Thinking of buying an EP801 bike? Read this

[MOG]

Back in July I bought a full fat Ebike running a Shimano EP801 system. I already own an older shimano equipped ebike so was happy to stick with the brand. The bike came with a very grippy winter tyre on the rear. In order to save that tyre over summer I switched wheels from my other (shimano) bike and took off riding. No big deal. Until mid ride I got an error code . Turned bike off and back on and it clears (I think it was E295 but didn't take too much notice TBF as it had gone after the reset). Think nothing of it. Happened again a few rides later. Again clears fine. Then I took the bike to the Alps. Rode one day with summer tyres but weather was so bad I switched back to original high grip wheel. No problems all week.
Back from holiday the conditions are still dry so switch back to the less grippy wheel, and once again got the error code, which duly clears on restart (perhaps alarm bells should have been ringing by now but the reset always fixed it and it only happened once every few rides)
Fast forward to last Tuesday evenings ride.
After 25 kms in the mud and rain I am wheel spinning in a bog, watching my battery level on my watch at 21% thinking any second now it will drop to the last bar and go red. And there it goes. Except not only does it go red, but it starts flashing and beeping and gives an E299 error code.
Nothing will reset it. Luckily we are at our highest point so it is mostly down hill back to the cars.
Get home and do some reading and learn that the E299 code is an anti tamper protocol from Shimano and it cannot be reset other than by removing the motor at an authorised dealer and sending it back to base to be reset (For a considerable fee). It may not even be possible to reset in which case I will have to buy a complete new motor!
How can this be possible. I have paid many thousands of pounds to buy the bike which I use for business as much as pleasure. It is completely standard except for the time to time swapping out of rear wheels and has NEVER EVER been tampered with in any way. There is nothing at all wrong with the motor other than a software lock on it, yet the expensive tool that I bought outright cannot now be used.

Thinking of buying a Shimano powered bike?

DON'T

 

[Tony4wd]

won't the motor be replaced under warranty? Also this might be a fault with that particular motor?

 

[Astro66]

won't the motor be replaced under warranty? Also this might be a fault with that particular motor?

It's a well documented fault in the German pedalec forum. Really should have had the E295 error checked by his LBS when it occurred the second time.

It relates to the magnet pickup. And the fact he was swapping wheels probably means the magnet pickup was not setup correctly.

Thinking of buying a Shimano powered bike?

DON'T

If you swap wheels, and get an E295 error. You should immediately have your wheel and magnet pickup checked by the store who sold you the bike. Just continuing to reset the error was always going to end in tears.

I understand that you were probably not aware that continuing to reset the error was going to lock the bike. But you need to follow up on errors that keep happening. Especially if you have made a modification.

I hope you get it fixed. But unfortunately others who have had the same issue, have never had their warranty re-instated. Something I think is very poor from Shimano. So E295 errors must be taken seriously.

 

[Astro66]

Get home and do some reading and learn that the E299 code is an anti tamper protocol from Shimano and it cannot be reset

Anti tamper software is mandated by law. That is why with each firmware update, any detected breaches of speed limiting are normally patched.

Shimano must do this. Unfortunately the downside is that a magnet can create a double pulse, if not aligned perfectly. This is then detected as speed limit tampering.

 

[Bndit]

Back in July I bought a full fat Ebike running a Shimano EP801 system. I already own an older shimano equipped ebike so was happy to stick with the brand. The bike came with a very grippy winter tyre on the rear. In order to save that tyre over summer I switched wheels from my other (shimano) bike and took off riding. No big deal. Until mid ride I got an error code . Turned bike off and back on and it clears (I think it was E295 but didn't take too much notice TBF as it had gone after the reset). Think nothing of it. Happened again a few rides later. Again clears fine. Then I took the bike to the Alps. Rode one day with summer tyres but weather was so bad I switched back to original high grip wheel. No problems all week.
Back from holiday the conditions are still dry so switch back to the less grippy wheel, and once again got the error code, which duly clears on restart (perhaps alarm bells should have been ringing by now but the reset always fixed it and it only happened once every few rides)
Fast forward to last Tuesday evenings ride.
After 25 kms in the mud and rain I am wheel spinning in a bog, watching my battery level on my watch at 21% thinking any second now it will drop to the last bar and go red. And there it goes. Except not only does it go red, but it starts flashing and beeping and gives an E299 error code.
Nothing will reset it. Luckily we are at our highest point so it is mostly down hill back to the cars.
Get home and do some reading and learn that the E299 code is an anti tamper protocol from Shimano and it cannot be reset other than by removing the motor at an authorised dealer and sending it back to base to be reset (For a considerable fee). It may not even be possible to reset in which case I will have to buy a complete new motor!
How can this be possible. I have paid many thousands of pounds to buy the bike which I use for business as much as pleasure. It is completely standard except for the time to time swapping out of rear wheels and has NEVER EVER been tampered with in any way. There is nothing at all wrong with the motor other than a software lock on it, yet the expensive tool that I bought outright cannot now be used.

