Shimano STEPS E-Bikes: E-Tube Ride Mobile App
If you own an electric bike with a Shimano STEPS drive system, there are two mobile apps that allow you to connect with your e-bike from your smartphone. We covered the Shimano E-Tube Project app in an earlier post, which allows you customize settings on the bike’s drive unit. Today we’ll talk about the E-Tube RIDE app, which allows you to map and visualize your rides, view real time data, and log and track metrics. Think of it like an advanced cycle computer, and all the necessary sensors to collect data are already integrated with your bike. If you’re considering a new e-bike, the STEPS equipped Montague M-E1 is the world’s first full-size performance folding e-bike, delivering premium ride quality while folding in seconds for the car trunk, train, or closet.
The first step is downloading the E-Tube RIDE app which is available for both iOS and Android. You can find links on the Shimano website, or download it in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching “E-Tube Ride”.
The following instructions show the process on iOS. If you’re using an Android device, the prompts and process may vary slightly. Once you’ve installed the E-Tube Ride app, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device in order to connect to your bike.
Connecting to Your E-Bike
The four buttons across the bottom of the app allow you to toggle between the available screens. The first screen which displays by default upon opening the app, allows you to manage connections to your e-bike and additional sensors if you have them. Tap the plus sign above “Add new wireless unit” and your phone will search for nearby Shimano STEPS e-bikes via Bluetooth.
In the example above, our bike shows up as “SCE7000” (it uses a 7000 series display). Tap the name of your bike and the app should connect automatically and return to the previous screen where your bike’s drive unit will be shown as “Connected”. In the future, bikes you’ve previously connected with will be saved here, and if one is found nearby when you open the app, it will connect automatically.
Real Time Ride Data
The second icon in the bottom menu opens the real-time ride data view. Most Shimano STEPS systems have a built-in screen on the handlebars that can show some of the same information, but the app can display several metrics at once in an easier to read and customizable layout, and allow you to log the data for later review. The best way to utilize this view is with a phone mount for your handlebars. There are several options out there, from simple clamps to rubber mounts that stretch around your phone, and even systems that lock into a purpose built phone case. Just be sure to get one that holds your phone securely!
There are several default layouts which you can toggle between by swiping left and right. Each one has a different number of panels on the screen, and each panel can be customized to show the information you choose. These range from a simple 4 panel layout up to 9 panels of data. The current mode of the drive system is also displayed along the bottom of the screen (OFF, ECO, NORMAL, or HIGH).
Tapping the panels icon in the upper right corner will enable editing the layout that is currently visible. Tap OK and you will enter Customize mode. Tapping that same panels icon in the upper right corner again will allow you to change the number of panels on the current view, cycling between 4, 6, 8, or 9 panels. Tapping directly on a panel will allow you to select the metric that is displayed there, including:
- Start logging (Displays a button to begin a new trip)
- Spd (Current speed)
- Dst (Distance of current trip)
- Riding time (of current trip)
- Avg/Max Spd (Average / Maximum Speed of current trip. Tap to toggle between)
- Cadence
- Avg/Max Cadence (Average / Maximum Cadence of current trip. Tap to toggle between)
- Clock
- Bike battery (Displays current battery % charge)
- Shifter battery (Only applicable if your bike uses electronic shifting)
- Sensor battery
- Gear (Only applicable if your bike uses electronic shifting)
- Number of teeth (Only applicable if your bike uses electronic shifting)
- E-BIKE Range (Estimated range based on current assist level)
- E-BIKE Odo (Odometer displays total distance traveled by the e-bike )
- E-BIKE Dst
- E-BIKE time
- Pwr (Rider power output)
- Avg/Max Pwr (Average / Maximum rider power output during current trip)
- LR Pwr (Rider power output for Left and Right pedal)
- Ped Eff (Pedal Efficiency displays % power applied to L/R pedal)
- Assist mode
- Assist profile
- Light
- Shift mode (Only applicable if your bike uses electronic shifting)
Tapping the Clock/Rewind icon in the upper right corner will reset the layout to the default view. You can choose to reset only the current layout you are viewing, or all layouts.
While in Customize view, a toggle will also appear in the bottom right corner of the screen, which allows you to toggle that particular layout ON or OFF. When toggled OFF, the layout will be hidden when you are no longer in the Customize view.
Register / Login with Shimano ID
Many features of the Shimano E-Tube RIDE app are only accessible once you are logged in with a Shimano ID. This includes the ride mapping and logging functions. Luckily, you can easily register entirely within the app, or login with your existing social media accounts, Google login, or Apple ID.
