Bosch eBike Systems acquires COBI, a connected biking startup

Bosch eBike Systems acquired COBI, a connected biking startup that enables cyclists to use their smartphones as an eBike control and display unit. The exact amount and terms have not yet been disclosed publicly.

COBI already offers many more services than the Bosch’s current eBike system which focuses mostly on drivetrain functionality. With COBI you can use services such as GPS navigation, music, phone, and fitness but also services such as Strava, Spotify, Apple Health and third-party Bluetooth fitness sensors, whereas with Bosch your display is really only a control panel for your bike. Cobi integrates both worlds and connects the rider….

The Bosch and COBI advantage

The acquisition of COBI GmbH provides the ideal opportunity to expand the product portfolio of Bosch eBike Systems in the area of connected products and services. COBI offers the necessary expertise and experience, as well as the appropriate technologies for a successful partnership,

Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems says, “The acquisition of COBI GmbH provides the ideal opportunity to expand the product portfolio of Bosch eBike Systems in the area of connected products and services. COBI offers the necessary expertise and experience, as well as the appropriate technologies for a successful partnership”

eBikes, smartphones, and smartwatches are driving the trend towards bicycles that are more electrical, more digital and that offer far greater levels of connectivity to the online world.

Founder and CEO of COBI, Andreas Gahlert noted, “With Bosch as a strategic partner, we see huge scope for worldwide growth in the area of digitally connected products and services in the bike environment. For us, this is undoubtedly a significant step into the future.”

The competition

In terms of competitors for COBI, companies like Wahoo, Garmin, and Strava come to mind. However none of them offer a system that is both integrated into your eBike with a controller, headlight, turn signals, a charging option and turn-by-turn navigation as well as the internet connectivity with services like Spotify and Strava.

It seems that the combination of Bosch’s global market share in eBikes combined with COBI’s technological know-how and expertise may just be a match made in heaven.

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