Shimano STEPS error W967: E-Bike system lock engaged
W967 appears when the Shimano STEPS anti-theft system lock has been activated on the bike, either by the owner through E-TUBE RIDE or by the dealer at setup. While the lock is active the drive unit cuts motor assistance completely, walk assist is unavailable, and the display may show no speed reading because the system is effectively locked out. The bicycle still rolls and brakes normally under human power, but no electrical support is delivered until the lock is released.
| Drive system | Shimano STEPS (E5000, E6100, E7000, E8000, EP6, EP801) |
| Severity | Information |
| Keep riding? | Ride with caution |
| Typical cost | An app-led unlock is free, a dealer re-registration or diagnostic typically runs 30 to 80 EUR, and a replacement display or switch unit if found faulty costs around 80 to 220 EUR fitted. |
Likely causes
- E-TUBE RIDE app or registered cyclecomputer has the system lock switched on.
- Bike was sold or handed over without the new owner being registered, so the previous lock profile is still active.
- Battery was removed or fully discharged, leaving the lock state armed on next power-up.
- Firmware update or E-TUBE PROJECT reset re-enabled the lock feature.
- Multiple failed unlock attempts placed the system in a locked state.
- Display unit or switch was replaced without re-pairing, which can leave the lock profile orphaned.
How to fix Shimano STEPS error W967
- Check the display for any lock icon or on-screen message confirming the lock status.
- Open E-TUBE RIDE on the smartphone originally paired with the bike and sign in with the registered account.
- Select your bike in the app and use the unlock function to release the system lock.
- If the phone is unavailable, use the registered cyclecomputer or switch unit and follow its unlock sequence in the settings menu.
- Power the bike off, wait ten seconds, then power on again and confirm assist levels return.
- If the lock cannot be released through any registered device, the bike must be taken to an authorised Shimano dealer to clear the lock profile and re-register a new device.
Warranty: W967 is a user-activated security state rather than a component fault, so unlocking and re-registration are normally treated as a service charge rather than a warranty repair, while genuine electronic failures inside the two-year warranty period remain covered.
Typical cost: An app-led unlock is free, a dealer re-registration or diagnostic typically runs 30 to 80 EUR, and a replacement display or switch unit if found faulty costs around 80 to 220 EUR fitted.
Frequently asked
Can I reset Shimano error W967?
Yes. Open E-TUBE RIDE on the phone that is paired with the bike, sign in, and run the unlock routine for that frame. The W967 message clears as soon as the registered device releases the lock and the system is power-cycled.
Is it safe to keep riding with W967?
The bicycle rides and brakes normally under leg power, but motor assist is cut, so hills and heavy loads become noticeably harder. Ride cautiously and get the lock released as soon as practical.
Will a dealer fix W967 under warranty and what does it cost?
Because W967 is a lock state and not a hardware failure, most dealers charge 30 to 80 EUR for re-registration. If the issue turns out to be a faulty switch or display that is causing the lock to stick, that part replacement is usually covered inside the two-year warranty period.
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.