If you’ve ever ridden a bike up a hill, you know how important it is to utilize the gears. They not only make it easier for you to ride up steep hills but allow you to conserve energy in the process. But since electric bikes have a throttle and pedal-assist to make the riding experience better, do they have gears? If your electric bike has gears, how do you use them effectively?
At Best Electric Bikes, we receive lots of questions regarding electric bikes and gears. To ensure you have the most efficient riding experience, here is a breakdown of how to use gears on an electric bike.
Are Gears Necessary On an Electric Bike?
It’s a common misconception that gears aren’t needed on an electric bike. Even though they offer a throttle and pedal-assist to help you get going (and keep going), there are times that you’ll want gears on your electric bike — unless you plan on riding short distances on flat roads.
In many cases, pedal-assist will provide you with enough power to get where you need to go. But there are scenarios where switching your electric bike into a low pedal-assist system and utilizing the gears will be more effective.
Can I Use Pedal Assist Instead of Gears?
Although pedal-assist is a great feature offered by your electric bike, there are a few reasons why you would opt to use gears instead.
- Motor size – If you’re attempting to climb a large hill, but your electric bike has a small motor, your pedal-assist system may not be strong enough. Using gears will require a bit more work on your end, making climbing the hill much more manageable. While pedal-assist may help you reach the top of the hill, it’ll be a much slower process.
- Battery life – Because an electric bike is electric, it requires a battery to keep it powered up and operating at its best. Depending on the distance you plan to ride your bike, you may need a way to extend your battery life. By pedaling along with the bike’s motor, you’ll be able to reduce the battery power being used. Having gears in place to help you pedal more efficiently will make those battery savings even more significant.
How Do I Use Gears on an Electric Bike?
Using gears on an electric bike is very similar to using them on a regular cycle. The lower the gear number, the easier it is to pedal. The gear number directly correlates with how hard the motor will need to work. The lower the gear, the more your electric bike will rely on the motor which will use up the battery. When you have the gear set to a higher number, you’ll be required to pedal more, extending the life of your battery.
The handlebars on the electric bike allow you to control the gears and the pedal-assist system. On the right handlebar, in most instances, you’ll find the gear shifter where you can adjust the mechanical gear level — making it easier or more difficult for you to pedal the bike. On the left handlebar, you’ll be able to change the power level of the pedal-assist system, determining how much of the bike’s battery power is being used.
If you’re in the market for a new electric bike, it’s a good idea to check out electric bike reviews beforehand to make sure the mechanical gears and pedal-assist system are set up similarly to your existing bike — allowing for a more seamless transition.
When Should I Use High Gear and Low Gear?
Now that you understand how you adjust the gears and pedal-assist system, you need to know when is the right time to use them. When approaching an incline on your electric bike, it is recommended that you shift into a low gear and allow the motor to take on most of the work. The lower the gear, the easier it will be to pedal due to there being less resistance.
As you reach the top of the hill and enter a decline, you should shift the gear into a higher setting to give the motor a rest. In high gear, you’ll experience much more resistance which will make pedaling more difficult.
Tips for Switching Gears on an Electric Bike
To ensure you’re utilizing your electric bike’s mechanical in the most effective way, we’ve compiled a few tips to follow when switching gears.
Change to a Lower Gear Before Stopping
If you’re using your electric bike in high gear, it’s going to require more effort on your part to keep the pedals moving. It can be challenging to get the momentum needed to get going from a stationary position if your bike is in high gear. To avoid this problem, switch into a lower gear before you stop, but your bike is still in motion.
Never Change Gears While Stationary
Mechanical gears should only be altered when your electric bike is in motion, and the pedals are turning. If you’re unable to change gears before coming to a complete stop, you’ll need to start up at a high gear which will be a bit difficult. Once you get going, you can lower the gear and make it easier to pedal.
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