What is eShift – and what are the advantages of the update?
eShift is an innovative electronic shifting system for your KTM e-bike.
It enables precise, barely noticeable gear changes – either manually or fully automatically. The system recognises the riding situation and automatically selects the appropriate gear so that you always ride at a consistent cadence.
Thanks to its seamless integration into the Bosch Smart System, eShift is compatible with a wide range of e-bike types and can be conveniently controlled via the Bosch Flow app.
⚠️ Note on the Bosch update!
1. The eShift update is exclusively available for KTM eBikes equipped with one of the following Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems:
- CUES Di2
- Deore Di2
- XT Di2
- XTR Di2
➡️ Only riders with these compatible shifting systems can perform the update and fully benefit from eShift functionality.
2. According to Bosch, the necessary update for the Bosch Drive Unit (version 17.16.x) will be available between 6 and 9 October.
If your system does not yet display this version, please wait until the specified period or contact your KTM dealer to have the update carried out.
Once the update is available and has been installed, you will be able to use all eShift functions to their full extent.
✅ Advantages of eShift:
- Seamless gear changes – precise, efficient and almost imperceptible.
- Greater comfort – automatically in the right gear without having to think about it.
- Optimal cadence – for a harmonious, smooth riding experience.
- High compatibility – can be used with various eBike categories.
- M+ function – automatic downshifting when coasting, ideal for starting off after a stop.
- Full control via the Flow app – with custom settings, navigation, theft protection and automatic updates.
Conclusion:
With eShift, you always ride in the right gear – regardless of whether you shift gears yourself or let the automatic system take over.
In collaboration with leading transmission partners, KTM offers the right solution for every rider.
How it works – activate eShift in 5 steps
To use the eShift functions on your KTM e-bike, both the Bosch Smart System and the Shimano gear system must be up to date. Here's how to do it:
🟠 Step 1: Download the Bosch Flow app
Download the Bosch E-Bike Flow app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Only with the latest version can you update your e-bike correctly.
🟠 Step 2: Check software versions
🔧 Drive unit
Open the Bosch Flow app.
Go to:
Settings → eBike Pass → Components → Drive unit → Software version
The version must be at least 17.16.x
🔧 Rear derailleur
Go to:
Settings → eBike Pass → Components → eShift → Software version
The version must be at least 4.4.1
🟠 Step 3: Update the Bosch system
If your drive unit is not running version 17.16.x, you will need to update your e-bike via the Bosch Flow app.
🔄 How it works:
Ensure that your smartphone has an active internet connection and that Bluetooth is enabled.
Open the Bosch Flow app and connect your e-bike.
Go to:
eBike settings → eBike update → Search for eBike update
If an update is available, it will be downloaded and transferred to your bike via Bluetooth (duration: approx. 20–30 minutes).
After the transfer, you can start the installation. During this time, the LED indicator on your remote will flash.
Once complete, your Bosch system will be up to date.
Alternatively, you can have the update carried out by your KTM dealer.
🟠 Step 4: Download the Shimano E-TUBE PROJECT app
Download the E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist app from Shimano from the App Store or Google Play Store.
🟠 Step 5: Update Shimano rear derailleur
If your rear derailleur is not running version 4.4.1, you will need to update it via the E-TUBE PROJECT app.
🔄 How it works:
Switch on your e-bike and open the E-TUBE PROJECT app.
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and that it is close to the bike.
Tap on ‘Connect’ and select your rear derailleur from the list of components.
The app will show you the current firmware version and whether an update is available.
Start the update and wait until it is complete.
Once it has been successfully completed, you can disconnect.
Alternatively you can have the update carried out by your KTM-dealer.
✅ Both updates successfully installed – now actively use eShift: Here's how
Once your KTM e-bike has been successfully updated – i.e. both the Bosch Smart System and the Shimano gear system are up to date – you can make full use of the eShift functions.
You can now enjoy an automated, comfortable and precise shifting experience.
- Switching between automatic and manual
With Shimano Di2, gear selection is controlled via the Shimano shift lever.
