Firmware update for the Shimano e-bike motor: Now available via app: EP801 "Race" update

Update 5.11.2024 - Firmware update now via app

Shimano had already presented its latest firmware update for its e-bike motors at Eurobike 2024. Until then, however, the new functions could only be installed and adjusted at the dealer. With the latest version of the E-Tube app, this can now be done from the comfort of your own home. This version also allows all functions to be fully utilised and adjusted. Previously, it was not possible to fine-tune the new motor settings via the app.

New Shimano motors have been supplied with the new software since Eurobike. However, the new functions such as extended coasting must be explicitly activated in the app. This is now possible. Bikers now have the opportunity to check out the differences in the individual parameters in detail and set their personal favourite setup.

The software's two presets are helpful here. For example, a smooth and an aggressive preset can be preset. The appropriate preset can be selected directly on the display - without the need for an app. Ideal for a one-to-one comparison of different settings or as preparation for various application scenarios

What the new Shimano software can do

Shimano's EP801 is already a real top motor. The ratio of weight to power is the best of all e-bike motors, the high-torque character, the extensive adjustability via the app and the high level of support have many fans. One of the main points of criticism besides the rattling downhill: hardly any coasting for technical uphills. Shimano is now improving this and a few other issues with new firmware.

By the way: The little brother EP6 will probably only get the Auto-Shift update and the adjustable behaviour at the 25 km/h limit. Caster and support level are probably reserved for the top model.

Lightweight powerhouse: The Shimano EP801 in the motor test

Inexpensive and good? How the Shimano EP6 performs

Always full throttle: even higher level of support

In terms of pure peak power, the competition from Bosch and Pinion is still slightly ahead, but the Shimano EP801 is already unbeatable in one discipline: the level of support. Even with an emphatically relaxed pedal input from the rider (110 watts), the motor spits out a whopping 545 watts, as our large laboratory test showed. This corresponds to an assistance level of over 500 per cent. The Shimano already clearly exceeds the factory specification of 400 per cent. No other motor pushes so hard at the bottom!

With the new software, however, Shimano claims to have made further improvements here and promises even more motor power with even less rider power. This should take the drive even further away from the factory specification of 400 per cent support. Shimano also speaks of a more direct response behaviour. This could shorten the idling distance when starting off - in practice, this should make a greater difference than an even higher level of assistance.

Smooth or abrupt: motor behaviour of the Shimano EP801 now adjustable at the 25 km/h limit

Another point of criticism in the past was that the Shimano cut out at the 25 km/h limit. The EP801 pushes more clearly here and also stops more clearly. Other motors creep the assistance on and off more gently, which has a more harmonious effect. Shimano is now making improvements via firmware and making the switch-off behaviour adjustable in three stages. Racers can set the assistance so that the motor pushes fully up to the switch-off limit and then switches off hard. For everyday users, there is a much gentler setting that reduces the assistance at the 25 km/h limit earlier but ensures a less abrupt switch-off.

Finally: Engine coasting helps on technical uphills

The motor overrun can now also be adjusted in three stages. If the rider stops pedalling abruptly, for example to avoid hitting a step on an uphill section, Shimano can now also set the motor to coast a few metres. This makes technically demanding climbing sections much easier.

Here too, Shimano is responding to criticism, not least from its own racing teams (Yeti, Rotwild-Schwalbe). There is now a choice of no, short or long coasting. If the rider pedals even slightly backwards, the motor switches off immediately. Shimano has probably installed this feature for safety reasons.

E-drive optimised for racing: Auto-Shift gets an update

Shimano has also revised the algorithm of the auto-shift function for racing, which is available in combination with EP6 or EP801 and the XT or Cues Di2 drivetrains. Particularly when braking hard, the automatic system should now shift more reactively so that a suitable gear is available again when starting off or after tight bends. In addition, the automatic system now intervenes less quickly after the rider has taken control manually. This is particularly important before sharp changes in speed, for example when travelling from a high speed into a steep uphill section.

>> Shimano versus Sram: How the shifting giants fare in the Auto-Shift reader test

BIKE Conclusion

A lot has happened at Shimano since the EP801 and its higher performance. Now the Japanese company is adding firmware. Problems such as the annoying rattling downhill and the lack of power at high cadence remain, but the new caster in particular should make the Shimano more interesting again for technical uphills. - Adrian Kaether, Test and Technology Editor for BIKE and EMTB