Shimano EP801 e-bike firmware update finally adds overrun alongside more boost power, more customisability

Bosch e-bike motors have long held a feature advantage over its Shimano competition, but that paradigm seems to be shifting with Shimano's latest EP801 e-bike motor firmware update. Shimano claims it developed the new “race-specific” firmware with Yeti's enduro race team.

The new EP801 firmware increases the maximum assist level at the highest boost setting to 400% assist ratio, effectively making e-bikes using the EP801 system feel snappier and more responsive, while the added overrun feature — which Shimano calls extended carry-over assist — helps riders on tough climbs.

Shimano allows users to customise the amount of extended assist, too, with three choices for the amount of overrun — short, medium, and long — for different scenarios or terrain. Extended assist will, however, not activate when the rider pedals backwards, which is an interesting way to give the rider some control — especially useful when they need to get on the brakes.

Shimano now also allows riders to customise the EP801's top speed assist cut-off, allowing for a choice between 100% power all the way until the cut-off or a natural, progressive taper down when approaching the maximum assist speed.

Auto Shift also received some attention, with claimed improvements coming in the form of faster, more aggressive shifts during hard braking or accelerating. Auto Shift will also release control to the rider exclusively when they shift manually during descents, pausing until the rider has found the correct gear and pedalled out of the situation.

Shimano's new EP801 firmware and its related customisations will be available via an update to Shimano's E-Tube Project Cyclist smartphone app, but it can also be installed at any Shimano dealer.