Versatility Is the Key
Shimano Steps Electric Drive: The Bottom Bracket Motor for Your Electric Tricycle
Maximum bandwidth: With the E5000, E6100 and EP8 systems, we use the best possible motors from the Shimano STEPS motor range to fit to our trikes. Each engine has it’s specific advantages. The very compact E5000 integrated into the front boom is ideal for the price-conscious. The E6100 already offers 50 percent more power. The new High Performance System EP8 tops the performance with a torque of 85 Nm.
An ingenious feature: The motor can be programmed with two different, individually adjustable profiles per Shimano app – the perfect solution if you want to get the trike ready for different applications or riders in seconds.
The position of the motor is unconventional for a cycle. What would appear as a classic mid-engine in an upright bike, becomes a power house at the front in a recumbent or trike. As usual with HP Velotechnik, the bottom bracket is located at the front of the boom. In the past, this was a reason against the installation of bulky mid-engines. A high torque with a small chainring would introduce immense tensile forces into the frame.
This is different with the STEPS series: They can be equipped with large chainrings (38, 44 or 50 teeth). This makes them absolutely trike-compatible and their slim silhouette blends discreetly into the award-winning design of our tricycles. The large chainrings provide lower chain forces at high torque, which has a positive effect on the lifespan of the chain and sprocket compared to many other bottom bracket motors. The rider’s power goes directly to the chainring, even at speeds above the pedelec support limit of 25 km/h (16 mph) or, for US Class 1 electric bikes, 32 km/h (20 mph). Your power arrives at the rear wheel without noticable power loss.
Note: We offer electric drive systems of the Shimano STEPS series for all HP Velotechnik three-wheelers (trikes), but not for our two-wheelers (single track bicycles). For recumbent bicycles with two wheels, please have a look at our neodrives hub motor.
Propulsion at the highest level
The STEPS System presents a powerful result of the efficient energy management of the standard 418 Wh lithium battery. This allows a range of up to 191 km (118 miles). The range increases by almost a third if you alternatively choose the optional battery with 630 Wh capacity, which we supply with 4 A quick charger. The externally identical batteries can be easily removed by unhinging them and taking them off from the side. They snap back into place just as quickly and easily. If you have a wall outlet available once you have reached your parking spot of your Scorpion or Gekko, you can even recharge the battery without removing it from the trike.
Additionally, all those who want to be on the safe side when it comes to range can choose the optional second battery, which always comes with 630 Wh capacity. It travels safely on the special mount under the seat. To supply the system with power, you can replace a battery with the second one by switching them from side to side during a short stop.
The clearly arranged black and white display is easy to read in many lighting conditions due to the high contrast. A light switch is ergonomically integrated into the display: If you decide for our battery lighting system, simply press a button to turn the lights on.
A variety of options awaits the trike fans with the drivetrains that HP Velotechnik provides for its Shimano drives. This ranges from a Sram derailleur to an electrically operated Shimano XT Di2 and a fully automatic electric hub gear.
Shimano STEPS E5000
Much Comfort for the Little Ups and Downs
By far the most affordable electric motor in our modular system comes in a particularly small housing that fits elegantly on the bottom bracket boom of your trike, which is specially forged for the STEPS motors.
With its harmonious characteristics and a well-dosed torque of 40 Newton meters, the E5000, in combination with the shifting options we have selected, is the ideal companion for comfort-oriented riders.
In the basic version you are perfectly equipped for the little ups and downs in the life of a cyclist with the 8-speed derailleur X4 from Sram. The Nexus Di2 8-speed hub gears with engageable fully automatic transmission (see STEPS E6100) make the ride even more casual.
Comfort meets versatility: The large, easy-to-read surface of the E5000 system with a 2.7-inch display is one of the reasons why riding with the STEPS is a real pleasure. The control unit is very easy to use, including the practically integrated light button. Wireless connectivity to smartphone apps and a variety of bike computer functions underline the versatility.
Shimano STEPS E6100
Making the Triker's Life so Easy
We combine the proven system from the Japanese manufacturer’s program in combination with the Nexus Di2 8-speed hub gears with selectable fully automatic transmission.
Irrespective of the gain in comfort, the STEPS E6100 can be used on the mountain or as a tractor in front of children’s or goods trailers. A torque of 60 Newton metres means an increase of 50 percent compared to the “5000” system. This expands the range of applications immensely and ensures a wide range of uses in everyday life.
If you want to experience the maximum lightness of a triker’s life, you’re in the fast lane with the drivetrain we’ve chosen for the E6100. You will already appreciate the advantages of the fully automatic gearshift after the first lap. When you stop at traffic lights the all-in-one package automatically shifts into a low gear. And the Nexus Di2 always changes to the most efficient gear.
To ensure that the shifting process is smooth and jerk-free, the motor support is reduced for a short moment. But if you prefer to choose the gear ratio yourself – no problem: the Di2 can also be shifted manually at any time.
Shimano STEPS EP8
The Powerhouse – Lighter, More Silent, More Efficient
High performance in all areas: The new STEPS flagship is a true powerhouse. The machine produces up to 85 Newton meters at the front of your trike, the maximum support ratio is a whopping 400 percent.
Remarkable: Designed by Shimano for the MTB sector, the EP8 fits just as perfectly into the requirement profile of a touring or trekking trike.
The heart of the system is a system control that is hard to beat in terms of variability: Within the support modes Eco, Trail and Boost, several parameters such as response behaviour or maximum power can be set precisely to the Newton metre. This works wirelessly via smartphone or tablet. In addition, the driver can save two profiles – and switch from work to world travel at the touch of a button.
Lighter, quieter, more efficient: Compared to the predecessor E8000, the system has been slimmed down by 300 gr. Even at maximum power, the EP8 remains incredibly silent. Shimano has reduced the internal pedalling resistance by 36 percent: Everyone can feel this immediately, especially those who pedal in the noble combination with the Rohloff 14-speed hub beyond of 25 km/h (16 mph).
Found the right electric drive? Configure your dream bike now!
With our online configurator, customizing your recumbent bike is easy and fun. Choose to your heart’s delight from the extensive range of our components!
Find a Dealer
All Right, Enough Theory, How Do I Get on The Sporty Tadpole Trike?
At these dealers, recumbents from HP Velotechnik with Shimano STEPS-System are waiting for your test ride. Click on the dealer for the details and your desired date for an individual consultation.
