Comparison: How compatible are the e-bike display and battery?

• Bosch Nyon 2021
• Bosch Intuvia
• Shimano E6100
• Bosch Smartphone Hub
• Bosch Kiox
• Yamaha Display C
• Flyer FIT D1
• Giant Ridecontrol Evo 2 & Dash Evo
• Fazua Remote BX & FX
• Specialised TCU

Complete networking still a long way off

Let's get straight to the point. The road to the "connected" e-bike is still a long one. For our comparison, we analysed the most popular displays in terms of charging options, connectivity with smartphone apps and navigation functions. Even the obvious option of supplying other end devices with power from the bike battery via a USB port is only possible on a few systems. Most drive systems are still a long way from the vision of transmitting and displaying standardised ride data to smartphones or navigation devices such as those from Garmin or Wahoo.

Manufacturer apps for smartphones, which are available for most drive systems, are rarely updated or developed further. At Shimano, only a few selected devices from certain providers can currently be connected. On the other hand, the transmission of route instructions to the e-bike display via coupling with well-known outdoor apps already works well in many cases. Systems that rely on open wireless standards, such as ANT+ LEV (Specialized and Giant) or Bluetooth (Yamaha, Fazua), which are optimised for e-bikes (Light Electric Vehicle), currently offer the greatest possible compatibility.

E-bike displays from Bosch

Bosch has a wide range of e-bike displays in its programme. From the simple Intuvia display to the Nyon with fully-fledged offline navigation. However, none of the Bosch displays can connect to a navigation device or bike computer.

Bosch Nyon (2021)

Complete control centre for the e-bike. Classic control functions are performed via the push button on the handlebars. The 3.2-inch colour touchscreen display provides all riding and fitness information on the individually adjustable data pages. Fully-fledged offline navigation is integrated. However, the quality of the calculated route suggestions was rarely convincing in the test. Either the "fast route" favoured busy roads, or the "nice route" was slowed down by the smallest paths and many turns. The integrations of Komoot for tour planning and Outdooractive for ready-made tour suggestions come to the rescue. These routes can be imported and then conveniently cycled on the Nyon. The connection between the e-bike and the online portals can be established via WLAN and the Bosch app. The charging option for the smartphone was removed with the model change.

• Charging option: No
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, colour touchscreen display
• Navigation: Yes, via Komoot and Outdooractive app

Bosch Intuvia

The Intuvia display shows all relevant riding data on a very easy-to-read LCD screen. It is operated via the push button on the handlebars and a few buttons on the display. This e-bike display is one of the few to offer a charging option for mobile phones and the like. Two smart upgrade options are available for Intuvia. The Bosch Smartphone Hub fits onto the base of the Intuvia display. This offers the full range of functions of the Cobi smartphone app. Alternatively, the manufacturer SKS offers a smart extension with a power bank in the form of the Compit/E+ mount.

• Charging option: Yes (0.5 ampere)
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, SW display
• Navigation: No

Bosch Smartphone Hub

In contrast to the classic displays, the Bosch adapter establishes a connection with the e-bike via smartphone and the Cobi Bike app. For the full range of functions, the smartphone must be clamped into the hub, thus serving as a large screen on the handlebars and is supplied with power and data by the bike. E-bike control and basic app functions are operated via the handlebar push button. Everything else via the mobile phone display. Without a smartphone, a mini display integrated into the hub only provides basic data. The idea behind the hub solution is that a smartphone is updated more frequently than the e-bike. The smartphone and regular updates make it easier to keep the range of functions up to date. Customised, convenient cradles are available for iPhone models. Android smartphones have to be attached somewhat fiddly in a clamp mount and supplied with power by cable.

• Charging option: Yes
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, mini display
• Navigation: Yes, via Cobi Bike App

Bosch Kiox

The compact 1.9-inch colour display primarily provides riding data such as speed, battery level, etc. The Bosch app, which is connected via Bluetooth, enables tour recording and minimal navigation. A destination can be entered and a route created via the Bosch app. Alternatively, a planned route can be loaded directly into the Bosch system from the Komoot portal. A line is then used for navigation on the e-bike display. The Kiox display provides a wealth of fitness information such as cadence and power analyses. If a chest strap is connected, the fitness data can be expanded even further. The Kiox display also provides the strongest charging current in the internal Bosch comparison.