Begin by tapping the Gear icon in the bottom menu (farthest to the right) which will open the Settings menu. Tap “Sign up/Login” and you can either select an existing 3rd party account to login with (. Google, or Apple), or enter your email and info about yourself to register. If you register with your email, Shimano will send a verification email with a link to verify your account.
You have a few additional options in the settings menu as well, such as switching the units between miles and kilometers, toggling on/off sounds (Beep), toggling on/off screen sleep, and changing the language of the app. Below those settings you’ll find links to Shimano’s help documents and the E-Tube RIDE website.
Ride Planning and Mapping
When logged in, the “Ride” view (second button along the bottom menu) will have an additional map screen available where you can plan your routes. You can access it by swiping all the way to the left-most screen. Here you can search for destinations, drop pins to plan a multi-stop trip, and even download maps for use offline.
The basic functions of navigating the map will be familiar to users of other map apps, where swiping on the map will move the view, pinching will zoom, and rotating with two fingers will rotate the view. In order to plan a route, you’ll need to set a destination by dropping a pin. This is done by tapping and holding on the map. You can drop as many pins as you’d like, which will act as anchor points for the route (effectively stops along the way). The pins are numbered in the order you add them to the map, which will determine their order on the route. You can also use the search icon in the upper left corner to find destinations by searching by address or name of place.
Once you have your pin(s) placed, tap the “Create a route” button at the top of your screen, and the suggested route will be calculated and displayed in blue. The ride distance and estimated travel time will also be shown along the top of the screen. A red “X” now appears in the upper left corner which will cancel the current route, and below that is a download button which will save the map and route for viewing offline. This is especially useful if you’ll be riding in an area with limited cell service.
The map screen can display the same panels used on the other ride view screens in order to show real-time ride data while you use the map for navigation. These panels are only visible when you are in “tracking mode”, which positions your current location in the center of the screen. Enable tracking mode by tapping the round crosshair button in the upper right corner of the screen.
You can edit these content blocks in the same way as well, by tapping the panels button in the upper right. Tapping the panels button again will set the number of panels, and tapping the panels themselves will allow you to select what is displayed there. If you plan to log your rides, we find it useful to keep the “Start logging” button visible here so you don’t need to switch screens in order to start, pause, or stop your ride.
Next time: Logging and Analyzing Rides Shimano Connect Lab
In our next post, we’ll explore logging and reviewing your rides, and connecting with other services like Shimano Connect Lab or Strava in order to analyze your rides in greater detail. Stay tuned!
Montague M-E1
The Montague M-E1 is the world’s first full-size performance foldable e-bike. A revolutionary new e-bike designed for both urban riding and trekking, the M-E1 folds in seconds with a single quick release.
Shimano EP8 is the latest major development in e-bike motors. Let’s take a closer look at what it means for e-MTB riders.
Shimano EP8 motor: all you need to know
The Shimano EP8 is the Japanese manufacturer’s flagship e-bike motor. As the successor to the Shimano Steps E8000, the new motor has boosted e-MTB rides around the world. Now, there’s a second generation motor packed with even more features.
With a few new updates to the software, the new Shimano EP801 offers riders an unparalleled riding experience. In this article, we’ll showcase the major updates and show you which bikes you can find both the EP800 and EP801 motors on.
The EP8 motor allows you to concentrate on riding instead of shifting.
Shimano EP801 upgrades
The second generation Shimano EP8 (EP801) is a subtle yet mighty upgrade from the Gen 1 (EP800) motor.
Highly tuneable with the E-Tube Project app Compatible with Di2 for seamless electric shifting CAN and ACC accessory ports
Shimano EP801 tech specs
85 Nm maximum torque 250 watts of power 2.7 kg
Make the most of mountain biking with the Shimano EP8 motor
How does the new EP8 motor ride?
Shimano EP801 really comes into its own when you make use of the new intelligent shifting technology. “FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT redefines shifting as you know it,” states the Shimano website. “FREE SHIFT offers pedal-free shifting technology, so as you coast you can still change gear. AUTO SHIFT’s automatic intelligent shifting technology takes things further by selecting the correct gear for the terrain.”
Put simply, this motor allows you to concentrate on riding instead of shifting. If you’re coasting downhill, the rear derailleur will move up or down the cassette automatically, so that you’re in the right gear when you need to get going again. Smart!
