Reference

Shimano STEPS and EP drive units explained: E5000 to EP801, EP6 and EP5

How to identify a Shimano drive unit, what separates STEPS E5000 to E8000 from EP8, EP801, EP6 and EP5, and which jobs need E-TUBE PROJECT Professional at a dealer.

Last edited Nov 8, 2026 by Pedalwise team Edit History Add a subpage

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Shimano makes mid-drive units, displays, switches and batteries that many bike brands build into their e-bikes. The older range was sold as SHIMANO STEPS, and the newer EP family sits under SHIMANO E-BIKE SYSTEMS. This page helps you work out which drive unit you have, what separates the models, and what an owner can do compared with a Shimano dealer.

How to tell which one you have

Read the drive unit code. Shimano drive units carry a DU code. Shimano's spec list includes the DU-E5000, DU-E5080, DU-E6100, DU-E6110, DU-E6180, DU-E7000, DU-E8000, DU-E8080, DU-E5100, DU-EP500, DU-EP600, DU-EP800, DU-EP801 and DU-EP810, plus cargo (CRG) versions of some (Shimano drive unit spec list).
Check the display. The E8000 series manual covers the SC-E8000, SC-E6010, SC-E6100 and SC-E7000 cycle computers and the EW-EN100 junction (E8000 user's manual).
Use the app. E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist connects to the bike, shows your parts and checks for errors and warnings (Shimano FAQ).

Models and what's different

STEPS E5000, E6100 and E7000. Units from the earlier range, still on Shimano's spec list. Your bike's manual gives the figures for each.
STEPS E8000. E7000 and E8000 bikes have four assist modes: BOOST, TRAIL, ECO and WALK. Shimano lists 500 W maximum power for the E8000 (Shimano FAQ).
EP8 (EP800 and EP801) and EP6 (EP600). The EP801 and EP6 both give up to 85 Nm, a rated 250 W and assist to 25 km/h, and both offer AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT. The EP801 peaks at 600 W in a magnesium housing, while the EP6 peaks at 500 W in an aluminum one (EP801 and EP6 compared). The EP800 is also listed at 500 W (Shimano FAQ). Shimano says the EP801 and EP6 added new CAN and ACC ports for connected parts (Shimano drive unit tech), and that FREE SHIFT and ABS are supported only by the EP801 and EP600 (EP8, EP6 and EP5 manual).
EP5 and E5100. Shimano describes the EP5 as an urban unit with 60 Nm, between the EP8 and EP6 at up to 85 Nm and the gentler E5100 at up to 50 Nm (New EP5).

Apps and software

E-TUBE PROJECT Cyclist is the phone app. Riders use it to change assist and AUTO SHIFT settings, assign switches and check for errors (Shimano FAQ).
E-TUBE PROJECT Professional is the PC software shops use. Shimano says it updates firmware and shows Service Report information.
Compatibility lists. Shimano keeps lists of which batteries work with which drive units, so check before buying a spare battery.

What this means for repair

What an owner can do:

Check the power is on, the assist mode is not off and the battery is charged (Shimano assist checks).
If assist feels weak, check tire pressure, then switch off and on again with your feet off the pedals so the torque sensor sets up properly.
On an SC-E6100, check the bracket's contact terminal for dirt if assist cuts in and out.
Read errors with the app and look them up on Shimano STEPS error codes.

What needs a Shimano dealer:

Firmware updates and Service Reports with E-TUBE PROJECT Professional, and battery checks with the SM-PCE02 interface (Shimano FAQ).
Maintenance when the wrench icon shows, frame mounting bolts after the bottom bracket has moved, and a battery that won't charge, fit or come out.
Safe Mode. If tampering is detected, the system shows E295 and then E299, and only a Shimano office or authorized distributor can lift it with a special device (EP8, EP6 and EP5 manual).

Shimano drive units and batteries are sealed. Never open them, and never try to change the assist speed. Battery and wiring faults need a Shimano dealer. See battery won't charge and e-bike battery care.

Videos

The Definitive Guide To Shimano's New 2023 EP6 Drive System: EMBN's First Look from Electric Mountain Bike Network: EMBN's walkthrough of the Shimano EP6 system, covering the motor, battery options, display and how it differs from the EP8.

Sources

Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.

Need a pro?

If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network. For battery or wiring trouble, look for shops marked Battery and electrical.

Talk

Questions, things that worked for you, or something that looks wrong on this page.

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