In the 2000s, cyclists in their fifties and sixties began to use city bikes equipped with electric-assist units in Germany and the Netherlands. In the latter half of the 2000s, an electric-assist unit was introduced by a German manufacturer and rolled out from city bikes to trekking bikes and other sports bikes. Consequently, the new bicycle category of e-sports bikes was established. Under these circumstances, Shimano decided to develop its own electric-assist unit. Under the concept of placing importance on the inherent appeal of bicycles being light and freedom-bringing vehicles and adding new appeal by interfacing with Shimano’s existing components and systems, the new system was named SHIMANO STEPS (standing for Shimano Total Electric Power System). This name expressed Shimano’s firm resolution not to create merely a motor unit or battery but to lead this system to creating total value in synergy with Shimano components.