Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors
  3. News

Shimano STEPS is the ultimate electric bike system suited to every lifestyle

By

Shimano STEPS
Image used with permission by copyright holder
As cycling gains popularity around the globe, electric bikes are emerging in a corresponding fashion. Shimano is one of the most renowned bike part production companies in the world — its parts (and iconic logo) is incorporated into a multitude of brands and products. The company boasts cutting-edge metal processing technology and lightweight parts with flawless functionality.

The recent unveiling of Shimano STEPS (Shimano Total Electric Power System) aims to revamp the way you think about e-bikes, boasting a variety of options available across all facets of the cycling world. Whether you prefer navigating the city streets or challenging the rugged mountainside, it’s likely there’s a Shimano STEPS system befit they type of e-bike you plan to ride.

Recommended Videos

Something for everyone

Shimano STEPS essentially serves as an electric bike system for every class of e-bike. Three separate product styles offer varying levels of power pre-installed on a wide number of brands and models. Shimano STEPS City allows you to cruise through town, commute to work, or meet your friends without exhausting yourself. Shimano STEPS Trekking is a bit stronger, allowing you to venture out into nature and cover long distances over tough terrain while retaining energy for the rest of your day. Shimano STEPS MTB is meant for the truly adventurous, encouraging you to hone your skills on the mountainside while allowing you to ride faster and longer.

Related

Shimano’s goal is to make cycling more fun by fueling the natural pedaling motion with electric power.

Shimano’s goal is to make cycling more fun by fueling the natural pedaling motion with electric power. By boosting each pedal stroke, riders can travel further, expend less energy, and tackle big hills with ease. The Shimano STEPS system is intended for every kind of rider, allowing you to leave your car in the driveway and get back on your bike. Shimano highlights the STEPS system through four important components, including an intelligent drivetrain that anticipates your next move, a lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable over than 1,000 times without loss in power, three different power-assist modes, and seamless shifting.

Its three power-assist modes are available on both the City/Trekking E-Bike and E-MTB models. In Eco mode, this allows you to ride up to 93 miles on a single charge, boosted by an electric tailwind which helps you ride easier and longer. In Normal mode, the same ride lasts for up to 63 miles on a single charge, tackling steep terrain and long distances with ease. In High mode, the distance drops to 44 miles on a single charge, covering more ground with much less energy expenditure.

The five Shimano “steps”

This innovative Shimano system can be broken down into five basic concepts, referred to (unsurprisingly) as “steps.” The first step highlights the provision of smooth, positive energy, allocated by a natural, pedaling feeling and an added boost of power. This step exemplifies the silent control provided by the system. The second step outlines the power provided to take you further, including a simple display, superior weather resistance, and a full battery charge in just four hours.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step three explains the importance of smart shifting, provided by tried and true Shimano components while step four highlights the advantages of a simple interface that’s easy to read and tracks speed, mileage, and assist level. Step five deals with the power-assist modes at the heart of the system, providing for the exact amount of energy you need while on the go.

Each system is unique

City/Trekking E-Bike

Shimano’s E6000 serves for both the City and Trekking options and is comprised of four different e-bike components. The motor is compact and lightweight, boasting a sleek appearance that doesn’t detract from your riding experience. Power is provided by a high-quality lithium-ion battery designed to last up to 93 miles on a single charge, ensuring more than 1,000 charges without a loss of energy.

A cycling computer is mounted directly onto the handlebars, offering a high-contrast display and a combined ergonomic switch unit. The computer functions are comprehensive but easy to use, tracking speed, distance traveled, trip time, estimated range, and battery life, also serving as a clock and gear display. The chainring is available in 38T or 44T and the crank length available in 170-millimeter or 175-millimeter sizes.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The City system is designed for short commutes, running errands, and general outings, providing you with just that little bit of extra push needed to get you to your destination feeling refreshed. The Trekking system is designed for premium adventures, offering you a greater travel radius and an increased level of assistance. The difference between the two? The Trekking system includes a larger capacity battery and better power management.

Both the City and Trekking systems include a walk-assist feature, in which your bike moves its own weight forward at the touch of a button. These models also boast a start mode, which shifts your bike to a lower gear after you’ve come to a stop. In addition, both systems are made with excellent weatherproofing to resist the wettest of elements.

E-MTB

The mountain biking (E-MTB) Shimano STEPS system is powered by the brand’s E8000 product model. The company claims the system mimics the traditional feeling of riding a mountain bike while offering intuitive trail assistance. A robust motor is crafted strong enough to handle rugged terrain, giving you just the right amount of electric support. The motor weighs 6.2 pounds and handles speeds up to 16 miles per hour. Shimano designed the crankset to be lightweight yet rigid enough for direct power transfer. All drivetrain components work in sync with each other and this system features the Shimano Hollowtech II bottom bracket for extra strength.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The E8000 contains the e-MTB Switch Unit (SW-E8000-L) which provides for the specific demands of mountain biking, including tight, single-track riding and covering extremely uneven terrain. This Firebolt Switch Unit intuitively alternates between power-assist mode and the system’s Boost, Trail, Eco, and Walk settings. These four support settings are made for different purposes. Walk assists you when you need to get off your bike and walk, while Trail was designed for single-track riding, offering low, medium, and high options and automatically adjusting according to pedal pressure. The Boost setting is made for climbing, also offering low, medium, and high options while Eco is intended for those long-distance expeditions.

