Shimano STEPS - New component group for e-bikes

[geiranders]

From a Norwegian forum, a press release from today:
http://terrengsykkel.no/ubb/ubbthrea...589#Post969589

[Dover]

from Bikeradar.com
in english

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...mponents-26649

[wheelbender6]

Cool. I had heard about STEPS but hadn't seen any pics.
Even though lithium ion batteries are high tech, I cant imagine getting much range from a 4Amp hour battery. However, it sounds like you may be able to recharge it with a solar panel. The regen braking will not help much in a flat area like Houston.
Niether post mentioned front brake options. Rim brakes are a given, but they didn't mention if there is an integral roller brake in the hub motor (great for old cruisers) or mounts for a disk rotor.
Now that Shimano has entered this segment, they will set the standard and force existing hub motor manufacturers to improve. It's going to be fun.

[esXso]

Disappointed they didn't build a bottom bracket motor like Panasonic's. I keep hoping that Optibike might decide to expand its business and manufacture bottom bracket motors for anyone. Imagine how cool a Big Dummy or Kona Ute would be with a powerful bottom bracket motor.