Taking on DJI Avinox and Bosch: New mid-drive motor delivers 100 Nm and Auto Shift support

Shimano continues to expand its footprint in the e-bike segment with the launch of the EP810 mid-drive motor. Weighing in at 2.3 kilograms, the drive unit is advertised with up to 100 Nm of torque. By comparison, the Avinox M2S delivers up to 150 Nm on paper, offering significantly higher output. The EP810 features a peak power rating of 750 watts, while its continuous rated power is capped at 250 watts to comply with European regulations. The motor provides consistent assistance across a broad cadence range of up to 160 rpm, though cadences above 110 rpm are already exceptionally high in real-world riding.

Mountain bikers stand to benefit most from the drive unit's feature set. For steep ascents, the Lift & Shift function holds the e-bike in place on an incline if the rider comes to a sudden stop. After lifting the rear wheel, double-pressing a button automatically shifts the drivetrain into a lower gear. Shimano's Auto Shift Gen 3 relies on dynamic sensor data—including torque and gradient—to select the optimal gear, though 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.