Knowing how to shift gears on an electric bike can improve the e-bike’s performance and ensure a comfortable ride on all terrains. However, if you are new to electric bikes, the gear system can be a bit daunting because there are different types of e-bike gear systems with different shifting mechanisms.
That’s why, we've created a detailed guide that explains everything you need to know about the electric bicycle gear system. We’ll break down how e-bike gears work, explore the different types, and share tips for effective and efficient gear shifting.
So, let’s get started!
Electric Bicycle Gears - Working, Types, & More!
Think of electric bicycle gears as your car’s transmission system. You shift to different gears to counter the various situations and terrains.
Similarly, an electric bike with gears allows its rider to adjust pedal resistance when climbing hills, cruising on flat roads, or picking up speed on descents. For easier understanding, we categorize gears into three classes:
- Low Gears (1-3): The lower gears provide higher torque and make pedalling easier. These are best for uphill rides and rough terrains.
- Mid Gears (4-6): Best for maintaining speed on flat terrains.
- High Gears(7+): Cover more distance at high speeds. Ideal for downhill descents.
Using the right gears maximizes the efficiency of both your pedalling and the motor's power. It can also extend your e-bike’s battery life and make your ride more enjoyable.
Now that you have an idea of how electric bicycle gears work, let’s see the different types of gear systems used on e-bikes.
Types of Electric Bicycle Gear Systems
Different e-bikes use different types of gearing systems- each designed for different electric bike drivetrains. Here are the FOUR major types of gear systems commonly seen in e-bikes.
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Derailleur Gearing System: This is the most common type of gearing system found in most electric and regular bicycles. It uses a set of sprockets (gears) at the front or rear wheel and a derailleur mechanism that moves the chain between them to change gears.
A derailleur system offers a wide range of gear options, making it a versatile gearing system, suitable for every terrain.
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Internal Hub Gearing System: As the name suggests, this gearing system hides the gears inside the rear wheel hub. This limits their range, but increases their durability and allows riders to shift gears even when standing still.
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Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) System: A CVT gearing system uses a twist grip or a lever to seamlessly switch between lower to higher or higher to lower gears without steps.
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Automatic Electronic Gearing System: Automatic electronic gears use a computer and a set of sensors to automatically adjust the gears depending on the speed, terrain, and pedal cadence. This automation makes the rider’s life easier.
Other than these four, there are fixed-gear electric bikes (fixie e-bikes) too. These don’t have a gearing system. Instead, the pedals are directly connected to the rear wheel and when the wheel is moving the pedal will move too. This also means you must keep pedalling to keep the bike moving.
How To Shift Gears on an Electric Bicycle?
Now that you have an idea of how different gearing systems operate, let’s take a look at how to shift gears on every type of e-bike gearing system.
1. Derailleur Gearing System
A derailleur system uses a chain, cassette, and two mechanical derailleurs to shift between different sprockets.
An e-bike that has this gear system usually has two shifters on both sides of the handle- one controls the front derailleur and the other controls the rear derailleur. To shift gears, you simply rotate these shifters to your desired number/gear.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shifting gears on a derailleur system:
- Shift while you’re pedalling. Don’t shift gears in a stationary position or you’ll damage the chain, cassette, or derailleur. Also, reduce pedalling force for smooth shifting.
- Don’t shift under heavy load. Avoid shifting gears during an uphill climb or a downhill descent. Anticipate the change of terrain and shift gears beforehand.
2. Internal Hub Gearing System
The whole mechanism of an internal hub gearing system is enclosed within the rear wheel’s hub which means fewer parts to worry about. There’s no derailleur, which means smoother shifts. You simply rotate the shifter or move the lever for seamless gear shifting.
The biggest advantage of an internal hub system is that you can shift gears in a standstill position. Just remember to ease off the pedal for a smooth gear shift.
As for the other two types of gearing systems - CVT & Automatic Electric Gearing Systems - the gear-shifting process is mostly automated.
In a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) System, you can sometimes find a shifter/lever to switch gears without steps or find an automatic system. Similarly, e-bikes that have an Automatic Electric Gearing System don’t need a shifter. Gear shifts are automatically controlled by a computer.
5 Tips To Effectively Shift Electric Bicycle Gears
Here are FIVE tips that you should follow to effectively shift gears without causing any damage to the gearing system.
- One Gear at a Time: Do not shift through multiple gears simultaneously as it can cause problems with your chain.
- Anticipate and Shift Early: Instead of shifting during certain situations, anticipate and shift to the best gear early on to save yourself from struggling later on.
- Ease of the Pedalling: When shifting gears, stop pedalling or at least slow down. This ensures smooth shifting and reduces wear and tear.
- Listen and Feel: If you hear any unusual noises or feel extra resistance when pedalling, you might want to check on your gearing system.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep the chain and the cassette clean and well-lubricated. Inspect all moving parts for signs of wear and tear and replace any damaged components.
Follow these tips and practice! The more you practice shifting gears, the better you’ll get at it. Once you develop a deep understanding of your e-bike gearing system, you’ll be shifting gears like a pro!
Conclusion
Switching gears at random can cause serious damage to the cassette and the chain itself. Most people end up breaking their entire gearing system simply because they don’t know how and when to shift gears on an electric bike.
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you now have a better understanding of how to shift electric bicycle gears and maintain your electric bike drivetrain.