How the push assist works on Bosch e-bikes
A long press on the minus button (lowest button on the Bosch LED Remote) activates the standby mode for the push assist in the case of Bosch e-bikes with Smart System. The pushing aid only starts and pushes the e-bike when you tilt the bike sideways or move it backwards (activated by gestures). The current Bosch push assist starts immediately at maximum speed on inclines and no longer needs to be activated - as used to be the case with old Bosch motors - two wheel rotations for activation. Operation is also much easier than in the past, where you sometimes had to press two buttons (first "Walk" and then "+") in succession to activate the push assist.
Technology for e-bike pushing with pushing aid
If you simply grab the handlebars and push, you won't get very far on your e-bike on rough terrain despite the pushing aid. Especially on rocky terrain, stairs or steps, the front wheel often gets stuck and the rear wheel spins. This is why you should grip the saddle nose and rest your elbow on the saddle. First find the optimum saddle height - the lowest position is not always the best. This allows you to apply downward pressure in a controlled manner and gives the rear wheel traction. It also gives you a good lever to take the weight off the front wheel if it gets stuck on a rock, step or root. The gear selection is also important when using the push assist. The lower the gear selected, the more torque is available from the e-bike motor. And this is particularly important for the technology mentioned above. The gear selected no longer has any influence on the pushing speed (unlike the Push assistance with earlier Bosch motors), as this is preset by Bosch at the factory. The maximum speed of the push assistance is 6 km/h.
Hill Hold - new function of the Bosch push assist with the Smart System
A smart function of the E-bike pushing aid The latest version of the Bosch Smart System is called "Hill Hold". If you have a cramp in your thumb or just want to rest for a moment, you simply let go and the rear wheel locks. You have ten seconds in this state before the lock is cancelled. Pressing the "minus button" (at the bottom of the LED remote) extends the waiting time by a further ten seconds.
Control speed when pushing
Unfortunately, the speed cannot be regulated with any e-bike pushing aid. And it often goes too fast on steep terrain. Remedy: The pushing speed can be reduced using the rear wheel brake.
Alternative E-MTB pushing technology
The method of choice when the trail is so narrow that you can't run alongside the e-bike while pushing it. You simply push it in front of you on the rear wheel. Incidentally, the hill hold also works in this position.
How to | EMTB uphill riding technique - PART 1: BASICS
How to | EMTB trail riding technique - PART 2: DOWNHILL
PART 3: EXPERT (from 11 October)
