The future of the bicycle: the end of analog?

It charges the smartphone, it navigates, it tracks, it creates fitness data, it lights up and warns of theft: these are just some of the countless functions that the Cobi system tickles out of a smartphone. The company, which was launched in 2014 to take connectivity for cycling to a new level, is now set to roll under the umbrella of e-bike leader Bosch.

Bosch eBike Systems is planning to acquire the connected biking start-up Cobi Founded in 2014, Cobi GmbH offers eBike riders and cyclists the opportunity to use their smartphone as a control, infotainment and display unit. "With the acquisition of Cobi GmbH, we are optimally expanding Bosch eBike Systems' product portfolio in the area of connected products and services. Cobi brings the necessary expertise, experience and the corresponding technologies for a successful collaboration," says Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities.

Bosch says: The mobility of the future is electrified, automated and connected

With Cobi's products and, above all, its technology platform, cycling is becoming more connected and intelligent. Cobi offers services such as navigation, music, telephony and fitness. At the same time, Cobi connects the rider with other apps such as Strava, Komoot, Spotify, Apple Health and Bluetooth fitness sensors. The aim is to turn the eBike or bike ride into a special digital experience.

The continuation of the company and the Cobi brand represents a great opportunity for Cobi founder and CEO Andreas Gahlert: "With Bosch as a strategic partner, we see enormous growth potential worldwide in the field of digitally connected products and services in the bicycle environment. Clearly an important step into the future for us."

Something from yesterday: analog and mechanical technology on bicycles

While a few years ago the focus in the bicycle industry was mainly on mechanical and analog products, products are increasingly becoming electric and digital. According to Bosch, e-bikes help to achieve goals even more efficiently, economically and ecologically sustainably - energy (battery) and intelligence (sensors, control units, CAN bus) are now on board and open up new technical possibilities. This will electrify bicycle mobility (drive systems, batteries, diagnostic tools), automate it (gear shifting, suspension, braking systems) and connect it (navigation, smartphone apps, online portals).

Cobi's range is primarily aimed at the rapidly growing digital target group, which now uses smartphones as an essential part of everyday life and also when cycling. Cobi solves the limited battery life of smartphones as well as the demanding operation while riding in a safe and convenient way. In the background of the product portfolio, a technology platform consisting of cloud, apps, services and firmware has been created, which will be used to complement existing Bosch systems for future digital solutions.

In the future: Nyon or Cobi

With the introduction of Bosch Nyon, the first all-in-one on-board computer for e-bikes on Bosch bikes, in fall 2014, the connected e-biker has already become a reality. Cobi connects the cyclist or e-biker directly with the smartphone and app and is therefore the perfect addition, according to Bosch.

Cobi systems are available to buy online to add numerous functions to a normal bike or an e-bike. Prices currently start at CHF 289.

www.bosch-ebike.com
www.Cobi.bike/de