UNDERSTANDING SHIMANO’S NEW STEPS EP8 E-BIKE MOTOR…

As E-Bike systems continue to revolutionise how a growing number of our customers participate in cycling, hi-tech brands with their fingers on the pulse continue to push their design and manufacturing processes to create e-bike hardware and software that really improves rider-experience; Shimano is one such company and is arguably one of brands at the forefront of e-bike development. Calling on their wealth of experience in the development of e-bike technology Shimano are back with an all new e-bike motor – introducing the Shimano Steps EP8 motor….

The Shimano Steps EP8 motor in detail…

The new EP8 motor is considerably more quiet that its closest predecessor, boasting a significantly lighter weight overall, cleaner, more compact integration and smoother, more natural feeling pedaling assistance. Key improvements include:

• High power with greater bike control
• Lightweight
• Clean integration
• Quieter drive unit
• Smoother pedaling
• Heat management

The Shimano Steps EP8 motor has a maximum torque output of 85Nm with the power delivery being direct but incredibly smooth to ensure you are in full control with a natural ride feeling. The motor features a Magnesium drive unit casing which is more compact than previous Shimano motors as well as being 300g lighter than their E8000 motor.

EP8 Hardware – Key Features:

• 85Nm high torque output
• Highly efficient for long riding range
• HOLLOWTECH shaft increases stiffness and decreases weight
• One-way clutch produces smooth, immediate engagement and reduces drag for natural feel
• 3-Stage gearing system gives 6 gears in total in a compact design
• 2-piece high-precision torque sensor gives high-accuracy torque measuring for responsive characteristics and natural power output
• Refined trail mode boosts rider comfort, control and confidence
• E-tube project App allows you to customise your ride
• Compact magnesium body allows for optimised frame design, decreasing weight and enhancing handling
• Pedaling drag cut by 36% (vs. E8000 motor)
• Better heat resistance – outputs max torque for longer without overheating

Using the EP8 Assist Switch…

The EP8’s system includes an SW-EM800-L assist switch to control the motor. Improvements on this model over its predecessors include a more ergonomic concave button profile and easier operation without gloves.

Key features include:

• Compact design for neater cockpit setup
• Switch between ‘Off’ ‘Eco’ ‘Trail’ and ‘Boost’ modes

EP8 Software explained…

Shimano haven’t just stopped at improving their e-bike motors; they’ve focused on the system’s software too with a number of advancements in technology on previous versions.
Key improvements:

• The right power at the right time
• Optimised TRAIL mode
• Long cruising range
• Highly customizable
• Rider-friendly tuning on the fly
• Refined intelligent walk assist

When you’re riding in Optimised Trail mode it’s possible to control the motor so that there is less energy consumption at low input torques, however, when you push harder the EP8 motor provides additional support to help you power up the trail.

The Shimano Steps EP8 software enables you to customise a multitude of factors to suit a wide variety of bikes, terrains and riding styles; using the E-TUBE PROJECT App you can customise:

• Assist character (10 levels)
• Max torque (20-85Nm)
• Assist start (5 levels)

Using the 2 pre-set Profiles…

To get you out there riding, Shimano have pre-loaded two profiles which are accessible via the display. These profiles are suited to a variety of terrain, from challenging singletrack and flowing fire roads all the way through to technical rocky sections. The original factory settings consist of Profile 1 with more versatile assist settings that cover everything from fire roads to challenging single tracks and a Profile 2 with high-performance default assist settings tuned for extreme riding, rapidly delivering the maximum assist in technical sections without sacrificing controllability. The rider can then adjust these profiles to his or her needs.

Profile 1:

• ECO: Great for daily commuting, accessing basic trails and riding on fire roads. Provides moderate assist output and low battery consumption.
• TRAIL: Versatile setting that covers everything from fire roads to difficult single tracks. Excellent assist torque control provides the proper amount of torque output according to the rider’s pedaling force, and reliably transmits this force to the ground.
• BOOST: Produces effective bike control on technical trails. Emphasises faster application of assist torque for situations where high assist torque needs to be rapidly applied.

Profile 2:

• ECO: Great for daily commuting, accessing basic trails and riding on fire roads. Provides moderate assist output and low battery consumption.
• TRAIL: More powerful assist supports difficult single track riding while maintaining the controllability of output torque. Excellent assist torque control provides the proper amount of torque output according to the rider’s pedaling force, and reliably transmits it to the ground’s surface.
• BOOST: Drive unit’s assist is set to the maximum level to support extreme riding. This mode is highly effective in situations that require a sharp rise in acceleration, such as climbing on steep slopes and maintaining bike control when riding over obstacles.

So what about the EP3 system’s Battery?…

To accompany their new Steps EP8 e-bike motor system Shimano have produced an equally compact integrated battery for the downtube, freeing up bike brands to create even more svelte-looking e-bikes, as seen here on the Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB. This 630Wh integrated battery is quick charging with a 50% charge taking 2.5 hours and a full charge taking 6 hours.

So that’s a quick highlight of some of the best aspects of the brilliant Shimano Steps EP8 e-bike motor; you’ll see this system being spec’d on more and more e-MTB’s in the coming months. We’ve recently taken delivery of the very impressive Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 e-MTB with it’s super-cool 27.5 / 29″ wheel ‘mullet’ configuration (business up front, party at the back). Check out a full review of the bike in our Fast Bike Friday Blog now…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 Photos by James Vincent