Thinking of buying a Shimano powered bike?

DON'T

I bought Shimano bike because I have Bosch on other bike (motor replaced two times) and didn`t want same CX4 for my emtb. I have two set of wheels. Neither have original magnet on them. Other one have Galfer discs with Galfer magnet and other ones with CL discs with original Specialized CL lock/magnet. So maybe, just maybe, the problem is not Shimano but the person looking from the mirror?

 

[Tony4wd]

I hope you get it fixed. But unfortunately others who have had the same issue, have never had their warranty re-instated. Something I think is very poor from Shimano

I had my eye on an ep801 in future But I'll take MOG's advice and give it a miss. I've had difficulty getting service from Bosch too. Hope the DJI turns out to be reliable.

 

[Astro66]

I had my eye on an ep801 in future But I'll take MOG's advice and give it a miss. I've had difficulty getting service from Bosch too. Hope the DJI turns out to be reliable.

I've never had a problem with my Shimano EP600, which is almost identical to the EP801. I'm just in the process of building a new rear wheel, so I can fit a 11s Linkglide transmission. So I did quite a bit of research, and came across the magnet issue.

I can assure you that if I get even a single E295 error. I'll be getting professional help from the people who sold me the bike. That said, I have the centelock magnet, so I just made sure I used a Shimano centrelock 11s hub on the new wheel. That way the magnet mounting is identical, and Shimano cannot claim I didn't use a proper Shimano mounting.

I won't be avoiding the EP801 because of the E295 error, when I know what to do to avoid it. And what to do if I do get it. Shimano is just too accessible in Australia. 99bikes where I bought my bike have been brilliant in helping me. And I can buy Shimano parts, including new motors, from so many stores around Sydney. So pricing is competitive.

Unfortunately the same doesn't apply to Bosch or DJI in Australia. Infact before Shimano. I only ran Bafang Motors, because parts and spares were so easy and well priced.

Let's see what DJI come up with, when it comes to servicing and spares. But if it's only a single store in Sydney, with no competition. I'll be looking very closely at their parts and servicing costs, before considering the Amflow.

 

[MOG]

All very well saying I should have reported the E295 error as soon as it happened. I ride with a whole group of E-bikers and barely a week goes by when someone doesn't get an error massage of some kind that is invariably fixed with a reset. It's the first thing you try. Trouble is, when it works (as it obviously did the first few times), you may not even note what the error code was. The ride is the most important thing, yeah?
And @Bndit I resent that implication. If changing a wheel/tyre combo off another Shimano equipped E-bike is considered to be tampering with a view to changing local regulations then look out everyone. I certainly wouldn't be on a forum warning people had I felt I had done anything illegal.

 

[Astro66]

All very well saying I should have reported the E295 error as soon as it happened. I ride with a whole group of E-bikers and barely a week goes by when someone doesn't get an error massage of some kind that is invariably fixed with a reset. It's the first thing you try. Trouble is, when it works (as it obviously did the first few times), you may not even note what the error code was. The ride is the most important thing, yeah?

Mate, If you aren't going take note of error codes, and at least google them. Then I think you are going to have trouble with any motor or ebike you purchase.

Ebikes are complex machines. You cannot ignore Error Codes. Just take a photo before resetting it. Then look it up later.

But if the same code comes up multiple times. You really need to stop riding and get it looked at. Especially as you fitted a different wheel. The speed sensor is part of the wheel. And the speed sensor is crucial to the proper and legal operation of your motor.

