is offering digital certificates for the used e-bike market. The information contained in the certificate is intended to provide customers with more transparency about traded e-bikes.

According to Bosch, the digital certificate indicates the condition of the battery and drive of the smart system. It shows relevant information about the model and also confirms that the e-bike is not reported as stolen in the “eBike Flow App”. “Potential buyers are often unsure about the condition of previously ridden models and therefore wish for more transparency to be able to decide with confidence,” explains Bosch.

The first partner for the sale of certified e-bikes with Bosch systems will be the refurbishment specialist Rebike starting in July. All e-bikes with Bosch systems will then be identified with the “Certified by Bosch” certificate. Initially, the certified models will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands – both online and in their own stores and at Decathlon. Prospectively, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and other European markets are also to follow. From the beginning of 2027, Bosch plans to support bicycle retailers in selling used models with the certificate.

“Our products are designed for high quality and a long service life and are therefore ideally suited for a second life on the used market. This market is important: it makes e-bikes accessible to more people and contributes to sustainable mobility,” writes Claus Fleischer, Managing Director of Bosch eBike Systems, in the press release.

The growing importance of the used bicycle market was already confirmed in March of this year by the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV) – it accounts for a “significant share of the total market.” Since 2023, the number of refurbished bikes sold annually has increased by around 192 percent. According to the company, purchasing a used e-bike with a Bosch system saves up to 208 kilograms of CO₂ compared to new production – around 80 percent of the emissions of a new model.

Condition of battery and drive in view

Bosch explains that the certificate records the condition of the battery and drive at the time of certification. It is displayed in a star rating, where more stars indicate a better condition. Furthermore, for the battery, the number of charging cycles and the remaining capacity in percent are to be displayed, among other things.

In addition, according to the company, values such as the distance already covered and the power used so far are included in the assessment for the drive. The certificate also contains important model information such as brand, model year, and frame number, and whether there are any indications of tuning.

According to Bosch, by comparing the serial numbers of the battery and drive with the serial numbers displayed in “Certified by Bosch”, it can be ensured that it is indeed the correct certificate for the e-bike being offered. The authenticity can also be checked via a QR code.

(afl)