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Shimano EP801 in laboratory and practical testsLightweight powerhouse and jack-of-all-trades among e-bike motors

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 11.05.2024

Where it says EP8 on the label, EP801 is inside. Visually, there is no recognisable difference to its predecessor.
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Low weight with high performance, compact dimensions, flexibility in the choice of battery: Shimano's EP801 is one of the most popular motors on the E-MTB market. Lightweight trail and enduro bikes in particular benefit from the Shimano drive. We have tested the latest expansion stage in the lab and in practice.
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The update from EP8 to EP801 went almost unnoticed. Although Shimano marketed the new autoshift functions that the EP801 with Di2 electric shifting has to offer. However, Shimano did not reveal anything about more power under the bonnet. In reality, however, the new motor has become significantly more powerful and has thus closed the gap to Bosch's Performance CX. In addition to the wide availability of the motor in many exciting E-MTBs, the broad selection of battery options is also a plus point. Most manufacturers rely on batteries from third-party suppliers and therefore have freedom in the design of their bikes. The E-MTBs with Shimano drive are therefore particularly versatile.

Where it says EP8 on the label, EP801 is inside. Visually, there is no recognisable difference to its predecessor.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWhere it says EP8 on the label, EP801 is inside. Visually, there is no recognisable difference to its predecessor.

The facts about the Shimano EP801

  • Weight: 2.65 kilos
  • Battery sizes: Various manufacturers from 360 to 900 watt hours, large selection
  • Speed levels: Eco, Trail, Boost / Optionally up to 15 levels individually configurable
  • Performance data (max.) from the laboratory: 79 Newton metres, 545 watts
  • Automatic shifting possible with Shimano Di2
  • System updates possible via the app
In combination with Shimano XT Di2 and the Linkglide components, the Shimano system shifts completely automatically if desired.Photo: Max FuchsIn combination with Shimano XT Di2 and the Linkglide components, the Shimano system shifts completely automatically if desired.

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The character of the Shimano EP801

The EP801 Steps drive is still characterised by its high-torque thrust from below, i.e. at low cadence and low rider input. The smooth modulation and the gentle onset of propulsion are also positive - this works better than with the predecessor. Only when commuting around 25 km/h is the on-off character and the clearly noticeable change between the motor being switched on and off annoying.

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With its high-torque thrust, the Shimano EP801 provides good support on steep climbs.Photo: Kike AbelleiraWith its high-torque thrust, the Shimano EP801 provides good support on steep climbs.

The background noise is not exactly the EP801's greatest strength. Uphill, it is one of the louder drives, comparable to the Bosch Performance CX. However, the frequency of the Shimano is slightly lower and is perceived rather positively by most testers. Unfortunately, the motor rattles noticeably downhill, which can be annoying to varying degrees depending on the bike.

The power delivery of the Shimano EP801

In the PT Labs test laboratory, we measured all drives on a roller dynamometer and determined precisely comparable power and torque values. The power is measured at the rear wheel.Photo: Adrian KaetherIn the PT Labs test laboratory, we measured all drives on a roller dynamometer and determined precisely comparable power and torque values. The power is measured at the rear wheel.

In Boost mode, the EP801 delivers full power even with a moderate pedal stroke. The robust torque matches this. If you want the motor to push you up the mountain with little effort, the EP801 already gives you maximum thrust - more than the competition. With the right riding style, the Shimano motor can feel significantly more powerful than a Bosch Performance CX.

Striking: The EP801 delivers its maximum power even with a low rider input of 110 watts. No other drive in the test does this so drastically. The peak power and torque are on a par with Bosch CX.Photo: EMTB MagazinStriking: The EP801 delivers its maximum power even with a low rider input of 110 watts. No other drive in the test does this so drastically. The peak power and torque are on a par with Bosch CX.

The top performance is roughly on a par with the best, but drops too early at high cadences. This can be a significant disadvantage on difficult climbs. If you want to accelerate hard before a step to gain momentum, you will fall into this power gap and be let down by the EP801. Even at a cadence between 80 and 90, the performance is slightly below that of a Bosch CX, Brose Drive SMag or Pinion MGU.

The drastic drop in performance of the Shimano EP801 at very high pedalling frequencies is noticeable in the lab test. Even if no e-biker pedals significantly above 100 revolutions during constant riding, this characteristic is a clear disadvantage during short accelerations on the trail. Left ordinate: Power in watts, right ordinate torque in newton metres, X-axis cadence in rpm.Photo: PT LabsThe drastic drop in performance of the Shimano EP801 at very high pedalling frequencies is noticeable in the lab test. Even if no e-biker pedals significantly above 100 revolutions during constant riding, this characteristic is a clear disadvantage during short accelerations on the trail. Left ordinate: Power in watts, right ordinate torque in newton metres, X-axis cadence in rpm.A comparison with the competition clearly shows that the power curve of the EP801 is almost identical to the Bosch CX and Pinion MGU over long distances. However, at very high cadence, the power drops where other motors continue to pull away.Photo: PT LabsA comparison with the competition clearly shows that the power curve of the EP801 is almost identical to the Bosch CX and Pinion MGU over long distances. However, at very high cadence, the power drops where other motors continue to pull away.