• Charging option: Yes (1 ampere)
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, colour display
• Navigation: Route from Bosch app

Other displays from other brands

Shimano E6100

The 2.7-inch e-bike display provides information on current riding data and is operated via a compact push button on the handlebars and buttons on the display. A particularly practical feature is an overview page with the expected range in all support levels. This makes it possible to recognise at a glance with which motor support the planned tour can be completed. Shimano's E-Tube app can be used to import updates and adjust the strength and characteristics of the support to your own riding preferences. However, the Shimano Ride app, originally intended as a display extension, does not work reliably in practice. Shimano only allows selected manufacturers as external connection partners. The e-bike data can only be displayed and saved on Garmin and Sigma devices. Shimano does not offer a charging option.

• Charging option: No
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, SW display, app data transfer
• Compatible devices: Garmin, Sigma

Yamaha Display C

The 2.8-inch e-bike display provides information on current riding data and is controlled via a handlebar push button. A micro USB socket provides charging power for the smartphone. The Komoot app is used for navigation. For directions, the display mode must first be changed in the display menu and then the Komoot app must be paired on the smartphone. When navigation is active, the route guidance with turn arrows and the next street name are shown in parallel on the display. This navigation is sufficient in the city, while the arrows alone are not sufficient for safe route guidance off-road. Data can also be transmitted to bike computers via a Bluetooth interface.

• Charging option: Yes (0.8 ampere)
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, SW display, app data transfer
• Navigation: Yes, arrow display from Komoot app

Flyer Fit D1

Flyer has optimised the smartphone charging option from the e-bike battery. A standard USB socket under the display supplies external devices with sufficient power via a short USB cable. With Flyer Intelligent Technology (FIT), Komoot navigation is transferred from the smartphone to the e-bike display. The route guidance is started in the Komoot app. When the smartphone and e-bike are paired, the route guidance is immediately shown in parallel on the FIT display. On the navigation page, the next turning manoeuvre is displayed in large format, while the road sequence appears below it. On all other display pages, the turn arrow is shown with the distance in small letters. This navigation is sufficient in the city, whereas the arrows alone are not sufficient off-road. A Bluetooth chest strap can also be paired with the FIT display to record fitness data. Standard interfaces and data transfer to Garmin, Wahoo or similar external devices is not possible. There is no dedicated app for customising the drive to your own preferences, for example.

• Charging option: Yes (1.1 ampere)
• Operation via: Handlebar push-button switch, colour display
• Navigation: Yes, arrow display from Komoot app

Giant Ridecontrol Evo 2 & Dash Evo

The convenient push button on the handlebars controls the functions, which are shown on the stylish colour display integrated into the stem. The strength of the assistance levels can be customised to your own preferences using the corresponding Ridecontrol app on your smartphone. Navigation with route guidance on the e-bike display will also be possible in the near future. Giant currently offers the best power supply for mobile phones and the like on the Evo2 button switch. The e-bike provides sufficient charging current via the USB-C socket to charge modern phones on the go. Giant relies on the open ANT+ LEV wireless standard and easily transmits power, speed and cadence as well as e-bike data to Garmin, Wahoo & Co.

• Charging option: Yes (2 amps)
• Operation via: Handlebar push button and display, app data transmission
• Navigation: No

Specialised TCU

The manufacturer Specialized relies on a clean handlebar design. There is a small switch on the left grip and the TCU unit with power button and display of support level and battery status on the top tube. Specialized solves everything else optimally via connectivity. An ANT+ LEV interface is used to transmit pedalling power, speed and cadence as well as the riding data with the exception of the expected range. The character and strength of the individual support levels can be customised in the dedicated Mission Control app. Data display and route recording are best left to better apps, such as those from provider Blevo, which offer an enormous range of functions.

• Charging option: No
• Operation via: Handlebar push button, app data transmission
• Navigation: No

Fazua Remote BX & FX

The sporty, lightweight Fazua drive also favours minimalism when it comes to operation and display. A push button is located on the handlebars (BX) or on the top tube (FX). The five LEDs indicate the battery charge status in 20% increments. The colour of the LEDs indicates the support level. The Fazua app can be used to customise the assistance to suit your own riding preferences. The e-bike display transmits riding data such as power or speed and cadence to any external device via Bluetooth.

• Charging option: No
• Operation via: Handlebar push button, app data transmission
• Navigation: No

Further information

There are many more details to discover about all displays and control elements. On the blog of our GPS expert Matthias Schwindt, numerous articles are dedicated to this topic. He has compiled more useful tips on networked e-bikes on a special page. www.gpsradler.de/myb21-3