No bike manufacturer or bike store is going to be sympathetic, if you have made a modification, got an error code and just continued to reset it, till the bike wouldn't work at all.

Anyway. I hope you can get this resolved, with as little expense to yourself.

 

[Gavalar]

Back in July I bought a full fat Ebike running a Shimano EP801 system. I already own an older shimano equipped ebike so was happy to stick with the brand. The bike came with a very grippy winter tyre on the rear. In order to save that tyre over summer I switched wheels from my other (shimano) bike and took off riding. No big deal. Until mid ride I got an error code . Turned bike off and back on and it clears (I think it was E295 but didn't take too much notice TBF as it had gone after the reset). Think nothing of it. Happened again a few rides later. Again clears fine. Then I took the bike to the Alps. Rode one day with summer tyres but weather was so bad I switched back to original high grip wheel. No problems all week.
Back from holiday the conditions are still dry so switch back to the less grippy wheel, and once again got the error code, which duly clears on restart (perhaps alarm bells should have been ringing by now but the reset always fixed it and it only happened once every few rides)
Fast forward to last Tuesday evenings ride.
After 25 kms in the mud and rain I am wheel spinning in a bog, watching my battery level on my watch at 21% thinking any second now it will drop to the last bar and go red. And there it goes. Except not only does it go red, but it starts flashing and beeping and gives an E299 error code.
Nothing will reset it. Luckily we are at our highest point so it is mostly down hill back to the cars.
Get home and do some reading and learn that the E299 code is an anti tamper protocol from Shimano and it cannot be reset other than by removing the motor at an authorised dealer and sending it back to base to be reset (For a considerable fee). It may not even be possible to reset in which case I will have to buy a complete new motor!
How can this be possible. I have paid many thousands of pounds to buy the bike which I use for business as much as pleasure. It is completely standard except for the time to time swapping out of rear wheels and has NEVER EVER been tampered with in any way. There is nothing at all wrong with the motor other than a software lock on it, yet the expensive tool that I bought outright cannot now be used.

Thinking of buying a Shimano powered bike?

DON'T

2 years on a Yeti 160e EP800, 2360 miles, no issues, Pivot LT Shimano EP801, 11 months old 800 miles no issues, I would think that with the amount of units produced and sold world wide the odd lemon is bound to slip through, put it back in the hands of the retailer who sold it to you.

 

[Sayonara]

I've never had a problem with my Shimano EP600, which is almost identical to the EP801. I'm just in the process of building a new rear wheel, so I can fit a 11s Linkglide transmission. So I did quite a bit of research, and came across the magnet issue.

I can assure you that if I get even a single E295 error. I'll be getting professional help from the people who sold me the bike. That said, I have the centelock magnet, so I just made sure I used a Shimano centrelock 11s hub on the new wheel. That way the magnet mounting is identical, and Shimano cannot claim I didn't use a proper Shimano mounting.

I won't be avoiding the EP801 because of the E295 error, when I know what to do to avoid it. And what to do if I do get it. Shimano is just too accessible in Australia. 99bikes where I bought my bike have been brilliant in helping me. And I can buy Shimano parts, including new motors, from so many stores around Sydney. So pricing is competitive.

Unfortunately the same doesn't apply to Bosch or DJI in Australia. Infact before Shimano. I only ran Bafang Motors, because parts and spares were so easy and well priced.

Let's see what DJI come up with, when it comes to servicing and spares. But if it's only a single store in Sydney, with no competition. I'll be looking very closely at their parts and servicing costs, before considering the Amflow.

Curious to ask why did you change from Bafang?

 

[BAh30]

Orbea h30 and would like to use the wheelset off another bike. Are there magnets that do work without throwing an error code? I was intending on using the 6 hole bosch magnet. Or is it best to use a rotor with an embedded magnet?

 

[darwink1]

I have 3 wheelsets for my ep8 equipped bike and often swap them, never have I had any speed sensor issues. Are you swapping between 29" and 27.5"? Also after the first error code why not swap the original magnet onto the new wheel? Would take all of 10 seconds dude.

D

 

[theremotejuggernaut]

Orbea h30 and would like to use the wheelset off another bike. Are there magnets that do work without throwing an error code? I was intending on using the 6 hole bosch magnet. Or is it best to use a rotor with an embedded magnet?

