Japanese component manufacturer Shimano has introduced two new drive units for electric bicycles, the EP5 and EP5100. According to the brand, the new drive units are "an important step into a new era of e-bikes, empowering riders to explore more, connect deeper, and experience the natural joy of cycling. [The new EP5 and EP5100 systems join Shimano's existing e-bike drive offerings: the EP8 and EP6 are for mountain biking, while the EP6100 and E5000 systems are for urban travel and commuting.

The terms commuter e-bike and urban mobility are becoming increasingly compatible as more and more people use e-bikes as an urban mobility and commuting solution. Shimano seems to have developed its latest drive unit with this segment of the cycling community in mind in particular.

The EP5 system offers riders a lot of customization, allowing them to adjust the feel and characteristics of each of the three assist modes (Eco, Trail, and Boost) through Shimano's E-Tube Project Cyclist app. 3 kg of EP5 system torque of up to 60 Nm and is compatible with disc, roller, and coaster brake systems.

It is difficult to accurately calculate the range of an e-bike system. Shimano is confident that the EP5 can provide up to 270 km of assistance on a "mostly flat commuting course" on a single charge. If a rider does not have a 270 km ride in mind, this means that the charging interval could last a week or more.

Another feature of the EP5 is its compatibility with the auto-shift feature for bikes with internal hub gear or rear derailleur setups. As the name implies, the rider does not need to operate the gearshift, the bike does it for them, allowing the rider to always be in the optimal gear based on cadence, rider input, and motor support.

In areas where regulations permit, EP5 drive units can assist up to 28 mph. However, in regions such as the UK and EU, support speeds of up to 25 km/h (15 mph) are specified for all e-bike classes.

Joining the EP5 is the EP5100, a more accessible drive unit according to the brand. Weighing 2.4 kg and with a maximum torque of 50 Nm, this motor is slightly less supportive than the EP5; the EP5100 is targeted at "commuting and everyday adventures" and is designed to bridge the gap between traditional cycling and pedal-assisted cycling.

The EP5100 is designed to provide riders with a smooth, natural assist platform; the EP5100, like its more premium brother, can also be customized with the E-Tube Project Cyclist app.

For riders who want to take advantage of the brand's auto-shift technology, the EP5100 is only compatible with internal hub gear drivetrains and not with both internal hub gears and traditional external derailleurs, which the EP5 system supports. EP 5, as well as disc brakes, roller brakes, and coaster brakes.

Prior to its release, Shimano said of the EP5100, "Inspired by over 100 years of cycling history, the E5100 bridges the worlds of cycling and e-biking.

No word yet on pricing for the new unit, but expect to see it on commuter and hybrid e-bikes in the near future.