Otis Singleton
Electric bikes are fitted with multiple gears to help manage the bike's speed and make pedalling easier or harder. Gears on an electric bike are particularly important for efficiently using the bike's motor power, extending battery life, and handling varying terrains, such as hills or flat roads. While shifting gears on an electric bike is similar to shifting gears on a conventional bike, there are some key differences. This paragraph aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to change gears on an electric bike, covering various riding conditions and scenarios.
Characteristics and Values of Changing Gears on an Electric Bike
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shifting Gears | Slide or click the right shifter on the handlebars |
| Pedal Assist | Change the level using the left shifter |
| Low Gears | Lower numbers, easier to pedal |
| High Gears | Higher numbers, require more effort |
| Riding on Flatland | Use mid-level gears |
| Riding Downhill | Decrease electric assistance, shift to highest mechanical gears |
| Riding Uphill | Use low and easy mechanical gears, increase electric assistance |
| Riding on Rough Terrain | Switch gears and power levels |
| Stationary Bike | Do not change gears, only change the level of pedal assistance |
| Cadence | Keep it consistent, shift gears to maintain this |
| Number of Speeds | 3, 7, 10, 21, etc. |
| Throttle Use | Do not shift gears if not pedaling |
| Shifting Gears | Similar to shifting gears on a normal bike |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the gear system
Understanding the gear system on your electric bike is key to improving your cycling experience. The gear system helps you adjust to different terrains, creating a more comfortable and efficient ride. For example, the gear you would use to ride on a flat, paved road would be different from the gear you would use to climb a steep hill. Different gears provide different levels of assistance, making for easier or harder pedalling.
The gear system on your electric bike works to help you make the most of your muscle power. When you choose a gear, you are choosing the effort level required for each pedal stroke. The number of teeth on the cog and chainring determine how easy or hard it is to pedal. The crankset is the component that your pedals are attached to, and it includes chainrings (or sprockets) as a key component in shifting. Bikes typically have one, two, or three front chainrings. The cassette, or rear cassette, is the stack of cogs (or sprockets) mounted on the right-hand side of the rear wheel. The chain connects the front chainrings and the rear cogs, so that when you turn the pedals, you also turn the wheels.
Most electric bikes are equipped with derailleur gears, which are external gears in the centre of the bike's rear wheel. The rear derailleur connects to a cable, and the tension in this cable guides the bike chain up and over the gear sprockets, moving between high and low gears. The larger gears are the "lower" gears, which are easier to pedal and ideal for hill climbing, while the smaller gears are the "higher" gears, better suited for flat surfaces. Derailleur gears provide a wide range of gearing options and are generally lightweight and inexpensive to repair.
Hub gears, or internal gear hubs (IGH), are an alternative to derailleur gears. Unlike derailleur models, hub gears do not display the full gear system, which is enclosed in a hub on the bike's rear wheel. Hub gears do not rely on a chain and sprockets, instead using a series of gears inside the hub: a stationary sun gear, multiple planet gears, and a larger annular gear that encloses the sun and planet gears. An external sprocket determines which gear is engaged. Hub gears require less maintenance and are compatible with belt drive e-bikes, but they may be heavier and less suitable for hilly terrain.
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Shifting gears while riding
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that the electric motor itself does not have gears to shift. The shifting mechanism on an electric bike is similar to that of a conventional bicycle, where you change the gears on the bicycle wheel. Most electric bikes will have some sort of gear system, with Shimano being a popular option. The type of shifters on your electric bike may vary, with thumb shifters commonly found on mountain bikes and twist shifters on recreational bikes. Some bikes may also feature "grip shifters" or a dial located inside where you place your hands.
When shifting gears on an electric bike, ensure that you are pedalling. It is not advisable to shift gears when using the throttle without pedalling, as it could cause the chain to come off. Always make sure the bike is in pedal-assist or full bicycle mode before shifting. Additionally, avoid using the front and rear gear shifters simultaneously.
While climbing hills, opt for low mechanical gears and increase electric assistance. When descending, shift to the highest gear setting for better control. On flat terrain, mid-level gears are generally recommended, and you can adjust your electric assistance level accordingly. Remember, your goal is to maintain a consistent cadence (pedal rotation speed). Shift gears frequently to adapt to changes in terrain and maintain a steady pace.
