On September 17, 2026, the Mobility Trailblazers Awards ceremony took place at the Allianz Forum in Berlin as part of the 6th Smart Mobility Summit. With this award, the Mobility Institute at the renowned Swiss University of St. Gallen honors outstanding individuals who drive forward visionary transportation concepts with drive, courage, and a spirit of innovation. Unlike many industry awards, the spotlight here is not on corporations or individual products, but on the driving forces behind them.

From a Niche Propulsion System to a Global Ecosystem

The fact that the e-bike has long since become a fixture in both leisure and everyday life is closely linked to Claus Fleischer. Born in Bad Kreuznach in 1967, the mechanical engineer has over 20 years of experience at Bosch and has led the e-bike division since July 2012. Under his leadership, the division has grown from an internal startup initiative into one of the industry’s global trailblazers: Today, more than 100 bicycle brands rely on drive and control components from Bosch.

Fleischer views the e-bike not in isolation as mere mechanics with a battery, but as a connected, integrated system. Smart safety features such as e-bike ABS, digital app services, and intuitive control systems are designed to enhance everyday usability as well as riding enjoyment on tours or trails.

Bicycle Culture and Unrestricted Riding for E-Bikes

Beyond technical product development, the Bosch CEO advocates for a reliable legal framework. A key concern for him remains ensuring that the electric bicycle retains its legal status as a bicycle to guarantee low-threshold access to e-mobility without excessive bureaucratic hurdles. “The e-bike is no longer a niche product—it’s a central building block of the mobility transition. Especially in Switzerland, where cycling has a strong tradition and the Cycling Act is providing fresh momentum, I see enormous potential,” Fleischer commented on the award. He views this award from the University of St. Gallen as recognition for the entire team at Bosch eBike Systems, which works every day to make cycling attractive, safe, and practical for everyday use for more people.

For more information, visit: www.mobilitytrailblazers.de