I ran a 27.5 rear wheel from my hardtail on my Rise using the bosch magnet. Orbea sell it as a spare part so figured it would be ok.

Only did a couple of rides but had no issues.

Other than pedal strikes but that was the smaller wheel, not the magnet...

 

[BAh30]

I have 3 wheelsets for my ep8 equipped bike and often swap them, never have I had any speed sensor issues. Are you swapping between 29" and 27.5"? Also after the first error code why not swap the original magnet onto the new wheel? Would take all of 10 seconds dude.

D

centerlock and 4 bolt hubs

 

[franciscoasismm]

For EP801 the best is PCE02 and Markus from the eMax team

Markus Schlegel

4 Holunder Street

D-86573 Obergriesbach

www.eMax-Tuning.com

[email protected]

 

[kla456]

Mate, If you aren't going take note of error codes, and at least google them. Then I think you are going to have trouble with any motor or ebike you purchase.

Ebikes are complex machines. You cannot ignore Error Codes. Just take a photo before resetting it. Then look it up later.

But if the same code comes up multiple times. You really need to stop riding and get it looked at. Especially as you fitted a different wheel. The speed sensor is part of the wheel. And the speed sensor is crucial to the proper and legal operation of your motor.

No bike manufacturer or bike store is going to be sympathetic, if you have made a modification, got an error code and just continued to reset it, till the bike wouldn't work at all.

Anyway. I hope you can get this resolved, with as little expense to yourself.

Thanks for the heads-up on those E295 error codes. Just hope They never find me.! I also hope MOG will appreciate your advice to his problem.
First ride over Monday and Tuesday on my new ep801 Merida e160 9000 (2023) 11-speed with Di2 autoshift and AXs dropper - no more shifting - just buttons! This is my second Merida e160.

 

[Astro66]

2 years on a Yeti 160e EP800

I have 3 wheelsets for my ep8 equipped bike

This problem has only surfaced on the EP600 and EP801. They have a different firmware to the EP8.

Curious to ask why did you change from Bafang?

Because I wanted a fully integrated motor, battery, and electronic transmission from a single manufacturer. That way I get Freeshift and Autoshift. And also, I make lots of modifications, and as soon as there is an issue. Manufacturers will tend to point the finger at any foreign part.

With everything being Shimano. They cannot use that excuse. They need to actually find the problem. That said, I've had no problems.

And lastly. I loved the Merida e160 frame. I test rode lots of bikes and I've never felt so confident as I did on this frame. And my LBS supports both Merida and Shimano.

 

[emtbPhil]

Mate bought a 2023 orbea rise with the EP800 motor in - died with internal sensor faults on his 3rd ride

Went back to bike shop, Shimano asked for the motor to be shipped to them, got replaced, took 2 weeks

Another guy in my riding group has had his orbea rise for 2 years and has had 3 motors replaced now - all with same internal sensor fault
I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole tbh

 

[franciscoasismm]

Shimano Steps has been around for years and there are a lot of faults, but in my humble opinion I prefer my DU-E8000 with 70Nm and good tuning with Andrzej Wodejszo's backup motors. My route today on agricultural roads and river trails has an average of 26km/h. I have been 40,000 km with E8000 (50 years of biker) and I prefer bad acquaintances than good ones to know.

 

[Astro66]

Mate bought a 2023 orbea rise with the EP800 motor in - died with internal sensor faults on his 3rd ride

Went back to bike shop, Shimano asked for the motor to be shipped to them, got replaced, took 2 weeks

Another guy in my riding group has had his orbea rise for 2 years and has had 3 motors replaced now - all with same internal sensor fault

They are the old EP8 motors. 4 newer Shimano motors in my ride group. Three EP600 and one EP801. Oldest one is 12 months. They have been bulletproof. But we are all meticulous about our bikes and motors in clearing, drying and maintenance. Especially around all the electrical connections.