A separate button on the shift lever allows you to switch between manual and automatic shifting modes – easily while riding.
- Setting the cadence
You can set the desired cadence for automatic mode using the Bosch Flow app.
On some control units (e.g. Kiox 300/500 or Purion 200/400), the cadence can also be adjusted directly on the bike:
Press the selection button for longer than 1 second, select ‘eShift’ and adjust the frequency to your preferences.
- Display
Intuvia 100: Gear change is shown briefly, no permanent display.
Kiox & Purion displays: Gear and shift mode (manual/automatic) are visible on the start screen.
For further details on operation, please refer to the operating instructions for your control unit or directly to the Bosch Flow app.
❓ Not sure if everything is installed correctly?
Or you don't know exactly how to get started?
No problem – we're here to help!
⬇️ Here you will find detailed step-by-step instructions on how to check the software versions and perform the updates.
Detailed instructions
Step 1: Update the app
Ensure that you have the latest version of the Bosch Flow app installed. Only with the latest app version can you correctly perform updates for your e-bike. You can find the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Establish a connection
Switch on your KTM e-bike and open the Bosch Flow app.
Ensure that:
- your smartphone has an active internet connection,
- Bluetooth is enabled,
- and your smartphone and e-bike are in close proximity to each other.
The app must recognise your bike and establish a stable connection for the update process to run smoothly.
Step 3: Check for updates
In the Bosch Flow app, go to the eBike home screen and tap on the top right:
- ‘eBike settings’ > ‘eBike update’ > ‘Check for eBike update’
The app will check whether a new software version is available for your e-bike. You can also set the app to automatically check for updates and download them in the background.
Step 4: Download the update
When a new update is available, you will be notified directly on the app's home screen.
Depending on your settings, the download will start automatically, or you can start it manually.
You can also specify in the update settings whether the app is allowed to use mobile data for the download – this is particularly helpful when you are on the move.
(Additional costs may apply when using mobile data.)
Step 5: Transfer to the e-bike
After downloading, your smartphone will transfer the new software to your e-bike via Bluetooth.
This process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can use your bike as normal during this time – the only important thing is that the connection to the app remains intact and that your smartphone and bike are close to each other.
You can track the progress of the transfer at any time via the ‘Software Update’ tab on the app's home screen.
Step 6: Start installation
Once the transfer is complete, the ‘Install now’ option will appear on the ‘Software update’ card.
Tap on it to start the installation.
⚠️ During installation:
- Do not move the e-bike.
- Do not remove any components.
- The e-bike will restart at least once and briefly lose connection to the app.
- The green LEDs on your remote will flash, indicating that the installation is in progress and everything is working properly.
Step 7: Completion
When the LEDs stop flashing, the installation is complete.
You can switch your e-bike back on – the update has now been successfully installed.
Now update your rear derailleur in step 2 via the E-Tube Project Cyclist app to be able to use eShift.
Quick guide
Step 1: Install the app
Download the E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist app from Shimano and install it on your smartphone.
This app has been specially developed for configuring and updating Shimano Di2 components.
Step 2: Open the app & select user
Open the app. On the welcome screen, you will be asked if you want to register as a new user.
You can either register or skip the login.
Step 3: Connect to your bike
Ensure that your KTM e-bike is switched on and nearby.
The app connects to your bike's Shimano Di2 components via Bluetooth.
To do this, press the function button on the rear derailleur and connect to it in the app.
The app shows you recognised components such as:
- Rear derailleur (RD)
- Shifters
- Other connected Shimano units
Tap ‘OK’ to establish the connection.
Step 4: Update firmware
Once connected, the app will show you whether a firmware update is available for your shift components.
Click on Update in the bar at the top and then on Update All.
The app will guide you through the update process. Ensure that the connection remains stable during the update and that the bike is not switched off.
Step 5: Completion
Once the update is complete, your Shimano Di2 components are ready to work with the Bosch Smart System.
In combination with the Bosch software update (see Part 1), eShift is now fully activated and ready for use.