E-bike displays are more than just screens; they are the command center of your electric bike, providing essential information and controls right at your fingertips. Think of them as your e-bike’s mission control, they’re not just about showing you how fast you’re going—they’re about giving you the tools to make the most out of your e-bike. There are many brands offering displays with unique features and capabilities, from the budget-friendly options to high-end, feature-rich displays.
Your Personal Riding Assistant: Stay Informed, Ride Smarter
E-bike displays are essential to track your performance and optimize battery life. These smart displays empower you to make smart decisions on the fly, putting a wealth of real-time data at your disposal.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Keep tabs on your current speed, average speed, maximum speed, trip distance, total distance (odometer), and remaining battery life. This real-time feedback allows you to make informed decisions about your route and pace, ensuring you get the most out of your ride.
- Effortless Control: Effortlessly adjust your pedal assist level on the go to match the terrain and your desired level of effort. Whether you want a gentle boost for cruising or a powerful surge for conquering hills, the Bafang display puts you in control.
- Personalized Experience: Personalize your display to show the information that matters most to you. Choose from various data fields like current time, cadence, and estimated range, and adjust settings like display brightness to your liking.
- Advanced Features: Some electric bike displays offer additional features like backlighting for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with fitness apps, and even USB charging for your devices.
Comparing E-Bike Displays for Mid-Drive & Hub Motors
Whether you’re looking for basic functionality or advanced features, this comparison of popular e-bike displays from top brands (Bafang, Tongsheng, Shimano, and Bosch) will help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Model | Bafang 800S | Bafang 850C | Bafang 750C | Bafang DPC-C18 | Tongsheng VLCD5 | Tongsheng VLCD6 | Shimano SC-E6100 | Shimano SC-E8000 | Bosch Purion | Bosch Intuvia | Bosch Nyon |
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Brand | Bafang | Bafang | Bafang | Bafang | Tongsheng | Tongsheng | Shimano | Shimano | Bosch | Bosch | Bosch |
Color | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Size | 3.2″ | 3.2″ | 2.8″ | 2.8″ | 2.4″ | 2.4″ | 2.7″ | 1.6″ | 2.1″ | 2.8″ | 3.2″ |
Bluetooth | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
USB Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
GPS | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Waterproof | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | IP65 | IPX5 | IPX7 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX7 |
Speed (AVG/MAX/Real) | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | No/No/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | No/No/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
Odometer/Trip/Time | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/No | Yes/Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes/Yes |
Speed Limit | 10-99 km/h | 10-99 km/h | 10-99 km/h | 10-99 km/h | 10-40 km/h | 10-40 km/h | 10-50 km/h | 10-50 km/h | 10-45 km/h | 10-45 km/h | 10-45 km/h |
Headlight | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Walking Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Indicator | V/% /Off | V/% /Off | V/% /Off | % only | V only | V/% /Off | % only | % only | % only | % only | % only |
Compatible Motors | BBS01B, BBS02B, BBSHD, M-Series | BBS01B, BBS02B, BBSHD, M-Series | BBS01B, BBS02B, BBSHD, M-Series | BBS01B, BBS02B, BBSHD, M-Series | TSDZ2, TSDZ2B, TSDZ8 | TSDZ2, TSDZ2B, TSDZ8 | STEPS E6100, E7000 | STEPS E8000 | Active Line, Performance Line | Active Line, Performance Line | Performance Line CX |
Notes
- V = Voltage, % = Percentage
- Speed limit ranges may vary based on local regulations and specific motor configurations
- Walking mode is typically limited to 6 km/h or less, regardless of display capabilities
- Some features may require additional sensors or specific motor configurations
Key Differences & Considerations
When selecting an e-bike display, several crucial factors come into play. These key differences and considerations can significantly impact your riding experience, from basic functionality to advanced features and compatibility.
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Display Technology
- LCD vs. Color: While basic models use monochrome LCD, advanced displays like Bafang 800S/850C and Bosch Nyon offer full-color screens for enhanced readability and design.
- Screen Size: Ranges from compact 1.6″ (Bosch Purion, Shimano SC-E8000) to larger 4.3″ (Bosch Intuvia), affecting information density and visibility.
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Feature Set
- Basic: All displays show speed, distance, and battery level.
- Advanced: Higher-end models offer customizable screens, multiple speed metrics (AVG/MAX/Real-time), and detailed trip information.
- Premium: GPS navigation (Bosch Nyon), extensive customization (Bafang 800S/850C), and potential for app integration.
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Connectivity
- Bluetooth: Present in high-end models (Bafang 800S/850C, Shimano, Bosch Nyon) for smartphone pairing and data syncing.
- USB Charging: Available on some models, adding convenience for charging devices on the go.
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Battery Information
- Display options vary from basic percentage indicators to more detailed voltage readouts and customizable displays.
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Waterproofing
- Ratings range from IPX4 (splash-resistant) to IPX7 (immersion up to 1m), crucial for all-weather riding.
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Price Range
- Basic displays start around $50-$100.
- Mid-range options with color screens and more features range from $100-$200.
- High-end displays with GPS and advanced features can exceed $300.
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Compatibility
- Critical to ensure the display matches your e-bike’s motor and controller.
- Some displays may require additional sensors or specific configurations to utilize all features.
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Regulatory Compliance
- Speed limit settings vary (10-99 km/h), but actual limits should be set according to local e-bike regulations.
Your Personal Co-Pilot to a Smarter, More Connected Ride
Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you’re ready to choose the e-bike display that will elevate your riding experience, whether you have an e-bike with a mid-drive motor, hub motor, or are considering an e-bike conversion kit. Remember, your choice of display can significantly impact your overall cycling experience, so choose wisely to get the most out of your e-bike. Explore the options, compare features, and find the display that’s perfect for you.