The computer display on the E8000 is more technical than the E6000, allowing you to further personalize your power-assist settings. Choose Dynamic, Explorer, or Custom mode depending on your terrain and riding style, and enjoy the color-coated, easy to read LCD display. You can also customize your settings via Bluetooth, making for a truly intuitive experience. The battery goes for up to 62 miles on a single charge and also lasts for more than 1,000 charges without losing power.

The right e-bike for you

Whether you enjoy long distance treks through the backcountry, averting traffic on busy city streets, or tearing down the mountainside, there’s a Shimano STEPS e-bike to suit your needs. Choose between the City, Trekking, or MTB styles outfit with either an E6000 or E8000 power system.

Shimano STEPS systems are pre-installed on a number of popular brands. A few City/Trekking style options include Trek, Raleigh Electric, and Felt. MTB brands are highlighted by Focus, Ghost, and Wallerang. The best part? There is always a STEPS dealer near you, whether you’re picking out your first bike or searching for a replacement part.

You can find a Shimano STEPS dealer via the company’s website.

Editors’ Recommendations

Amanda Ellis
Amanda Ellis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Amanda is an outdoor junkie and digital nomad with an insatiable hunger for gear. Based out of Raleigh, NC she travels to…
Juiced Bikes sold at auction for $1.2 million, report says
The Juiced Bikes Scorpion X2 adds more power, upgraded tires, and an improved battery to the popular moped style e-bike.

Juiced Bikes, the San Diego-based maker of e-bikes, has been sold on an auction website for $1,225,000, according to a report from Electrek.Digital Trends recently reported how the company was showing signs of being on the brink of bankruptcy. The company and its executives had remained silent, while customer inquiries went unanswered and its website showed all products were out of stock. In addition, there were numerous reports of layoffs at the company.Yet, the most convincing sign was that the company’s assets appeared as listed for sale on an auction website used by companies that go out of business.Now, it appears that Juiced Bikes’ assets, including a dozen patents, multiple URLs, and the company’s inventory in both the U.S. and China, have been sold at auction, according to the report. It is likely that the buyer, who remains unknown, can capitalize on the brand and the overall value of the 15-year old company. Founded in 2009 by Tora Harris, a U.S. high-jump Olympian, Juiced Bikes was one of the early pioneers of the direct-to-consumer e-bike brands in the U.S. market.
The company had quickly built a reputation for the versatility of its e-bikes and the durability of their batteries. Over the years, the popularity of models such as the CrossCurrent, HyperScrambler, and RipCurrent only bolstered the brand’s status.Last year, Digital Trends named the Juiced Bikes Scorpion X2 as the best moped-style e-bike for 2023, citing its versatility, rich feature set, and performance.Juiced Bikes’ getting sold quickly might be a sign of what consulting firm Houlihan Lokey says is a recovery in the North American e-bike market.
The industry has had a roller-coaster ride during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A huge spike in demand for e-bikes had combined with disrupted supply chains to create a supply/demand mismatch of “historic proportions," Houlihan Lokey said.

Read more
Adventure time: SUPCASE has the ultimate gear for outdoor enthusiasts
A variety of outdoor gear options for the ultimate wilderness enthusiast.
Scenic view from inside a tent while camping.

You might know SUPCASE for its excellent collection of durable and rugged phone cases. But as it's in the industry of making tough gear for the adventurous sorts, it should come as no surprise that the brand also has a valuable collection of outdoor gear. Just to provide some examples, a multi-functional pocket tool, a rugged and water-resistant equipment case, a durable yet spacious backpack, or even a sleek yet reliable bottle opener.

In fact, there are quite a few options, so many that it could be tough to nail down just one tool or outdoor item you'd need. Naturally, we put together this guide to explore some of the ultimate gear, but you can always peep at them yourself, as well.

Read more
Aventon Abound SR combines thoughtful design, enhanced security, and smart connectivity
Aventon Abound SR hero image with couple on the e-bike

Electric bikes are nothing new at this point, and while there are many styles, few purportedly do-it-all, and even fewer actually offer smart or more advanced features. They tend to do one thing particularly well, like cruising, carrying cargo, or sightseeing -- like city riding -- but the biggest way they push the envelope is by offering that long-range electric power. The Aventon Abound SR, a new do-it-all bike, goes far and beyond anything that's come before it.

For starters, it's the first bike equipped with Aventon's electronic control unit (ACU) which empowers intelligent safety features. That gives you 4G and GPS tracking built-in, plus remote locking, an alarm system, and much more. But also, this top-of-its-class bike is incredibly versatile and is suitable for everything from commutes to tough exercise rides and daily routines. It features a top speed of 20 miles per hour, has a range of up to 60 miles per charge, and can carry a payload of up to 440 pounds. Impressive, indeed. Let's take a closer look and get a little more friendly with it, shall we?

Read more