The Shimano STEPS motors (E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000, EP8…) display their anomalies as codes beginning with W or E. The logic is straightforward once you understand it, and a very common code — W013 — clears up in ten seconds with the right move. Here's the clear explanation.
W = warning, E = error
- W (Warning): warning. The bike keeps running, assistance works, but the system signals something to watch.
- E (Error): error. Assistance cuts out. The bike remains usable without motor until resolved.
The prefix tells you immediately whether you need to stop or just note the code. Attention: the exact wording varies slightly depending on the STEPS generation — when in doubt, the E-TUBE app or the dealer gives the official label.
The W codes (bike still running)
| Code | Probable Meaning | First Step |
|---|---|---|
| W010 | Motor unit initializing / abnormal startup state | Turn off, turn back on without forcing |
| W011 | Speed sensor measurement gap / distance | Check the magnet and speed sensor |
| W013 | Torque sensor not initialized | Turn back on without pushing pedals (see below) |
| W020 / W021 | Display ↔ motor unit communication | Check the display cable |
| W101 / W103 / W104 | Battery-related warning (charge, communication) | Recharge, reinsert battery |
W013 in detail — the most common
W013 signals that the torque sensor didn't initialize correctly. The cause is almost always the same: you pressed a pedal (or the bike moved) at power-on, when the sensor calibrates to zero at that moment. The solution:
- Turn off the system.
- Put your feet on the ground, don't touch either the pedals or the crank.
- Turn back on without any load on the pedals.
If W013 keeps reappearing despite that, the torque sensor or motor installation deserves a check at the dealer.
