While working as R&D Lead for Trek’s City group, I helped develop a Trek-specific system for removing and carrying Bosch’s newly introduced PowerTube battery.

Bosch’s original mounting hardware securely integrated the battery into the frame, but the removal process left an opportunity for a better user experience. Our goal was to create a solution that was intuitive, robust, and visually clean while giving Trek’s Bosch-equipped e-bikes a meaningful point of differentiation.

After extensive prototyping and user-experience testing, we developed RIB—the Removable Integrated Battery system. Its integrated handle serves multiple functions: it secures the battery within the frame, catches it when the lock is released to prevent it from falling, and provides a comfortable carrying handle once the battery is removed.

After unlocking the system, the battery moves partially out of the frame but remains safely supported by the handle. Pressing the handle releases it completely, naturally placing the user’s hand in position to lift and carry the battery. This simple sequence transformed a potentially awkward task into a controlled and intuitive interaction.

The RIB system was subsequently used across Trek’s range of Bosch-powered e-bikes with internally mounted batteries, creating a consistent and recognizable user experience throughout the portfolio.