Are you having trouble knowing when to shift gears on your electric bike? Rest assured, you are not alone... and this is a skill you need to master! Because improper use of gears can unnecessarily wear out the drivetrain and reduce your battery's range. In these sections, we explain how to shift gears on an electric bike, the right habits to adopt, and the mistakes to avoid for a smooth ride.
Should you shift gears on an electric bike?
Contrary to what one might think, an electric-assist bike is not an automatic bike: it’s up to you to manage the gears according to the effort required. Whether you ride an urban Granville electric bike or a sporty Superior electric bike, proper use of gears optimizes assistance, improves pedaling comfort, and extends the life of your drivetrain.
Why change gears on an electric bike?
Changing gears on an electric bike allows you to adjust your cadence and effort according to the terrain and your pace. Uphill, an easier gear will prevent you from straining and prematurely wearing out your drivetrain. Downhill or on flat terrain, a harder gear helps maintain an efficient rhythm without spinning out. The goal? Find the right balance between assistance and natural pedaling.
The impact of gears on range and wear
Managing your gears well also protects your electric bike. If you stay too long on the wrong gear, you unnecessarily stress the motor and drivetrain, which can accelerate their wear. Moreover, this directly affects your battery’s range.
Smooth and adapted pedaling allows you to ride longer without recharging and prolongs the life of your components.
How do gears work on an electric bike?
Before knowing when to shift gears, you need to understand how they work! On an electric bike, there are several systems that can adapt to your use and riding habits. Let’s explore them together.
Traditional derailleurs
This is the most common system. The derailleur moves the chain across a cassette of sprockets at the rear to adjust the gear ratio. Simple and effective, it equips most sporty and versatile electric bikes. Gear shifting always happens while pedaling.
Internal gear hubs
Less known, this system houses the gears inside the rear wheel hub. Big advantage: you can change gears while stopped. Ideal in the city where stops are frequent! It requires little maintenance but is more expensive and slightly heavier than a traditional derailleur.
Automatic transmissions: how do they work?
The newest in the electric bike world, the automatic system adjusts the gear ratio without your intervention. Sensors detect your cadence and terrain to automatically adapt the gearing. Maximum comfort, especially for urban or leisure use, but the budget is often higher.
How to shift gears properly on an electric bike?
Shifting gears on your bike at the right time and in the right way is the secret to smooth pedaling, preserving your mechanics, and avoiding troubles on the road. On an electric bike, a few habits are enough to make every ride more pleasant and efficient.
Do you have to pedal to shift gears?
Yes, absolutely! On an electric bike as on a classic model, you need to pedal for the chain to move properly from one sprocket to another. However, remember to slightly ease pressure on the pedals at the moment of shifting to avoid any strain.
The right timing to change gears
The ideal is to anticipate. Don’t change gears in the middle of a climb or while straining. Plan your gear change a few meters before the obstacle or slope. You’ll gain fluidity and comfort!
Tips for approaching a climb or a stop
Before a climb, shift to a larger sprocket to reduce effort and let the motor work under good conditions. If you need to stop, think about downshifting before the stop so you can restart without strain.
Cutting or reducing assistance during shifting: useful or not?
It’s a good habit, especially when shifting gears uphill or under load. Reducing assistance by one notch limits tension on the chain and allows a smoother shift. Not mandatory, but very useful to protect your drivetrain in the long term.
Common mistakes to avoid when shifting gears
To keep your electric bike in good shape and ride with peace of mind, some bad habits must be avoided. Certain mistakes can quickly damage your drivetrain and reduce your battery’s range without you realizing it.
Starting in too high a gear
This is one of the most common mistakes. Starting on a small sprocket, you unnecessarily strain the chain and motor. Downshift before starting again to make restarting easier and avoid premature wear.
Shifting multiple gears at once
Trying to save time, some shift 3 or 4 gears in a row. Bad idea! The chain risks derailing or shifting poorly, and the motor may be under excessive tension. Prefer gradual shifting.
Neglecting drivetrain maintenance
A dirty derailleur, dry chain, or dirty sprockets hinder gear shifting and wear out the equipment. Clean and lubricate regularly for smooth shifts and prolonged lifespan.
What types of transmission systems are on electric bikes?
Not all electric bikes use the same type of transmission. Depending on the model you choose and how you use it, the gear system can be very different, with advantages and constraints to know before buying.
External derailleurs: pros and cons
The classic derailleur remains the most widespread on sporty and versatile electric bikes. Lightweight and affordable, it offers a wide range of gears. However, it requires a bit more maintenance and gears can only be changed while pedaling.
Internal gear hubs: for whom and why?
Perfect for urban or leisure use, this system is protected inside the rear wheel hub. It allows shifting gears while stopped and requires very little maintenance. More expensive and slightly heavier than a derailleur, it suits urban routes with frequent stops.
Automatic transmission: at what price and for what use?
The ultimate comfort! This system automatically adapts the gear ratio to your cadence and terrain. Ideal for those who want to forget about shifting and focus on the joy of riding. However, it requires a higher budget and is limited to certain high-end models.
Choosing the right electric bike to fully enjoy its transmission
Gear shifting comfort largely depends on the type of transmission, but also on the electric bike itself. Choosing a model well suited to your daily or sporty use allows you to get the most out of your electric assistance.
At Weebot, we offer a selection of electric bikes with efficient and reliable transmission systems, suited to all types of cyclists.
Granville & Garrett Miller: smoothness and elegance in urban settings
For your city trips, opt for comfortable and efficient bikes. The range of Garrett Miller and Granville electric bikes are designed to combine style and practicality, with smooth transmissions ideal for frequent stops and effortless restarts. They offer excellent ergonomics for calm daily use.
Onemile & Urban Jungle: agility and compactness
If you’re looking for a maneuverable electric bike, easy to store and quick to handle, the Onemile electric bikes and Urban Jungle models are made for you. Perfect for modern urban mobility, these bikes feature simple-to-use gear systems, sometimes even automatic variation, for hassle-free riding in dynamic urban environments.
Superior: performance and control on all terrains
Want a high-performance electric bike for sportier rides or hilly routes? The Superior range offers models with precise and responsive external derailleurs, perfect for demanding cyclists. They provide a wide range of gears to adapt to all terrain profiles and maximize motor assistance efficiency.
FAQ
Can I change the number of gears on my electric bike after purchase?
It depends on the type of transmission. On a classic derailleur, it is possible (but costly) to change the cassette or derailleur. For an internal hub or automatic transmission, it is generally not modifiable. It’s better to choose a bike suited to your use from the start.
Does the electric bike motor influence the choice of gears?
Yes. A mid-drive motor (like on Superior electric bikes) acts directly on the transmission, so a good gear choice is essential to preserve the mechanics. A rear wheel motor is more forgiving but behaves differently when shifting gears.
Do gears affect the maximum speed of the electric bike?
No, the maximum speed of an electric bike is limited by law to 25 km/h with assistance. Gears are used to manage your effort, not to go faster. That said, a good gear choice helps maintain a steady pace without strain.
How do I know if my gears are properly adjusted?
If the chain skips, makes noise, or resists shifting, adjustment is needed. A well-adjusted transmission shifts smoothly and without noise. Regular maintenance (lubrication, cable checks) is also crucial.
Conclusion
Shifting gears on an electric bike is not complicated; you just need to get the hang of it. By knowing the right moves and anticipating your gear changes, you’ll gain comfort and avoid unpleasant surprises. As a bonus, your drivetrain and battery will thank you by staying in good shape longer. For even more practical advice and maintenance guides, visit Weebot and discover everything you need to know to properly maintain and use your electric bike daily.