The first electric bike drive system from Shimano is appropriately named Steps (Shimano Total Electric Power System). Shimano integrates the individual components in a way that has hardly ever been available before.

Hub motor HM-E500V: drive, generator & brake

The front hub motor fits into conventional forks with an installation width of 100 millimetres. The brushless drive with gearbox delivers 250 watts at a voltage of 24 volts. It supports the ride up to a speed of 25 km/h and, according to Shimano, should impress with a smooth switch-off at the upper limit of the support power. A recuperation function is also built in, which recharges the battery during the ride and also serves as a hub dynamo and motor brake.

Crank/bottom bracket FC-E500/501, SM-TSE1: Sensitive pedaling

The sensors for determining the rider's pedaling force are located in the bottom bracket and the crank, which are built according to the Hollowtech2 standard. The torque and crank rotation are measured. There is a choice of two single cranks with trouser guards or for combination with a chain case.

Battery unit AI-E500/SM-BTE1: 3000x full charge in one hour

A technical highlight of Steps is the battery pack. The lithium-ion battery with 4Ah capacity can be fully charged in just one hour and has a service life of 3000 charging cycles. By comparison, similar pedelec batteries reach the end of their service life after 500 to 800 charging cycles. Thanks to recuperation and the efficient motor, one charge should last for up to 60 kilometers of assistance. The battery pack is designed to be mounted in a special rack, but this is not included in the Shimano scope of delivery. However, a mounting rail and the integrated LED rear light with parking light are included.

Lighting system LP-E500-F: Immerheller

The LED headlight with parking light is powered by the system in the same way as the rear light. If the battery is empty, the lighting is supplied with power directly from the front hub.

Cockpit SC-E500: Handlebar cinema

The computer mounted centrally above the stem informs the rider about the battery charge level and the selected support or recuperation level of the motor. The 1.8-inch display also shows the basic speedometer functions of speed, partial and total distance and the time.

Pair of BL-E500 brake levers: Everything under control
Via the integrated control buttons in the

In addition to mechanical brake levers, all electronic elements can also be controlled by Steps. Two buttons on the left brake lever can be used to select the motor's assistance power (three levels of assistance, neutral position, two levels of recuperation). The central switch-on button is located right next to it. The two buttons on the right-hand lever are used to switch on the lighting system and operate the cockpit display. Sensors in both brake levers measure the braking force currently being applied and ensure that the recuperation supports the deceleration performance during each braking process, regardless of the selected support level.

SG-E500 gear hub: quick change

As an option, Shimano offers an electrically controlled gear hub based on the proven Nexus8 Premium. Two buttons on the right brake lever control the motor on the axle, which triggers the gear change. Shimano cites fast gear changes with minimal effort as the main advantage of this shifting system. If this option is selected, the Steps cockpit is also the gear indicator for the gear shift.

Bike manufacturers who choose not to use the electronic gear hub can combine Steps with any other derailleur or hub gear. For space reasons, however, a twist grip cannot be used. In addition, Steps is not designed for shifting with a front derailleur. According to Shimano, however, this shifting option does not correspond to the target group.

Shimano also ensures uncomplicated handling over the long term by ensuring that all components are waterproof. If problems do occur, specialist dealers can identify them using diagnostic software. This can be set up on any PC and connected to the pedelec via a USB interface.

Complete bikes from December
Shimano has announced that the first delivery date will be next December. A version with roller brakes will follow in the course of next year, although this will require a special fork with a wider hub installation dimension. A back-pedal version of the electronic gear hub is also planned. Steps will only be supplied to bicycle manufacturers as a set - a retrofit version for retailers is not planned. The price for complete bikes with the Shimano drive is likely to start at CHF 4000.

www.shimano.com