In recent years, the use of electric bikes has gained significant traction as a convenient mode of transportation. However, using correct gears on an e-bike can be a bit intimidating for those new to the concept.
The gears serve to adjust the resistance you feel while pedaling, allowing for a more efficient, comfortable, and safe ride. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about how to use gears on electric bike, including how to shift gears.
Besides, when to use different gears, and the benefits of proper gear usage. So, whether you’re a seasoned e-bike rider or just starting out, read on– with no further ado!
What Are Gears On Electric Bikes?
Just like a traditional bike, electric bikes use gears to adjust the amount of resistance you feel when pedaling. They are typically located near the pedals and are operated by twisting the gears with your hand or using a trigger mechanism. E-bicycles typically have fewer gears than traditional ones, with most models having between 7 and 12 gear options.
Why Use Gears on Electric Bikes?
Using correct gears on an electric bike can greatly improve your riding experience, allowing you to ride more efficiently, comfortably, and safely. Here are some of the key benefits:
Increased Efficiency
By shifting gears, you can adjust the level of resistance you feel when pedaling. Making it easier to ride up hills, headwinds, and other challenging terrain. This means you can conserve energy, ride longer distances, and reach your destination faster.
Enhanced Comfort
Proper gear usage can also help reduce the strain on your legs and lower back, making for a more comfortable riding experience.
Improved Safety
Using appropriate gears can also help you control your speed and make it easier to ride on challenging terrain, reducing the risk of accidents and falls.
How to Use Gears on Electric Bike?
Understanding how to use gears on electric bike is a simple process. However, it might take a bit of time to get the hang of it. Here are some tips to help you shift gears smoothly and efficiently:
Know Your Range of Gears
Before you start riding, it’s important to understand which gears you have and how they work. Most e-bikes have two or three chainrings in the front and a cassette with 7 to 11 gears in the back. However, some models offer up to 12 gears. The smaller chainrings are used for easier pedaling and the larger chainrings are for more resistance.
Shift Early
The best time to shift gears is before you start to feel the resistance of the current gear. This allows you to shift smoothly and avoid excessive strain on the chain and gear mechanisms.
Use Both Hands
When shifting gears, it’s best to use both hands to operate the trigger mechanism. This method allows you to shift smoothly and easily, over other so-called gear shifting techniques. Gear shifter is there to help you at best.
Shift One Gear at a Time
It’s a best practice to shift one gear at a time, as shifting multiple gears at once can put undue strain on the chain and gears. It may create many problems suddenly.
When to Use Different Gears on an Electric Bike
Using the right gear at the right time can greatly enhance your electric bike riding experience. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to use different mechanical gears on your e-bike:
Lower Gears
Use lower gears when riding uphill, into a headwind, or on challenging terrain. This will make pedaling easier and help you conserve energy. Though, the lowest gear consumes your battery power greatly and mountain bikes are there for climbing steep hills. Since you need an additional power to hit them.
Higher Gears
We recommend using higher gears when riding downhill, with a tailwind, or on flat terrain(flat road). This will allow you to ride faster and make the most of your e-bike motor assistance.
Medium Gears
You should choose the medium gears when you’re riding on terrain with varying inclines or in moderate wind conditions. They allow you to maintain a comfortable pace and make it easier to shift gears as needed.
It’s important to experiment with different gears and find what works best for your riding style and the terrain you’ll be riding on. With time and practice, you’ll develop a feel for when to shift gears and find the appropriate gear for every situation.
Troubleshooting Common Gear Shifting Issues on E-Bikes
Gear shifting issues are a common problem for most bikers, especially among the newbies. So, we’ve discussed some common e-bike gear shifting issues and tips for troubleshooting them:
Difficulty shifting gears
If you’re having trouble shifting gears, it’s likely due to a problem with your bike’s cable or rear derailleur(at rear wheel). Make sure the cable is properly tensioned and check for any damage or kinks.
Gears slipping or skipping
This problem can occur if your chain is too loose or if the derailleur is out of adjustment. You should make sure the chain is properly tensioned and adjust the derailleur as needed.
Gears not shifting smoothly
If your gears are not shifting smoothly, it may be due to a problem with the cable, derailleur, rear cassette. Clean and lubricate the cable and make sure the derailleur is properly adjusted.
Gears shifting too easily or not at all
This can be caused by the lack of tension in the cable or a misaligned derailleur. Make sure the cable is properly tensioned and adjust the rear derailleur as needed.
Noisy gears
Noisy gears are often a result of a dirty or poorly lubricated chain. Clean and lubricate the chain to reduce noise by following a daily or weekly routine.
In general, if you’re having trouble with your e-bike’s gears, it’s best to take it to a bike shop for a professional tune-up. A knowledgeable mechanic can quickly diagnose and fix any issues, ensuring that your gears are working seamlessly.
Final Words
Knowing how to use gears on electric bike greatly enhances your cycling experience. By shifting gears, you can optimize your pedal power and increase efficiency. It’s equally essential to understand how the gears on your electric bike work and how to use them properly. This can help you tackle different terrains and riding conditions with ease, making your rides more enjoyable and comfortable.