 

[steve_sordy]

I had the e8000, did over 3000 miles, never had a problem. Went through three winters.
I have an EP8, done 3269 miles, never had a problem. Went through three winters, coming up to four.
I don't ride through streams. I don't use a hosepipe to clean the bike.
Both bikes travel on the tow-bar mounted bike rack. I have never wrapped the motor with anything to protect from rain.
I have never taken special care to dry the bike, just a quick bounce and rub over with an old towel.
I have never once even looked at the electrical connections.
I have never added a layer of dielectric grease, or anything like it, to the electrical connections.
I removed the battery once when I first got my current bike. It has been out twice since by the LBS for access to hoses and so forth. Not been out since. (The first bike had a non-removable battery).
That's it, no problems. Shimano's stuff has worked for me.
If I've been lucky then let's hope it lasts.!

 

[BAh30]

found a bosch magnet. It was an easy install-alignment. Took for a test ride to test my 2nd profile set up and it worked good.

 

[Astro66]

That's it, no problems. Shimano's stuff has worked for me.
If I've been lucky then let's hope it lasts.!

Will you buy a lottery ticket in my name .........

 

[Astro66]

I don't ride through streams. I don't use a hosepipe to clean the bike.

I walk my bike through streams on it's rear wheel, with the front wheel up in the air. But below 4 inches, I will ride through, but very slowly, so as not to create a big splash.

I use a hose to clean, but dry it well, then store it in a warm dry environment. Retained water is your biggest concern. Storing in warm dry environment normally evaporates off any residual wet, before corrosion can take place.

 

[steve_sordy]

I use a hose to clean, but dry it well, then store it in a warm dry environment. Retained water is your biggest concern. Storing in warm dry environment normally evaporates off any residual wet, before corrosion can take place.

I store my bike in the garage, chained to a ground anchor. The garage has insulated walls and doors, so it doesn't get as hot or cold inside as it can outside. I have never had anything freeze in the garage. The up-and-over doors have gaps at the bottom big enough to let mice in, so it is ventilated!

 

[emtbPhil]

I had the e8000, did over 3000 miles, never had a problem. Went through three winters.
I have an EP8, done 3269 miles, never had a problem. Went through three winters, coming up to four.
I don't ride through streams. I don't use a hosepipe to clean the bike.
Both bikes travel on the tow-bar mounted bike rack. I have never wrapped the motor with anything to protect from rain.
I have never taken special care to dry the bike, just a quick bounce and rub over with an old towel.
I have never once even looked at the electrical connections.
I have never added a layer of dielectric grease, or anything like it, to the electrical connections.
I removed the battery once when I first got my current bike. It has been out twice since by the LBS for access to hoses and so forth. Not been out since. (The first bike had a non-removable battery).
That's it, no problems. Shimano's stuff has worked for me.
If I've been lucky then let's hope it lasts.!

I hope it lasts - but my mate bought the bike from LeisureLakes, rode it twice. Never even had chance to clean it, just dry stored in his camper van, motor died with the red flashing lights and LeisureLakes confirmed motor fault, full replacement, took nearly a month
For me it seems like there's so many people who have had zero issues, but also so many that have had multiple failed motors it must just be a quality issue, not checking the motor builds well enough. Bit of a lottery which one you get

 

[steve_sordy]

I hope it lasts - but my mate bought the bike from LeisureLakes, rode it twice. Never even had chance to clean it, just dry stored in his camper van, motor died with the red flashing lights and LeisureLakes confirmed motor fault, full replacement, took nearly a month
For me it seems like there's so many people who have had zero issues, but also so many that have had multiple failed motors it must just be a quality issue, not checking the motor builds well enough. Bit of a lottery which one you get

This issue is not restricted to Shimano! One only as to read the Levo page to see that. People seem to be boasting when they claim that they are on their 4th or even 5th motor. (Look how hard a rider I am!) But the uncertainty before every ride as to whether the motor will fail this time, stranding me with a long push home would put me right off EVER buying a Speccy.

Shimano don't appear to help themselves with their spotty approach to customer service. The reports of a new motor within a week are balanced by some reports of an outright refusal to engage with the customer. I assume that we never get the full story. People who report happy experiences are less motivated to report such than unhappy people with a grievance.

 

[kla456]

Merida e160 2021 with ep8 - no motor issues, donated to my son.
Replaced last month by Merida e160 with ep801, auto shift and axs dropper.
Second bike 2020 Levo SL, motor refurb serviced (precautionary) in August.
No motor issues so far - some good stories out there as well as some 'not so good'.