Optically, Shimano's new EP8 drive unit appears noticeably slimmer, even if the volume is only ten percent less. Thanks to the matching motor cover, the Lightrider E2 has not only retained its curves, its appearance has been refined even further. And the riding performance? Is the new drive noticeably more powerful, perceptibly quieter and more natural in its power delivery?

Train versus e-mountainbike

The first short test starts at the train station in Täsch. The destination is the Cervo vacation apartment, just five minutes by bike from the station in Zermatt. Starting the motor still works in the same way as its predecessor: no pressure on the pedal and press the start button for a brief moment.
The train takes 15 minutes to travel from Täsch to Zermatt. We don't use the battery-saving mode and start immediately in boost mode. The EP8 pushes the Lightrider noticeably more powerfully but also more regularly and in a more controlled manner, even though boost mode is not actually suitable for starting.

But it only gets interesting off-road. While the rider's gaze does not acknowledge the watch, the route choice falls on the "Matterhorn Valley Trail". Still on the highest setting, the difference in power compared to the E8000 drive - 85 instead of 70 newton meters - is now clearly noticeable. Immersed in the uphill flash, the tight bends are quickly forgotten - the brakes save you from overconfidence and almost bring rider and bike to a standstill.
While the predecessor required a significantly higher cadence to get going, the new drive is forgiving of a heavier gear to get going. It does this with pleasant regularity and also handles load changes with noticeably less jerkiness. These are ideal characteristics for mastering even technically demanding passages.

What has to go up, wants to go down

Even in robust all-mountain trim, Thömus "Lightrider E2" also impressed uphill with its agile but stable handling and good traction. But the real fun always awaits on the downhill, and that's where modern e-mountainbikes have already set the bar very high.

Despite its smooth ride, the Lightrider E2 is still easy to maneuver through tight corners. For the time being, there are no very tight switchbacks on our route selection and will be covered in a more detailed test. However, the signs are good for the nimble Bernese that it will also master these challenges well.

Conclusion

Thömus Lightrider E2 makes an extremely high-quality impression and is a lot of fun from the very first ride. The e-mountainbike impresses with very good handling both uphill and downhill and a well-balanced, strong chassis. You quickly feel comfortable on it without a long familiarization phase. The in-house super battery seems like a good investment. However, time will tell what it can really do.
The new Shimano EP8 drive is a huge improvement on its predecessor, the E8000 - significantly more powerful, quieter, more natural, more controlled power delivery. No weaknesses were discernible on the first two rides. A more detailed test of the EP8 drive will follow in the next few weeks and will also provide more in-depth experiences.