History of Shimano E-Bike Motors
Shimano celebrated its 100th year in business in 2021. It started with one man’s dream a century ago. Japanese man Shozaburo Shimano founded a new company called Shimano Iron Works. His innovations from that first company still impact our lives today as they introduced the world to the freewheel.
The innovations didn’t stop with the freewheel. In the mid-1950s, Shimano gave the world the first external gear shifter, now called a derailleur. This was the start of a series of innovations that led to automatic shifting. That innovation has continued all the way up through the current era of electric bikes.
In 1965 Shimano opened its first headquarters outside of Japan in New York City. Shimano now has headquarters worldwide on almost every continent. And with a widespread global network of dealers, you can quickly find support for your Shimano-equipped e-bike.
Since the early 1970s, Shimano has been introducing technological advancements developed for pro cyclists down to all their retail sales for all bike and e-bike enthusiasts. Any Shimano-equipped e-bike we’ve reviewed are always innovative and often the first of their kind. Their ten motors are evidence of the ingenuity and versatility they bring to the eBike market.
What Motors Does Shimano Make Today?
DU-EP800
Shimano’s EP800 offers the most natural feeling so you can forget about the technology and just enjoy hitting the trail. Offering 20% more cruising range, this quiet and compact motor is designed to reduce pedal drag and it does it very well.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 85 Nm
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
DU-EP800-CRG
This is the cargo-tuned version of the EP800 which is a powerful and compact drive unit. You get all the same features and functions plus the power to get you and what you’re hauling up steep hills. You can also unlock additional features when you pair it with the SHIMANO Di2 internal geared hubs.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 85 Nm
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
DU-E8000
Designed to accommodate large tires and provide clearance for various suspensions, the E8000 drive unit is literally shaped to provide a smooth riding experience. The assist is balanced and gives a direct pedaling feel even if you have it off. The compact drive unit helps improve bike handling.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, V-BRAKE
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 70 Nm
- Weight: 2.88 lbs
DU-E7000
The short rear center of this drive unit is much like the E8000 in that it provides clearance for larger tires and suspensions. The steady assist power output is great and the direct pedaling feel is there whether the assist is powered on or not.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, V-BRAKE
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 60 Nm
- Weight: 2.79 lbs
DU-E6110
Like the E6100 drive unit, the E6110 offers fully automatic shifting, giving the rider a more natural riding experience. Thanks to the stingy battery use, the range is increased, letting you explore just a bit more when you hit the trail. The motor’s cutoff speed can be adjusted, which is a nice touch. The bike’s maneuverability is enhanced thanks to the driver’s short rear center.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, Roller brake, V-BRAKE, Coaster brake
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 60 Nm
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
DU-E6100
If you like to let the bike do the work, the E6100 drive unit offers fully automatic shifting. This provides a more natural riding experience. The stingy battery use increases the bike’s range, and the cutoff speed can be adjusted. The bike’s maneuverability is enhanced thanks to the driver’s short rear center.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, Roller brake, V-BRAKE
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 60 Nm
- Weight: 2.76 lbs
DU-E6100-CRG
The cargo-tuned drive unit version of the E6100 will have you hauling your cargo with confidence as you smoothly pedal, along with the bonus of the devoted cargo assist firmware.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 60 Nm
- Weight: 2.76 lbs
DU-E6050
This drive unit was designed specifically for the North American market, giving riders 250W of assistance up to 20 mph. Great for around town or light off-road use.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, V-BRAKE, Roller brake
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 50 Nm
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
DU-E6002
The E6002 drive unit is well-rounded and full of features. It is slightly heavier than other drive units, and it offers 250W of nominal power output, automatic shifting, and walk-assist mode. The automatic shifting is available when paired with a SHIMANO DI2 internal gear hub. No need to worry about brake type compatibility since the E6002 will work with them all.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, V-BRAKE, Roller brake, Coaster brake
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 50 Nm
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
DU-E5000
The E5000 may have the least available torque among the Shimano drive units, but it offers plenty with all its features. You’ll experience a comfortable ride with the optimized pedaling, and your ride will be extended thanks to the low battery usage. This unit is relatively quiet, is compact, and lightweight. With the DI2 internal gear hub and derailleur, you use automatic shifting and quick walk/intelligent walk assist.
- Compatible Brake Type: Disc, V-BRAKE, Roller brake, Coaster brake
- Continuous Rated Power: 250W
- Position: Mid-ship
- Max Torque: 40 Nm
- Weight: 2.38 lbs
What E-bike Brands Use Shimano Motors?
|
|
Final Verdict: Are Shimano Motors Good to Use?
Shimano is one of the oldest names in the bike industry, and they bring a wealth of knowledge to e-bikes. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and the biking community is second to none. The list of manufacturers who use Shimano components and motors is longer than most. They stand behind their product, offering a full 2-year warranty of all Shimano components.
Shimano motors and components are used globally on various types of e-bikes. You will find their products high-quality, durable and innovative.
Leave a Reply