Chain cycles backwards, why?

[EdC]

I have a Bosch powered bike with the Active Line plus motor. When I peddle backwards the chain cycles backwards. This does not happen with the new Bosch performance line motors. Why did Bosch make their motors different in that respect? Is their and advantage, other than chain cleaning, in have a chain cycle backwards when you peddle backwards. Ed

 

[Mass Deduction]

I don't know for sure, but I can speculate. Shimano STePS motors like the E6000, E6100, and E8000 freewheel and cannot pedal backwards, but the E5000 motor does not freewheel at the crank so can be pedalled backwards. The E5000 is the least expensive and lightest weight option in Shimano's line-up. So my guess is removing the freewheeling mechanism within the motor is in the interest of saving cost/weight/bulk.

That doesn't fully answer the question, though. What is the advantage of having the freewheeling mechanism in the motor in the first place? I'm genuinely unsure!