What Shimano Error E010 Means

Error E010 on Shimano STEPS systems (covering E6100, E7000, E8000, EP8, and EP801 drive units) indicates that the drive unit has detected an anomaly with the speed sensor signal. Shimano STEPS uses a reed switch or Hall-effect speed sensor mounted on the chainstay that reads a magnet attached to one of the rear wheel spokes. The drive unit uses this signal to regulate assistance levels (Eco, Trail, Boost) and to enforce the legal assist cutoff (25 km/h in EU, 32 km/h in US markets).

When the controller receives no signal, a wildly inconsistent signal, or a signal that contradicts the torque sensor input, it logs E010 and reduces or eliminates motor assistance. Unlike some other STEPS errors, E010 does not always kill assistance immediately — in some firmware versions, the system enters a limited-assist fallback mode before fully cutting power.

E010 vs. E011: E010 is a speed sensor signal fault. E011 is a speed sensor value that is implausibly high (sensor misread creating phantom high-speed readings). Both errors involve the same hardware; the fix procedure below covers both.

Causes of E010

In order of frequency in real-world cases:

  1. Speed sensor magnet out of position — The spoke magnet slips along the spoke (especially if the tie strap has degraded) or has been knocked out of radial alignment during a wheel removal or crash.
  2. Sensor-to-magnet gap too large — The gap between the sensor face and the passing magnet must be 3 mm or less. Rear wheel installation variation, tyre changes, or sensor bracket movement can push this gap beyond the reliable sensing range.
  3. Damaged speed sensor cable — The thin two-wire cable from the sensor to the motor unit is routed along the chainstay and is vulnerable to impact damage, zip-tie overtightening, and fatigue failure at the grommet exit on the drive unit housing.
  4. Corroded or loose sensor connector — The waterproof JST-style connector at the drive unit ingress point can collect moisture and corrode.
  5. Failed speed sensor unit — The sensor element itself (reed switch or Hall IC) has failed. Reed switches are particularly susceptible to mechanical failure from vibration over time.

Fix Procedure

Step 1: Check the Speed Sensor Magnet

Spin the rear wheel by hand and watch the spoke magnet pass the sensor. The magnet should pass within 3 mm of the sensor face — typically the magnet face and sensor face should nearly touch with 2–3 mm clearance. If the magnet is loose on the spoke, reposition it and secure it with a new zip tie or the original retention clip. Ensure the magnet is radially aligned — the flat face should be parallel to the sensor face, not angled.

Step 2: Measure the Air Gap

With a business card (approximately 0.5 mm thick) or feeler gauge, verify the gap at closest approach is under 3 mm. If the gap is too large, loosen the sensor bracket mounting bolts (typically two M4 bolts on the chainstay mount), move the bracket inward toward the wheel, and retighten. Recheck gap after tightening, as bracket position sometimes shifts slightly during bolt torquing.

Step 3: Inspect the Sensor Cable

Trace the full sensor cable from the sensor body to the drive unit entry grommet. Look for: cuts in the outer sheath, crushing from zip ties, sharp bends, or abrasion against the chainstay. If the sheath is damaged, the conductors inside may be intermittently shorting or open-circuiting — the cable requires replacement even if the damage appears superficial.

Step 4: Test the Sensor with the E-Tube App

Shimano's E-Tube Project app (available for iOS and Android, connects via Bluetooth on EP8/EP801 or via the optional SM-BCR2 Bluetooth adapter on older units) includes a real-time sensor diagnostic screen. With the wheel spinning, the speed sensor signal should show a consistent Hz value proportional to wheel speed. An erratic or zero reading with the wheel spinning confirms a sensor or cable fault.

Step 5: Replace the Speed Sensor

The Shimano SM-DUE10 speed sensor (compatible with E6100/E7000/E8000) and SM-DUE11 (EP8/EP801) are both user-replaceable components available from any Shimano dealer. Replacement involves: routing the new cable through the existing chainstay guides, connecting the JST connector at the drive unit grommet (apply dielectric grease to the connector before insertion), positioning the sensor bracket, and setting the magnet gap per Step 2.

Clearing the Error After Repair

Shimano STEPS errors do not always self-clear after the underlying fault is fixed. After completing your repair: power off the system, wait 10 seconds, power on, and spin the rear wheel to at least 5 km/h (the sensor needs to register a valid signal for the error to clear). If E010 persists after a confirmed repair, connect the E-Tube Project app and use the "Error History" function to manually clear stored fault codes.

E8000 vs EP8: Any Differences?

The physical speed sensor and mounting system are mechanically identical between the E8000 and EP8 platforms. The EP8 adds Bluetooth diagnostics directly from the drive unit without an adapter, making E-Tube-based diagnosis faster. The error code definition and repair procedure are the same for both platforms. EP801 (introduced 2023) also shares the same speed sensor architecture.