With the newly available firmware version 3.4.3, Shimano's Steps e-mountainbike systems - namely the E8000 and E7000 - can now be set to High, Medium or Low Eco mode in addition to Boost and Trail mode. This allows the rider to find the perfect setting to achieve more range or more power, depending on their preference.

Shimano's mountain bike units, or rather their software, offer three predefined settings to choose from for different riding characteristics:

1. Dynamic is the factory setting, with Boost mode set to High, Trail mode to Low and Eco mode to High. The high setting of Boost mode offers maximum support for tackling terrain with challenging climbs, while the low setting of Trail mode guarantees optimum control in tricky technical sections, but still full support when pedaling hard. Finally, the Eco mode set to high ensures a good balance between range and riding enjoyment.

2 In the Explorer setting, both the Boost and Trail modes are set to Medium. It conveys a feeling for the higher speeds provided by the drive assistance, but at the same time is associated with a high degree of control in technical riding situations. Eco mode is also set to High here to provide adequate support in any terrain, especially when discovering unknown trails and tours.

3 Finally, the Custom setting allows you to configure Boost, Trail and Eco mode individually and choose between High, Medium and Low for each of these modes. This means that the right setup can be found for every riding style, every terrain and every individual preference. For example, let's say you want to ride over relatively flat forest trails on a rainy day with a heavy backpack. Then the Boost mode on Low offers enough support for the flat profile, Low also ensures optimum traction on the wet ground for the Trail mode and the Eco mode in the High setting compensates for the high weight. The custom settings are also very practical when different people are riding together and can adapt the riding characteristics of their bikes to each other so that nothing stands in the way of a harmonious tour in a group.

And the best thing about it is that selecting and configuring the modes and settings is incredibly easy: it can be done conveniently via a cable connection to the PC or, as of today, wirelessly via Bluetooth using a tablet or smartphone app (aka E-Tube project). This means that the e-bike can be individually adjusted not only at home, but also on the trail. After the high, medium and low settings could already be selected in the custom setting for boost and trail mode, these are now also available for eco mode:

- Eco - High: This is the factory setting, which provides noticeable support power for dynamic riding behavior or higher loads with a sufficient range.

- Eco - Medium: This setting guarantees the best balance between range and assistance power and ensures a natural riding experience.

- Eco - Low: This is the setting for maximum range. This setting is ideal for cyclists who value the physical training effect above all and still want a little support for climbs or headwinds.

Jeroen Van Vulpen, e-bike brand manager at Shimano Europe, explains: "We see that e-mountain bikes are used in many different ways in many countries. That's why we thought about how we could offer all these people the opportunity to adjust their e-bike to their individual needs. Some people need a lot of power because they mainly ride on hilly terrain, while others value maximum range. With the new option of also being able to set the Eco mode individually, the Steps system can now be adapted even more precisely to the requirements of each individual in terms of support, characteristics and range."

The firmware update that enables the Eco mode to be set has recently been made available for PCs and, as of today, also for tablets and smartphones. To install this firmware update (Ver. 3.4.3), users can go to the Shimano E-Tube Project website and simply follow the instructions there.

https://www.shimano-steps.com/e-bikes/switzerland/de/service/E-tube