Lastly, proper gearing will not only improve your speed but also enhance your comfort and endurance, especially on longer rides. Shifting gears efficiently can reduce fatigue and improve your overall cycling experience.
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Gear changes on hills
Electric bikes are designed to make climbing hills easier. They are equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance while pedalling. This assistance can be adjusted using the left shifter on the handlebar. Lower numbers are low gears, and higher numbers are high gears. Lower gears make it easier to pedal, while the highest gears will take the most effort.
When climbing hills, it is best to start in a lower gear and increase the electric assistance. This will give you more torque, making it easier to pedal uphill. You should also try to shift gears early, before you reach the hill, so that you don't get stuck in the wrong gear when you hit the incline.
When riding downhill, shift to a higher gear to maintain resistance through the pedals and control of your bike. If you are in the easiest gear and start going downhill, you will end up spinning the pedals without any control. Shift gears with your right hand to move to a smaller rear cog, then use your left hand to move to the big chainring at the front.
It is important to note that you should only shift gears while the bike is in motion. If you are using the throttle on an electric bike and not pedalling, do not shift gears, as this could cause the chain to come off.
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Gear changes on flat roads
When riding an electric bike on flat roads, it is generally recommended to use a middle gear. This gear is easy to pedal and helps maintain a consistent speed. It also relieves pressure from your feet on the pedals, making it a popular choice among riders.
The gear you select will depend on your preference and riding style. If you want to go faster on flat roads, use a higher gear ratio. Utilise the large front chainring and a middle cog in the rear. This will help you maintain speed if you are pedalling hard. If you are not fast enough, you can change to a larger cog for more power.
If you are a beginner, it is best to keep the bike in middle gear. Shifting gears is less important than controlling your speed and balance when starting out. You can also downshift when cornering.
To shift gears, use the shifters on your bike. These are the levers located on the handlebars. The left-hand shifter controls the front derailleur, which moves the chain between the chainrings. The right-hand shifter controls the rear derailleur, which moves the chain between the sprockets on the cassette. To shift to a lower gear, push the shifter down, and to shift to a higher gear, pull the shifter up. It is important to shift gears slowly and smoothly to avoid damaging your bike.
Additionally, when changing gears on an electric bike, you should first adjust the electric assist levels and then the mechanical gear levels. This will help you obtain your ideal level of pedalling effort. On flat roads, using a mid-level gear gives you the flexibility to shift up or down when you encounter steep terrain.
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Pedal-assist levels
Electric bikes come with different gear systems, such as Shimano, which is a popular option. You can change the pedal-assist level or shift the gears of the bike. The electric motor does not have anything that you shift. Thus, the shifting of the bike is the same as shifting a normal bike.
When riding an electric bike with gears, you can find a gear and pedal-assist level that feels comfortable for you. On flat surfaces, you might opt for a middle gear and a lower level of assistance to preserve your battery and extend your range. If you are climbing a long hill, you might prefer a lighter gear and a higher pedal-assist level to prevent your legs from burning out.
It is important to note that the higher the pedal assistance, the more energy the motor needs, which is supplied by the bike's battery. Thus, using a higher level of assistance will drain the battery more quickly. Additionally, when using the first level of assistance, you will only receive a little extra help, and pedalling will not feel much different from a normal bicycle. As you switch to higher levels, the pedal assist becomes more noticeable, and riding becomes easier.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric bikes have multiple gears, which help manage the bike's speed and make pedalling easier or harder. You can change gear by either sliding or clicking the right shifter on the handlebars. The left shifter on an e-bike changes the level of pedal assist. Lower numbers are low gears, and higher numbers are high gears. Lower gears make it easier to pedal, while the highest gears will take the most effort. You can adjust your bike's gear and power to obtain your ideal level of pedalling effort.
The best way is to start in a lower gear and a low to moderate pedal-assist level when beginning your ride or climbing. While climbing hills on an e-bike, go for low and easy mechanical gears right after increasing your bike's electric assistance.
Firstly, you should only change gears when the bike is in motion. Secondly, make sure you are pedalling when you shift gears. If you are using the throttle and not pedalling, do not shift gears as this could cause the chain to come off.
