5 Wishlist Changes to Shimano Steps E8000 | Recumbent Trikes

[@paullyle3461]

David your one step fr becoming a teck on electric bike systems.Well I've installed over 4 electric systems on trikes but on the last one I got a motor that threw me a curve, I'm amazed at you ability to take on all you do. God Bless, thanks so much for sharing.🤔🎀😎

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Thanks Paul. I know just enough to make me dangerous. 😂

[@paullyle3461]

Yeah David me too, God🙏 Bless you Brother.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@paullyle3461 Ditto Paul!

[@happytriking]

We are looking at buying an e-ice adventure for my wife so thank you so much for your video.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Great! I'm glad my timing was good! 😉

[@phyllisboone8957]

You're looking great, David! I hope that you enjoyed your inaugural DRAT ride today! We certainly had good weather here in the Great Lakes region! Prayers daily for your continued good health and being able to enjoy your life, and us, you!

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Thanks so much Phyllis. It turned out to be a GREAT day. Started out gray and chilly but warmed up and the sun eventually came out. I think everyone had a great time and for that, I'm happy! And I am already thinking about next year's DRAT Ride!

[@phyllisboone8957]

@@DavidRidesaTrike I am so glad you had a good day! You know that we'll be watching for the 2nd Annual DRAT ride announcement. We will plan on joining you for it!

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@phyllisboone8957 There's certainly nothing set in stone yet, but I'm thinking of making it a second Sunday in June event Although I want to check and see when TATER TOT is. That's a big recumbent weekend in Idaho and it was also on this past weekend. I had no idea that was when it was when I announced my ride for the 12th and a few people said they'd like to come but they already had reservations for TATER TOT.

[@markfeldman6509]

You are looking strong! Hope the DRAT ride was a success. I rode with three triking buddies today…one of them a recovering stroke patient …the trike has literally saved his life and sanity. It has greatly accelerated his recovery. Your requests are all common sense and should be easily implemented. Just putting a “live” switch and a wire should make either battery operational by choice. Smaller batteries are certainly a smart idea but the cost for such a small battery might make it too expensive for what it furnishes in power and make them a small niche product not worth manufacturing. The APPS suggestion is simply solved as is showing all 9 levels on the screen. I never run into those problems. All I do is pack an extra PBJ Sandwich, a few power bars, some OJ and Gatorade Zero and this 70 year old motor just keeps on ticking. Stay well and keep riding and healing. Best wishes.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Thanks Mark. The ride turned out GREAT. The good news is that I had a chance to talk with many viewers and that was really fun. The bad news is, because I was so busy talking, I barely shot any video. Hopefully I'll be able to cobble together something representative of the day. You have a point about the smaller batteries and it's something I thought of. However, it occurred to e that it's not just us trikers. There are a LOT of MTN commuter, hybrid and electric cruiser bikes out there now and all the Shimano systems on these bikes use the same batteries. In any case, I think if Shimano sees them as a possible profit center, big or small from them, they'll do it.

[@bobt2522]

I'm glad your local shop was able to provide you with a loaner trike. What model is the loaner? How does it compare to your trike?

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

In this video I was riding an HP Scorpion FS Enduro. A great trike by any measure. However, I am so used to the feel and handling of my ICE trike that I preferred that and my dealer was kind enough to swap the Scorpion for an ICE Sprint X Tour like I ride! The sop is Amlings Cycle in Niles, IL>

[@tomboyd9053]

I hope you had a wonderful inaugural DRAT Ride yesterday! Great video today, David, on the Shimano Steps E8000 e-assist system. As you know, I also have the Shimano Steps E8000 system on my HP Velotechnik Scorpion + FS26 and was so reluctant to changing the assist levels within my Eco, Trail, and Boost with the E-Tube Project. But I eventually did and it went okay... But, I agree with #1. Just make the nine levels available w/o having to go into the app. I've had others tell me how they have multiple levels of assist and we can only access three at a time from the Shimano Steps E8000 system. Ugh! Smaller batteries would be a great thing for those who travel with their trikes. I would also like the ability to switch between batteries on the fly by flipping a switch/toggle, etc. When I fished from boats, some of my friends carried extra trolling motor batteries and used a device that would allow them to switch between batteries by turning a switch. I could see something similar for us to use. Thanks for sharing your thoughts... You're looking good. Keep on Triking!

