A Shimano STEPS E5000 mid-drive motor rated at 250W nominal with 40Nm of torque, delivering pedal assist up to 20mph as a Class 1 e-Bike.
Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 E-Bike Review
Written by: Tom Fortune | September 14, 2026 | Time to read 5 min
A mid-drive motor at this price is unusual, and the REI Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 makes a strong case for skipping the hub-motor city bikes that dominate this price range.
More about the Author: Tom Fortune
Tom is a Brit living in the French Alps. When he's not creating written and video content for various brands, he's either pedalling or snowboarding around his local mountains. E-Bikes have unlocked the potential for Tom to explore Alpine terrain and get away from the crowded bike parks. He is only too keen to share his knowledge and experience with other riders.
The Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 is REI’s mid-range city and commuter e-Bike, using a Shimano mid-drive motor instead of the simpler hub motors that most electric bike manufacturers put on bikes at this price. It sits between the entry-level CTY e1.1 and the more powerful CTY e2.2 in the lineup.
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REI Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | Shimano STEPS E5000 mid-drive, 250W nominal, 40Nm torque |
| Battery | Shimano E8014, 36V/418Wh, removable |
| Class | Class 1, pedal assist up to 20mph, no throttle |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Alivio, 9-speed |
| Brakes | Shimano Altus, hydraulic disc |
| Suspension | Suntour MOBIE-A32 front fork, 75mm travel |
| Tires | Schwalbe Big Ben, 27.5x1.95in |
| Weight | Around 50.5 lbs |
How It Rides
The Shimano E5000 motor uses a torque sensor, so it gives you power based on how hard you're pedaling instead of just switching on at a fixed level. This feels natural, and pulling away from a stop is easy. On a steady climb, you’ll probably find that the 40Nm of torque isn't quite enough, and you'll feel yourself doing more of the work. A properly hilly commute will leave you wanting more power than this motor gives you.
REI has given the Co-op CTY e2.1 a Suntour fork with 75mm of travel, which is enough to take the hit out of a curb or pothole. The Schwalbe Big Ben tires are wide and grip well in the wet, and they handle gravel or a dirt path as easily as the road.
This bike doesn’t have a throttle, as it's pedal-assist only, maxing out at 20 mph of assistance. If you're used to a throttle for coasting through intersections or getting moving from a stop without pedaling, you might want to choose a different bike.
Motor and Battery
The Shimano STEPS E5000 is a mid-drive motor, mounted at the pedals instead of in the wheel, delivering 250W nominal power and 40Nm of torque directly through the drivetrain. That mid-drive configuration makes pedaling feel natural, since power scales with how hard you're pedaling instead of switching on at a fixed level like a bike with a cadence sensor.
It has a removable 418Wh battery that takes about 6.5 hours to recharge fully. Range estimates vary by conditions and assist level, from around 40 miles in realistic mixed riding to a claimed 50 to 60 miles in Eco mode on flat terrain.
Things to Know Before You Buy
- Fenders aren’t included, unlike the step-up CTY e2.2, so budget for aftermarket ones if you commute in wet conditions.
- The 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain, combined with Acera shifters, has a wide enough range that should handle most hills you’d encounter around town.
- At 50.5 lbs, this is a heavier city bike, most noticeable when lifting it onto a rack or hauling it up stairs.
Who Should Buy the Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1?
- Riders who want a mid-drive motor’s natural pedal feel without paying premium prices.
- Anyone commuting mostly on flat or rolling terrain will find the 40Nm motor is plenty, without paying extra for power you won’t regularly use. But if you live in a hilly area, prepare to work harder.
- Riders who want a lighter, simpler bike and are not bothered about extra features.
Alternatives Worth Considering
REI Co-op's own current CTY e2.2 has since switched to a completely different system: a Bosch Performance Line Sport motor with 63Nm of torque, a larger 625Wh battery, and Class 3 assist up to 28mph. It's a step up in both power and speed, and fenders are included, though it is more expensive than the e2.1.
Trek's Verve+ 2 and 3 are commuters with a Bosch mid-drive motor, though they are significantly more expensive than the REI Co-op CTY e2.1. The entry-level Verve+ 1 uses a hub motor instead, so make sure you're comparing the right version.
Find a Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 on Upway
A commuter bike like this one tends to rack up daily miles, so the drivetrain and brakes are worth a close look on any used REI Co-op CTY e2.1. Upway's 50-point inspection includes all important checks before a bike is ever listed, along with the motor and battery.
Browse the current electric mountain bikes selection, the used electric bikes collection, the Class 1 range, or check the sale collection to compare current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motor does the Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 use?
Does the Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 have a throttle?
No, it’s pedal assist only. If you want a throttle, look at a different model.
What's the difference between the CTY e2.1 and e2.2?
The current e2.2 has switched to a Bosch Performance Line Sport motor with 63Nm of torque and Class 3 assist up to 28mph, a completely different system from the e2.1's Shimano motor, along with a larger battery and included fenders.
Key Takeaways
- The Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 combines an actual Shimano mid-drive motor with a natural pedal feel, a step up from the hub motors common at this price.
- There’s no throttle and no included fenders, both trade-offs worth knowing before you buy instead of after.
- The 40Nm motor suits flat and rolling city terrain well, though it’s on the modest side for sustained, steep climbing.
