Shimano EP6 e-bike motor in the EMTB Check: What can the "small" Shimano EP6 motor do?

Already at the Shimano presented the new EP6 motor at Eurobike 2022. At the same time as the EP8 was updated to the new EP801. However, what really characterises the two new e-bike motors from the Japanese company remained somewhat unclear at first. And it also took quite a while before e-bikes with the new drives rolled into the shops. In the meantime, both the top model EP801 and the more affordable EP6 variant have arrived on the market. And we were able to ride both mid-drive motors extensively on various test bikes. Time for a check-up. Are the EP801 and EP6 really noticeably different?

We have already been able to test the new Shimano EP801 extensively in the lab and in practice. Now comes the comparison with the more favourable EP6 - whose full name is EP600. Thanks to the lower purchase price, the EP6 should enable bike manufacturers to offer more favourable entry-level prices. In most cases, companies install the EP6 on the cheaper models, whereas the EP801 is used on more expensive models. The screw-on points are identical, as are the design and size. In theory, it is therefore easy to switch between the two motors.

At first glance, the EP6 and EP801 look identical. In reality, however, the differences are greater than the visual impression would suggest. Although both drives deliver a nominal maximum torque of 85 Newton metres, there is a clear difference in peak power. According to Shimano, the EP6 delivers 100 watts less than the EP801. This puts it on a par with the "old" EP8(00), the predecessor of the current top model. In our detailed test of the new EP801, we were able to clearly demonstrate the increase in performance and the difference to the EP8 in the laboratory and in practice.

The second striking difference lies in the material of the housing. While the EP8 and EP801 rely on a particularly lightweight magnesium housing, the EP6 is made of aluminium. This results in a weight difference of around 300 grams. While the EP801 and EP8 (2.65 kg) are particularly light in a class comparison with Bosch (2.9 kg) and Brose (3.1 kg), the EP6 - despite its lower performance - is only in the middle of the field in terms of weight at 3.0 kilos.

The facts about the Shimano EP6

• Weight: 3.0 kilos
• Max. Torque: 85 Nm
• Aluminium instead of magnesium housing for the EP8
• 100 watts less peak power than EP801
• Compatible with all 2nd generation Steps components (such as EP801)
• Compatible with Shimano Di2 electric shifting with Auto and Freeshift
• Various battery options and sizes, depending on the manufacturer
• Up to 15 speed levels can be activated via the E-Tube app

Shimano EP6: Electronics, app and connectivity

The decisive reason for the relaunch of the EP801 and EP6 was a new electronic infrastructure. The aim was to combine the motors with the Shimano XT Di2 and Cues Di2 electronic shifting systems. This means that the affordable Shimano drivetrain is also compatible with the corresponding hardware. the Autoshift and Freeshift functions compatible.

The EP6 is also modelled on its big brother when it comes to app features. Updates can be downloaded to all system components via the E-Tube application. The support levels can also be adjusted to personal preferences or special areas of use. Special feature: Shimano offers two presets that can be selected directly on the display or the remote. Up to 15 support levels can be activated in the second preset. This means that, if desired, bikers are not limited to the three levels Eco, Trail and Boost - but can configure very finely graduated modes according to their individual needs.

Keyword connectivity: The Shimano system can be coupled with Garmin-style devices via ANT+. There's even a percentage-accurate battery display, which the Steps displays don't offer.

Shimano EP6: Display and remote

Bike manufacturers have a wide range of displays and controls to choose from. Colour displays, which are well protected behind the handlebars, are classic. They offer a healthy balance of slim design and good depth of information. There is no real command centre among the displays. For features such as navigation, Shimano bikers have to rely on a smartphone or bike computer. The Steps displays also do not offer a precise battery percentage display.

Displays and control units for Shimano e-bike motors in the image gallery

The classic SW-EN800 remote is also kept simple and slim. Two ergonomic buttons directly on the handle, nothing more. However, the SW-EN600 is now being used more and more frequently. The button is not quite as ergonomic, but it has LEDs and several control buttons on board. This means it can also be used on its own, without a separate display. The battery status and support level are then displayed very rudimentarily via small LEDs.

The SC-E5000 control unit is a complete stand-alone solution, with a small black and white display located directly on the switch with the handle. The inexpensive combination of control unit and display cannot keep up with the more expensive Steps components: moderate ergonomics, low information content. It also lacks a Bluetooth interface, meaning that the motor cannot be paired with a smartphone for fine adjustments or updates.

The batteries for Shimano's EP6 e-bike motor

Here too, Shimano remains true to its philosophy: like the other Steps drives, the EP6 can be combined with various batteries from other suppliers. This gives bike manufacturers plenty of scope and freedom in terms of design, resulting in a colourful range of combinations. Shimano's own batteries (500 or 630 watt hours) are now rarely used.

The Shimano EP6 in a practical test

To get straight to the point: The differences in performance between the EP801 and EP6 are not just on paper. In a direct comparison, the cheaper Shimano motor is noticeably weaker. Our popometer can also confirm the comparable level with the EP800. If you value maximum thrust, you will notice a clear reduction compared to a Bosch CX, Shimano EP801 or Brose Drive SMag.

The support character is typical Shimano: even with a leisurely pedal stroke, the motor delivers its full power in Boost mode. In "slow mode", it can even feel significantly more powerful than a Performance CX. It also provides a powerful push in terms of torque, i.e. at very low cadences. It shares a weak point with its big brother: at extremely high pedalling frequencies, the motor runs out of breath too early and the power decreases. This is not noticeable in classic riding mode, but when accelerating dynamically, for example before steps and obstacles on tricky climbs, this can drastically slow down the flow and climbing power.

Also on a similar level to the EP8 and EP801: the background noise. The motor is always clearly audible uphill, but hums at a fairly pleasant frequency. Downhill, the EP8 also rattles quite clearly when rolling over obstacles. It also has this bug in common with Bosch's CX. The background noise varies from bike to bike - even with an identical motor. On average across all test bikes with Shimano motors, we can't discern any difference in sound between the EP6 and EP801.

Conclusion on the Shimano EP6

E-mountainbikes need to become more affordable in order to reach more people. The new entry-level model EP6 from Shimano is therefore a winner. However, the functional difference to its big brother, the EP801, is quite clear. We can't put an exact figure on the price difference - but we would definitely accept a certain surcharge. The power-to-weight ratio of the EP801 is extremely good - whereas the EP6 is rather weak. Top: The EP6 also offers many battery and display options as well as a useful app. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Head of Test and Technology at EMTB Magazine