How to change gear on an eBike?

Connected electric bikes or eBikes are valued for the ergonomic and convenient cycling experience they offer to their users. However, to fully enjoy an electrically assisted bike, it is important to understand how it works. In this context, you need to know how to shift gears on an eBike to get started with an electric bike. To do so, it is necessary, first of all, to understand the functioning of the transmission system of electrically assisted bicycles. This system is responsible for transferring the power from the eBike's motor to the rear wheel. A good knowledge of this system allows the user of an eBike to better control the gear settings.

In this page, we will review the different steps to consider when shifting gears on an electric bike as well as the characteristics of the eBike transmission systems.

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Transmission on an eBike: what you need to know

To understand how to shift gears on a connected electric bike, we need to look at the transmission system of eBikes. This is made up of a set of parts that allow the rider to move the bike forward. Among the components of the transmission system, we can mention:

  • the crankset;
  • the pedals;
  • Sprockets, which are toothed discs on the rear wheel that play an important role in shifting gears;
  • the chain;
  • the chainrings, which are the toothed wheels that drive the chain while pedaling. The number of teeth differs from one chainring to another depending on their size;
  • the derailleur at the rear which allows you to change gears by moving the chain from one chainring to another.

As you can see, these are elements that are also found in traditional bikes. The chainrings are placed at the front and rear of the chain and are also connected to the crank of the pedals. The derailleur on the other hand allows you to change gears by moving the chain from one chainring to another and to keep the chain under tension. The derailleur is located at the rear of the bike.

The operation described above also corresponds to that of a conventional bicycle. However, in the case of electric bikes, an electric motor provides assistance to the cyclist while pedaling. Electrically assisted bicycles (EAB) have different levels of assistance. These can be chosen and set using a screen installed on the bike or using a mobile application for connected electric bikes. The higher the level of assistance chosen by the user, the more power the electric motor on the bike will provide when pedaling.

In the case of electric bikes, the transmission system transfers the power from the electric motor to the rear wheel.

How to shift gears on an eBike

In the following lines, we detail the steps to follow in order to properly change the gears of your connected electric bike.

Changing gears on an eBike: the steps

Changing gears on an eBike can be done by following these steps.

  1. Use the shifter to change from one gear to another (higher or lower). On a slope, it is necessary to shift to an easier gear. To do this, simply turn the sh ifter to the left. If the goal is to shift to a harder gear, turn the shifter to the right.
  2. Continue pedaling while shifting to maintain constant pressure on the bike's chain and balance.
  3. Wait for the transmission to adjust before shifting again.

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Changing gears on an eBike: some recommendations

When a rider wants to change gears on his eBike, it is preferable to do it on a flat area to facilitate the maneuver. Also, the gear change should not be done while the bike is stationary, as this can damage the transmission system. Therefore, shifting should be considered while the bike is in motion.

In addition, if you have any difficulty changing gears, it is necessary to check the condition of the bicycle chain. It must be lubricated and clean. Indeed, when the chain is dry or dirty, it moves more difficult from one chainring to another. To lubricate a chain, proceed as follows.

  1. Clean the chain by removing any dust, dirt or sludge that may have accumulated on the chain links;
  2. Use a suitable lubricant (e.g., a dry condition lubricant for use in dry and dusty conditions);
  3. Apply the lubricant to the lower part of the chain (between the links) while turning the crankset;
  4. Continue pedaling while changing gears so that the lubricant can be applied evenly throughout the transmission system;
  5. Allow the bike to "dry out" by placing a basin under the chain so that excess lubricant can drain away.

Please note that the recommendations and advice given here may not be suitable for some bikes. In this case, it may be worthwhile to refer to the bike manufacturer or to consult the manual dedicated to the eBike used.

Ultimately, shifting on an eBike is similar to shifting on a conventional bike. As with traditional bicycles, shifting gears on an electrically assisted bicycle requires consideration of the environment in which the rider is riding. This involves evaluating the situation in which the rider is riding to better anticipate the gear change. For example, if the rider is accelerating too much, it is necessary to shift to a more difficult gear to keep control of the bike. On the contrary, when the cyclist encounters difficulties in pedaling and maintaining balance, the gear change will be towards the easier gears.

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