Display and remote

The classic Steps displays (SC-EM800 and SC-EN600) are compact and well protected behind the handlebars. The readability is good, the depth of information rather low. The slim Shimano screens do not have navigation views or a precise battery percentage display. However, the drive unit can be easily connected to Garmin and the like via Bluetooth. An exact battery level in per cent can then also be called up here. Overall, Shimano's compromise between discreet appearance, good readability and information content is a successful one and is particularly appealing to sporty bikers.

The SC-EM800 is the classic display on bikes with EP801. The clear readability and good positioning compactly behind the handlebars are pleasing.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe SC-EM800 is the classic display on bikes with EP801. The clear readability and good positioning compactly behind the handlebars are pleasing.In combination with the 800 display, the super slim and well-designed SW-EM800 button sits on the handle.Photo: Georg GrieshaberIn combination with the 800 display, the super slim and well-designed SW-EM800 button sits on the handle.The Shimano SC-EN600 looks very similar to the EM800, but does away with the button for scrolling through the menu. Instead, the battery level is displayed in ten instead of five steps.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Shimano SC-EN600 looks very similar to the EM800, but does away with the button for scrolling through the menu. Instead, the battery level is displayed in ten instead of five steps.The SW-EN600 remote lever with LED display, which also works standalone without a display, is a perfect match. The ergonomics are not as good as with the classic 800 trigger.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe SW-EN600 remote lever with LED display, which also works standalone without a display, is a perfect match. The ergonomics are not as good as with the classic 800 trigger.The inexpensive SC-EN500 combi solution is a button and display in one. Little information, mediocre ergonomics and no interface to the E-Tube app - it's worth upgrading to a higher-quality combi!Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe inexpensive SC-EN500 combi solution is a button and display in one. Little information, mediocre ergonomics and no interface to the E-Tube app - it's worth upgrading to a higher-quality combi!

The batteries for Shimano's EP801

Shimano gives bike manufacturers a lot of freedom when it comes to batteries. Combinations with batteries from third-party manufacturers are possible. The vast majority of e-MTBs with Shimano motors no longer come with the rather bulky and heavy original Shimano batteries. The variety on the market is correspondingly large. From the 360 mini battery (Orbea) to the giant 900 battery (Canyon and Norco), there are countless variants, some with range extenders.

YT Industries, 540 watt hours, top. Canyon with 720 watt hours in the centre and a Shimano Intube battery with 630 watt hours at the bottom.Photo: Georg GrieshaberYT Industries, 540 watt hours, top. Canyon with 720 watt hours in the centre and a Shimano Intube battery with 630 watt hours at the bottom.

App and connectivity

A special feature of Shimano's E-Tube app is the Finetune mode. Not only can the support modes be customised here, but up to 15 different levels can also be activated. Anyone who wants a particularly fine gradation of the support modes will be happy here. Also good: two different presets can be set, which can be selected directly on the display. For example, you can preset a battery-saving setting for collecting metres in altitude on long tours and a second setup for full power on short rides. System updates are also easily available via smartphone. A pity: Connecting to the bike can take a little longer - even if the smartphone and bike have already been paired several times.

Compatibility with other devices, on the other hand, is a success. Whether Garmin, Wahoo, Sigma etc., as soon as the bike with the EN-600 remote or the EM-800 display has Bluetooth, various computers can be easily paired with Shimano. The computer then also displays an exact battery status in per cent and information on the automatic gear shift setting and even takes over the speed information from the rear wheel of the e-bike. That's what we want!

The fine-tune mode offers up to 15 freely adjustable support levels. No other drive system offers this.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe fine-tune mode offers up to 15 freely adjustable support levels. No other drive system offers this.

EMTB review of the Shimano EP801

The Shimano EP801 is one of the louder e-MTB motors. The riding sensation is not aggressive, but the strong thrust with low rider impulse does not exactly convey a discreet, natural riding sensation.Photo: EMTB MagazinThe Shimano EP801 is one of the louder e-MTB motors. The riding sensation is not aggressive, but the strong thrust with low rider impulse does not exactly convey a discreet, natural riding sensation.

Strengths

  • Powerful with low weight
  • Many battery options
  • Automatic gearstick option
  • Sporty and slim display options
  • Optionally up to 15 finely graduated driving modes
  • Compatibility with Garmin and Co.

Weaknesses

  • On-off character at the switch-off limit
  • Power gap at very high cadence
  • Rattles downhill

Conclusion on the Shimano EP801

The lightweight EP801 offers an outstanding weight/power ratio. The new generation has improved in almost every respect. Many bikes with different concepts, giving the biker a wide choice. It's a shame that the drive rattles so much downhill.

Florentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine.Photo: Max FuchsFlorentin Vesenbeckh is deputy editor-in-chief at EMTB Magazine.

Bikes with Shimano EP801

Alongside the Bosch Performance CX, the Shimano EP801 is one of the most commonly used e-bike motors. The choice is huge and it is almost impossible to list all the models. Nevertheless, we have summarised some exciting bikes here. You can find all the information and details about the bikes in the links:

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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