Ok, VanMoof pioneered the 'connected e-bike' model and went under doing so. They were using a lot of custom made parts and hence remained a niche product. Servicing customers became a nightmare.
Then Bosch came with the Smart system, Flow app and the optional connect module that can be retrofitted by a dealer.
Living in The Netherlands, I recently bought a Sparta (a renowned Dutch bicycle brand on par with Gazelle) e-bike with the 2023 Smart system.
My experience so far with the Smart system is rather pleasant.
The Flow app is really well made and offers a lot of features, from tuning your motor and riding modes to your liking, to OTA updates that get pushed to the bike where in the past you needed to visit the dealer for updating the firmware or unlock new modes or features.
In the Flow app, using a registered Bosch account tied to the system, you can pair your e-bike to your phone and use the phone as a key. Once locked, in case of theft, the Bosch system doesn't start and becomes unusable as soon as it leaves the vicinity of your phone. That doesn't prevent the bike from being stolen, of course. But all of this comes at no extra costs. The lock and unlock sounds are cool.
Then there is the Bosch subscription model. Flow+ app in combination with a Bosch Connect Module that, in most cases, needs to be retrofitted.
It offers alarm and track and trace features as a paid service. At first I was a bit hesitant, but after I got a theft and damage insurance with full coverage for 5 years, I decided to pass and instead, invest in a couple of good locks.
On top of that, the more renowned Dutch e-bile makers offer their own paid subscription models with a SIM card integrated in the frame, that could get you a discount with an insurance company.
I researched that possibility but decided to pass after learning that there was only one insurance company offering such a discount for my make.
