Japanese component manufacturer Shimano has launched two new drive units for electric bikes, the EP5 and EP5100. The brand says the new drive units “represent a significant step into a new era of e-bikes, allowing riders to explore further, make deeper connections and experience the natural joy of cycling.”
The new EP5 and EP5100 systems complement Shimano’s existing range of e-bike drives, with the EP8 and EP6 systems aimed at mountain biking, while the EP6100 and E5000 systems are more suitable for urban mobility and commuting.
E-bikes for commuting and urban mobility are terms that increasingly go hand in hand as more and more people turn to e-bikes as a solution for getting around town and commuting. It seems that Shimano has aimed its latest drive units specifically at this part of the cycling community.
We expect to see these systems on hybrid and commuter e-bikes (Image credit: Shimano)
EP5: Power and range in balance
The EP5 system offers riders plenty of customization options and the ability to adjust the feel and characteristics of each of the three assist modes (Eco, Trail and Boost) via Shimano’s E-Tube Project Cyclist app. The 3-kilogram EP5 system can deliver up to 60 Nm of torque and is compatible with disc, roller or coaster brake systems.
However, it’s difficult to accurately calculate the range of an e-bike system. Shimano is confident that the EP5 can provide up to 270 kilometers of assistance on a single battery charge on a “mostly flat commuter route.” If riders don’t have 270-kilometer rides in mind, that means the system could last a week or more between charges.
Another feature of the EP5 is its compatibility with the Auto-Shift function for bikes with internal gear hubs or rear derailleurs. As the name suggests, the rider is relieved of the need to shift gears and the bike shifts for you, keeping you in the most appropriate gear based on your cadence, rider input and motor assistance.
In regions where regulations allow it, the EP5 drive unit can provide assistance up to a maximum speed of 28 mph. However, in regions such as the UK and EU, all e-bike classes are limited to a maximum assist speed of 25 km/h (15 mph).
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The EP5 offers a range of 270 km (Image credit: Shimano)
EP5100: Built for everyday e-biking
Joining the EP5 is the EP5100, which the manufacturer says is a cheaper drive unit. Weighing 2.4 kg and with 50 Nm of torque, the motor offers slightly less assistance than the EP5. Aimed at “commuting and everyday adventures,” the EP5100 is designed to bridge the gap between traditional cycling and pedal-assisted cycling.
The EP5100 is designed to provide riders with a smooth and natural support platform. Just like its higher-end sibling, the EP5100 can be customized via the E-Tube Project Cyclist app.
For riders who want to take advantage of the brand’s auto-shift technology, the EP5100 is only compatible with internal hub gears, unlike the EP5 system, which can handle both internal hub gears and traditional external derailleurs. Like the EP5, it is also compatible with disc, roller and coaster brakes.
Ahead of its launch, Shimano stated that the EP5100 is “inspired by over a hundred years of cycling history and bridges the worlds of cycling and e-biking by providing a lightweight and responsive assistance system while giving the rider a natural feel and reliable performance with every pedal stroke.”
We don’t have pricing for the new units yet, but expect to see them on commuter and hybrid e-bikes in the near future.
The drive systems are easy to charge (Image credit: Shimano)