In addition to all the tech, the EP8 motor (whether Gen 1 or Gen 2) offers a smooth, powerful and natural ride feel no matter the terrain or weather conditions. It’ll never let you down no matter where you are in your ride.
Shimano news 2023: EP801 motor update, new EP6 eMTB motor and new XT Di2 electronic e-bike shifting with automatic function
Three is the magic number, apparently the developers at Shimano must have thought. Thus, the component specialist from Japan presents three innovations for the e-bike sector at once. With the EP801 motor, an update of the Shimano EP8 drive, the new entry-level EP6 motor and an integrated automatic function for the electronic shift groups XT Di2 and the new CUES Di2.
The new Shimano EP801 motor, the new top dog among Shimano eMTB motors
The new Shimano EP801 is basically an adapted Shimano EP8 motor. With the latest version EP801 the motor is made fit for the new electronic shifting technology from the same company, more about that later. In addition, Shimano has turned the dial on the power delivery: The maximum torque of 85 Nm is now to be applied over a wider cadence range. Individualists will be delighted over the FINE TUNE function in the E-TUBE app. Instead of the familiar three support levels ECO, TRAIL and BOOST, up to 15 individually adjustable support levels can be saved.
The new Shimano EP6 motor – premium performance at a mid-range price?
The new Shimano EP6 motor is a cheaper alternative to the Shimano EP801 motor. The key performance data are almost congruent with the top model Shimano EP801: 85 Nm torque at a continuous power of 250 watts. Only the total weight of 3,0 kg is about 300 g heavier than the 2,7 kg EP8 system. The EP6 also comes with the new FINE TUNE MODE with 15 customizable support levels and is compatible with the new electronic e-bike gears XT Di2 and CUES Di2.
The new Shimano DEORE XT Di2 shifting 2023 – the automatic transmission for E-MTBs
With the latest generation of DEORE XT Di2 Shimano brings two new features to the market. With the FREE SHIFT technology, the changing of gears without pedaling is made possible. If the gear shift is actuated, the motor drives the chainring without the intervention of the rider until the shift is completed. This is said to allow for smooth gear changes even when freewheeling or negotiating rapidly changing sections of trail, providing a smoother riding experience. With the new AUTO SHIFT function, Shimano goes one step further: the new EP drives analyze speed and cadence and automatically select a suitable gear. If the circuit has misjudged the situation, the gears can be shifted manually as before. The circuit draws power from the main battery. The new XT Di2 is offered both as a Hyperglide variant with a 12-speed cassette and shifting and as a Linkglide variant with a more robust 11-speed cassette. In addition, Shimano launches the CUES Di2 groupset as an electronic e-bike shifting with 10 and 11 gears specifically for the city and commuting bike sector. The CUES Di2 also features the new FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT technologies, just like the sporty DEORE XT Di2 shifting. The previous Shimano EP8 motor or other Shimano motor are not backward compatible with the new electric groupsets.
The and availability of the new e-bike technologies from Shimano
The new e-bike motors and shift groups will only be available in complete bikes at market launch. The first e-bikes with new Shimano motors should be on sale in spring 2023. for the individual components are therefore not yet available to us.
Our conclusion on the e-bike novelties from Shimano
The new Shimano EP801 and EP6 motors are characterized above all by the compatibility with the new electronic shifting. Especially the new Shimano DEORE XT Di2 groupset appears very promising through the FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT technologies, not only for beginners, but also for everyone else. At best, it can increase the range and prepare for certain driving situations earlier. Whether it can also keep its promise of a particularly smooth driving experience, we will tell you after we have tested it extensively.
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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Shimano
SyncDrive Pro System
The SyncDrive Pro system, powered by the new Shimano EP8 motor, is a customized powertrain with 85Nm that produces smooth acceleration on paved roads, gravel or dirt. You can switch support modes using Shimano Di2 shift levers, allowing for a clean cockpit setup without an additional control unit.
SHIMANO EP8 POWERTRAIN
This SyncDrive Pro system is powered by the new Shimano EP8 motor. It’s tuned to respond less to torque input from the rider and more to cadence. This makes it ideal for steady pedaling and an excellent option for gravel E-bikes.
Light and Powerful
With a weight of only 2.8kg and 85Nm of torque, it is a relatively light and very powerful motor. We added slope and acceleration sensors to make it SmartAssist compatible, resulting in superior all-around performance.
Clean Setup
This system also works with a Shimano Di2 drivetrain, allowing the rider to change power modes with the shift levers. This provides a tidy handlebar setup without an additional E-bike head unit needed.
Gallery
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