Shimano STEPS error E012: Pedal Sensor Did Not Initialise
The motor controller could not finish its start-up check on the pedal torque or cadence sensor, so it cuts electric assist as a safety default until the test passes again. Speed and cadence readings often drop to zero, and walk assist usually does not work either. The bike still rolls freely under leg power, but no motor support is available while the warning is active.
| Drive system | Shimano STEPS (E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000, EP6, EP801) |
| Severity | Fix at home |
| Keep riding? | Ride with caution |
| Typical cost | A dealer diagnostic typically runs €40–€90, a crank-arm or torque sensor replacement €150–€350 fitted, and an out-of-warranty drive unit replacement can exceed €800 including labour. |
Likely causes
- Rider has weight on a pedal during the power-on cycle, so the sensor sees movement before it has zeroed itself
- Crank magnet ring or torque sensor strip contaminated with mud, chain lube or grit
- Loose, oxidised or moisture-affected connector between the crank sensor and the drive unit
- Drive unit waking from a long deep-sleep state with a corrupted reference value
- Genuine failure of the torque or cadence sensor inside the bottom bracket sensor housing
- Firmware mismatch after a partial battery removal during storage
How to fix Shimano STEPS error E012
- Stop pedalling and put the bike on its stand or hold it upright with both feet on the ground.
- Power the system fully off using the display, not just the battery, and wait ten seconds.
- Turn the system back on without any load on the cranks, then keep the pedals still until the display finishes its initial check.
- Spin the cranks slowly by hand a few revolutions once assist has returned, then ride normally to confirm the code has cleared.
- If E012 returns, clean around the crank spider and magnet ring with a dry cloth and check the sensor cable along the drive unit for kinks or corrosion.
- Try one further power cycle with the battery disconnected for sixty seconds.
- If the warning still appears, hand the bike to a Shimano dealer for a diagnostic read on the drive unit and sensor circuit.
Warranty: Genuine Shimano sensor and drive unit faults are normally covered as a manufacturing defect for two years from the date of purchase, while crash damage, pressure-wash water ingress and rider-modified wiring are excluded.
Typical cost: A dealer diagnostic typically runs €40–€90, a crank-arm or torque sensor replacement €150–€350 fitted, and an out-of-warranty drive unit replacement can exceed €800 including labour.
Frequently asked
Can I reset shimano error E012?
Yes, do a clean restart: take all weight off the pedals, power the system fully off, then switch it back on and keep the cranks still until the start-up check finishes. If the code returns immediately the sensor itself is likely at fault and a dealer read is the next step.
Is it safe to keep riding with E012?
The bike still rolls and brakes normally because the drive is simply switched off, so a short unassisted ride to a workshop is fine. Persistent faults can hide other drive unit issues, so clear the code on a bench before relying on the bike again.
How much does the repair cost and is it covered by warranty?
Out of warranty a diagnostic plus crank sensor replacement usually lands between €150 and €350. Inside the first two years a genuine Shimano torque sensor failure on an E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000, EP6 or EP801 system is normally covered by Shimano.
Related Shimano STEPS codes
Manuals and video
Official source: si.shimano.com
Not an official Shimano STEPS document. Compiled from workshop experience and public service information; details can differ per system version and bike brand.