Thanks to an update, the central motor for Shimano EP8 all-terrain electric bikes increases its responsiveness, and can even assist very occasionally without pedaling.
The Shimano EP8 motor (also called EP801 in its second generation), which we tested for example on the recent Orbea Diem, is more than sufficient for mixed use. For those wanting maximum performance in E-MTB, this is ideal! And since it’s connected, it can also receive upgrades. Announced this summer and developed by the professional Yeti Shimano EP Racing Team, the new update has finally arrived.
The Shimano EP8 motor is perfected
The main evolution of the Shimano EP801 is based on an even more powerful Boost mode, so that the assistance reaches 400% more quickly from the moment you press the pedal (up to 600 W max). For the Japanese brand, this point would allow athletes “to overcome the most technical climbs with confidence ».
Still in the interest of performance, the EP8 motor adds a function to maintain assistance, even without pedaling. Be careful, there is no question of riding without effort. Shimano explains that this is done to “avoid losing momentum and balance » in difficult areas. The adjustment is possible over three durations – short, medium or long – in order to adapt to the route of the electric mountain bike, and is cut off by backpedaling.
Better management of assistance and speeds
Another improvement of the Shimano EP801 is a customization of the electric assistance cut-off. Indeed, it can sometimes be brutal, potentially modifying the behavior of the electric bike, or hindering the cyclist. From now on, it is manageable on several levels, from very progressive to sharper, always compliant with the legal limit (25 km/h in Europe).
Finally, the automatic “Auto Shift” shift becomes faster on the Shimano EP8 motor, and can be briefly stopped by manually shifting gears. This also applies to the EP6 engine, which we tested on the O2feel Vern 7 FS Adventure.
The “5.3.4” update has therefore been possible for a few days, via the Shimano E-Tube Project Cyclist application. Assistance maintenance and disconnection settings are possible via this application, available for free on iOS and Android.
