This free function helps make stolen Bosch e-bikes unsellable

Stolen electrical bikes constructed round Bosch motors might be more durable to promote, service, and trip on the finish of January. That’s when Bosch is rolling a brand new digital theft function that lets house owners mark the bike as stolen within the Bosch Stream app — no subscription required. Bosch rolled out an analogous function for costly Bosch batteries final yr, nevertheless it stupidly required a subscription to Stream Plus.

“If an e-bike or a battery is marked as stolen, it may be recognized as such all through your complete digital ecosystem of Bosch eBike Methods,” says the corporate in a press launch. “This makes reselling the e-bike troublesome and will increase the probabilities of the proprietor getting the e-bike again.”

Bikes marked as stolen will ship a warning to consumers and authorities once they try to hook up with it by way of the Stream app. Sellers additionally obtain the warning in Bosch’s diagnostic software program once they connect with the e-bike for servicing. The stolen e-bikes are blocked from connecting to the Stream app, gained’t obtain over-the-air updates, and riders can’t swap using modes.