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Thanks Tom. To me, and apparently you, these all seem like things that would enhance the system and don't seem like they'd be difficult to implement. I know a bit about software and I am willing to bet they could give us all nine levels with a firmware and/or software update. And the "switch" seems like it should be a simple thing as well.The batteries could be expensive, but when you consider that they'd be used not only by trikers but ALL the other mtn, hybrid, commuter, cruiser, etc. bikes out there, it might be worth it for Shimano to produced or have them produced.

[@antcullimore3550]

You Are right. On my Bafang mid-drive I can select levels 1-9 directly. And I find the "fine" level settings ideal for when I ride with others - much more so that the coarser setting available : 1 to 5. Stay strong

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Yes, it would be very nice to have that option. Maybe one day the overlords at Shimano will grant it.

[@joeb564]

Howdy Mr. Dave, Glad your doing well. Good episode.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Thanks Joe!

[@billfearheller4179]

David, I found the reason Shimano doesn't make the changes you want. It's very simple. Revenue!!! Be well and stay safe, bf

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Ha! Unfortunately, you're probably right!

[@themilehightriker8500]

My friend, regarding your e-assist, I guess things haven't changed much since the days of Paul Newman, Cool Hand Luke and Strother Martin: "What we have here is a failure to communicate." When it comes to apps, yours is only one of many that fail to provide true useful functionality. The need and technology seem to be there, but getting apps to interface with our devices and do what we really want is lacking. I'm speculating here, but are you sure it's amperage that prevents lithium-ion batteries from being carried on planes? I could be wrong, but I believe lithium-ion battery pack flammability (and at least one fatal airline crash caused by a battery fire) is the reason for the flight restrictions. A single battery in a smart phone isn't a big deal, but packs of them grouped together as in e-bike batteries are much more so. The spare battery mount switch concept is a great one. I personally don't ride far enough to need a second battery, but your idea seems like a no-brainer for those who do. Many trikers have disabilities, and it's a real PITA to get up and bend over to switch batteries. I do have one question for you: how does your assist work with your Rohloff? Seems to me the hub combined with the assist would provide all the drivetrain flexibility you ever need.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Hi Greg! Answering your last question first, yes, between the Rohloff and the e-assist I have all the "gear range" I need and I'm never in a position where I feel I'm not in the "sweet spot." And yes, the app does a partial job, but not quite all. Many years ago when I worked in electronics I knew the service manager at Bell & Howell. This was back when they made quality products. Anyway, one day a guy brings a Bell & Howell tape recorder for service. Turned out he was an engineer who worked for B&H and was one of the design engineers on this very model. The service manager said, "I'm surprised you can't fix this yourself." The engineer said, "We know how to design them. We don't know how to fix them> I think the app world is the modern day equivalent. Regarding batteries on planes, here you go - www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/travel/tsa-battery-rules Hope all is well by you!

[@360.Outdoors.Videos]

Beautiful video mate . The best assist system is to have a tork sensor instead of a pedal cycles counter assist system . Then with Shimano you are property system dependent and so to say locked !!!! Go to bafang !!! And get rid of the limitations ! Great ! I have a old out of date Bionx system with the same problem . So i will soon get rid of it and just do what I feel to do .... Or does Shimano intend to help us out with these issues ? ........

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

I know I'm not the only one out there complaining so maybe Shimano will listen.

[@debbieschwartz3132]

Hey David...have you sent Shimano a message with your suggestions?? Good to know the potential improvements. I was looking on your website under gear and didn't see any DRAT t shirts or gear. Id love to buy some DRAT gear to support the channel. Let me know...🤩👏

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Hi Debbie. I don't have any shirts or clothing for sale. To do so, I'd have to invest in different sizes, colors, etc. and that gets expensive quickly!

