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| The EP810 is a new mid-drive motor |
Shimano has officially expanded its e-bike lineup with the launch of the EP810 mid-drive motor, a lightweight drive unit aimed squarely at the competitive trail and mountain biking segment. Weighing just 2.3 kilograms, the new motor delivers up to 100 Nm of torque and brings a suite of smart features designed to make steep climbs and technical terrain more manageable.
The announcement puts Shimano in direct conversation with rivals like DJI Avinox and Bosch, both of which have made significant strides in the e-bike motor space. On paper, the DJI Avinox M2S still leads with a claimed 150 Nm, but Shimano’s latest offering focuses on a balanced package of weight, power, and intelligent assistance rather than raw output alone.
Power and Compliance
The EP810 is rated for 750 watts of peak power, while its continuous rated power is capped at 250 watts to comply with European e-bike regulations. Shimano says the motor provides consistent assistance across a broad cadence range of up to 160 rpm — though in real-world riding, cadences above 110 rpm are already exceptionally high. This wide support band should appeal to riders who prefer to spin quickly on technical climbs or maintain momentum through rough sections.
Built for Mountain Bikers
Shimano is clearly targeting mountain bikers with the EP810’s feature set. One standout function is Lift & Shift, which holds the e-bike in place on an incline if the rider comes to a sudden stop. After lifting the rear wheel, a double-press of a button automatically shifts the drivetrain into a lower gear — a handy trick for restarting on steep, loose terrain.
The motor also supports Auto Shift Gen 3, which uses dynamic sensor data — including torque and gradient — to select the optimal gear. However, this functionality requires a compatible Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system. Additionally, Auto Assist dynamically adapts power output to the terrain, while the companion Shimano Connect smartphone app handles system management and customization.
The Competitive Landscape
Shimano’s push into the premium mid-drive space comes as DJI’s Avinox system continues to make waves with higher torque figures, and Bosch remains a dominant force in the European e-bike market. The EP810’s 100 Nm output sits comfortably in the premium trail category, but its real differentiator may be the integration of smart shifting and assistance features that cater specifically to technical mountain biking.
For riders invested in Shimano’s ecosystem, the EP810 offers a compelling reason to stay loyal — especially those already running Di2 drivetrains. The Auto Shift and Lift & Shift functions could reduce the mental load on demanding descents and climbs, letting riders focus more on the trail and less on gear management.
Availability and More Details
Shimano has published additional information about the EP810 series on its official website. You can learn more about the system directly from Shimano’s EP810 series page: Shimano EP810 Series E-Bike System.
The launch of the EP810 signals Shimano’s continued commitment to the e-bike market and its willingness to compete feature-for-feature with newer entrants like DJI. Whether the motor’s 100 Nm and smart shifting capabilities are enough to sway riders away from higher-torque alternatives remains to be seen, but for mountain bikers seeking a lightweight, integrated system with thoughtful trail-focused features, the EP810 is certainly one to watch.
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