In light of the recent partnership between Garmin and Bosch, it is safe to say that the future is bright for the e-bike community that tracks and analyzes data like crazy. Having a Bosch e-bike and a Garmin wearable will allow you to stop wasting time analyzing information from several applications at once.
So, I have decided to dive deeper and explore this feature. And here is what you need to know about it.
Note: Even though this functionality is indeed a huge improvement, it is important to state that at this point, it remains under the test version. This new capability has only recently been incorporated by Garmin through the Beta Version 31.23 software. As this update is yet to be officially released to the general public, it is unlikely that you will have this functionality on your device without participating in the beta program.
Centralizing Your Ride Data
Until now, logging your journey on your e-bike would have been a scattered experience. Your motor stats would have been logged on the Bosch eBike Flow application, while your physiological stats (heart rate and recovery) would be logged on Garmin Connect.
But with this latest update, Garmin watches can now access live information from the Bosch Smart System, allowing you to track the following e-bike stats:
-
Battery Status: No need to look down on your frame or your controller to check your battery life anymore.
-
Assist Level: You can know what level (Eco, Tour, Turbo) you’re running at right on your watch or cycling computer.
-
Motor Output: Check how much assistance your motor provides against your pedaling.
How the Ecosystem Connects
This is achieved by means of cloud-to-cloud synchronization. It is not only about the numbers displayed on the screen; it is more about forming a single fitness profile for the user.
Upon connection, Bosch eBike Flow shares your riding information with Garmin Connect. Thus, using Garmin’s calculations becomes extremely precise because it knows how much mechanical support was provided to you during the climb.
Why This Matters for the Average User
The main advantage is simplicity. With a Garmin Edge, you can now configure your screens with specific fields for your Bosch bike. This means you’ll have a “cockpit” where your navigation, heart rate, and e-bike battery information will be displayed on one screen.
If, like me, you are fixated on “training readiness” scores, this integration means that your 20 miles commute on your Bosch electric bike won’t be calculated by Garmin as an intense 20 mile bike ride, resulting in an unrealistic recovery time.
Setup
The process is straightforward:
-
Open your Bosch eBike Flow app.
-
Navigate to the Settings or Connected Services menu.
-
Select Garmin Connect and follow the prompts to authorize the data sharing.
From here, you’re going to find that your rides automatically sync on both devices without a problem. This ensures that your fitness logging is just as clever as your engine is on your bicycle. What this shows is part of a larger shift that’s happening in the cycling industry: major brands are starting to realize that consumers hate walled gardens.