[@debbieschwartz3132]

@@DavidRidesaTrike Makes sense for sure. Just thought I'd ask.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@debbieschwartz3132 As they say, there's no harm in asking.

[@krikri3743]

Wonderful Trike path🌳🌿🌲🌳🍀🍃🌱🌳 How fast do u average riding mph. Does dirt/pebbles ever affect the chain etc Love Ur videos, Thy💚

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

I still only average about 11 mph for a 20 mile ride. I could go faster if I wanted to, but I really enjoy going at a moderate pace and taking everything in. And no, I've never had an issue because of the dust.

[@neilsonwheels]

Just in case you didn’t get my first message. The controller slides onto a holder on the handle bar. It has two connectors points on the bottom at the back. This is not the best fit and sometimes this separate causing the error, if you slide the connector into place and at the same time slide a small piece of rolled up rape or similar between the controller back and the panel it slots into that will force the connectors at the bottom together and get rid of the problem. I was shown this trick by ICE. It’s easy and free and takes seconds. There will be nothing wrong with the motor

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

The controller is now a bit different. It's all one pieced and there are two wire harnesses that plug into the top of the controller. This also isn't the greatest for connectivity as one or both of them can work a bit loose and have to be reinserted with a small special tool that Shimano now includes. My problem was definitely at the battery contact points and the dielectric grease seems to have done the trick.

[@timross3008]

What was the price of installation for the system. I’m on a ice X tour.

[@neilsonwheels]

The system error occurs on both my ice trikes , it’s an easy fix. The control panel has to connector when you slide it in place, however this is not a very good connection. If you put some padding ie tape between the control panel and the part you slide it onto that will force the connector together and no more problem. There will be nothing wrong with the motor. It’s fixed with a rolled up and flattened piece of tape ..easy

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Unfortunately, that was one of the first things I checked but it wasn't the solution. It appears to be a bad motor or speed sensor.

[@ronaldharris6569]

I wonderhow compact could a trike be if you make it front wheel drive and rear steering?

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Hi Ronal. I couldn't even take a guess at that. I don't know of anyone who makes a trike like that. I'm not saying they don't exist. I just have never seen one.

[@ronaldharris6569]

@@DavidRidesaTrike I found one but it was a home built one done by an engineer as a hobby

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@ronaldharris6569 Got it. Just curious, but why are you looking for a trike like this?

[@neilsonwheels]

Hope you got my last message, your error message has a very easy and free fix, takes seconds

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

I'm not sure that I did. But the fix ICE gave me is pretty simple. Clean the contacts and apply the grease.

[@garyseckel295]

Often wondered if Shimano STEPS was intentionally too simple to allow for future upgrade sales! Twin battery selection should be there! WAY too much work swapping batteries for mobility-challenged, handicapped riders. Also, a finger-lever throttle over-ride should be offered as an option for handicappers.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

I think system simplicity probably was a goal, but I also think most of us view these measures as making things overly complex. And yes, while swapping batteries isn't a difficult challenge for most of us, those with mobility issues could find it challenging. And besides, why not offer a truly simple solution?

[@goriverman]

The reason I would never get one on my bike is they have no option for a throttle. And like you say no easy excess to 1 to 9 on assist. I have a two trikes, one has a bafang mid drive which I love. daul batteries. The other is cat trike with a hub motor. One batterie. Love both of them . I’m in the process of building another from scratch. Keeps me busy. Some times I get so tired it hard to pedal on the way home. That’s where the throttle is a blessing.. they should make it a option. I know doing that would change the class but it should be a option.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

I've seen several bikes, usually fatties, on the trail that have throttles. I don't know what system they're using but I would think there is an option like that for a trike.

[@goriverman]

@@DavidRidesaTrike I don’t think that a option. I was going put one on my trike that changed my mind

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

@@goriverman I'm sure you'll be happy with it when you're done.

[@lincolngrayson1013]

Great ideas, put them in the company's memo, ha, ha, ha.

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

They've been added to the list. 😎

[@richglaser4566]

I hate those error messages

[@DavidRidesaTrike]

Especially because they tell us NOTHING!