If you’re new to electric bikes, understanding electric bike gear systems can feel confusing at first. Many beginners assume that the motor does all the work, but gears still play a huge role in how smooth, efficient, and enjoyable your ride feels. Your electric bike’s gear system helps you adjust to different terrains, creating a more comfortable ride. For example, the gear you use for riding on a flat, paved road won’t be the same as climbing a treacherous hill. Different gears provide different assist levels, making for easier or harder pedaling.
Basic knowledge of the types of electric bicycle gears can help you better understand how your bike works and how best to use the gear system for a smoother riding experience. This guide breaks everything down in a simple and practical way, helping you ride confidently from day one.
How electric bike gear systems work
Electric bikes combine a traditional gear system with motor assistance. Instead of replacing gears, the motor works with them. Here’s the basic idea:
- Gears help your legs work efficiently
- Motor boosts the power you generate
- Together, they determine how fast and easy your ride feels
Relationship Between Pedaling and Gear Ratios
A low gear gives you more torque, making it easier to pedal uphill. A high gear gives you more speed for flat surfaces or downhill rides. No matter how powerful the motor is, choosing the correct ebike gear will reduce battery strain and help the motor run efficiently.
Types of electric bike gears
There are three main types of e-bike gears, each with its own mechanics. Here’s a quick overview for beginners.
Electric bike gear types comparison
| Category | Derailleur Gears | Internal Hub Gears | Single-Speed Gears |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance & Durability | Medium, needs regular cleaning & tuning | Low-maintenance and durable | Minimal maintenance, simplest system |
| Best For | Hills, long rides, mixed terrain, sport riding | City riding, mid-distance, stop-and-go traffic | Flat city rides, short trips, beginners, casual use |
| Pros | Largest range / efficient / lightweight / good value | Shift when stopped / clean look / durable / low wear | Light / efficient on flats / very simple / very low upkeep |
| Cons | Exposed parts / wears faster / higher maintenance | Smaller range / heavier / lower efficiency / higher cost | Poor on hills / limited use / not flexible |
Derailleur gears
Most e-bikes have derailleur gears. These are external gears in the center of the bike’s rear wheel. The rear derailleur connects to a cable. Depending on the tension in the cable, the derailleur guides the bike chain up and over the gear sprockets, moving between high gears and low gears.
The larger gears are the “lower” gears and are easier to pedal, making them ideal for hill climbing, while the smaller gears are the “higher” gears and better for flat surfaces. When there’s less tension on the cable, the derailleur moves the chain downward and outward to a lower (smaller) gear. When there’s more tension on the cable, the derailleur moves the chain upward and inward to a higher (larger) gear.
Derailleur gear systems are lightweight and generally inexpensive to repair. They also tend to be more efficient than internal hub gear systems. Derailleurs provide a wider range of gearing options than standard hub gears, accommodating everything from steep climbs to downhill racing.
However, derailleur gears aren’t perfect. They can pick up dust and grime being exposed to the elements, causing them to get dirty and resulting in more difficult — and sometimes noisy — shifting.
Pros
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Wide gear range — Works well for climbing, flat roads, and high-speed riding across different terrain.
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High efficiency & lightweight — The chain runs in a straighter line, improving power transfer.
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Great for mixed or hilly terrain — Ideal for riders who often change gears, go up and down hills, ride long distances, or prefer a sportier style.
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Lower cost — Usually cheaper than high-end hub gear systems.
Cons
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Exposed external parts — Can collect dust and dirt easily, and are more prone to wear or damage. Requires more maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, adjustments).
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Can’t shift while fully stopped — You usually need the pedals moving to change gears; otherwise it may cause chain skipping or damage.
Hub gears
Hub gears, or internal gear hubs (IGH), are an alternative to derailleur gears. Unlike derailleur models, hub gears don’t display the full gear system. Instead, the gear system is in a hub on the bike’s rear wheel.
Hub gears also don’t rely on a chain and sprockets like derailleurs. Instead, they have a series of gears inside the hub: a sun gear, which is stationary, and multiple planet gears (usually three or four), which are held in a cage and revolve around the sun gears. A larger annular gear encloses the sun and planet gears, while an external sprocket determines which gear is engaged.
Hub gears have a few distinct advantages. First, they’re low maintenance since they don’t have exposure to the elements like derailleur gears — and generally last longer, as the chain isn’t constantly moving between gear cogs. Hub gears are also compatible with belt drive e-bikes, while derailleurs are only compatible with chain drive e-bikes.
However, hub gears also have drawbacks. First, they tend to be more expensive and heavier. Additionally, if there’s an issue with the gearing system, you’ll likely need to consult a pro bike repair shop since the entire system is in the hub. Hub gear systems also often have less range than a wide-range derailleur system.
Pros
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Low maintenance — Protected from dust and water, with less wear.
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Shift while stopped — Convenient for city riding and traffic lights.
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Clean look — No exposed parts, giving a tidier appearance.
Cons
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Smaller gear range — Less flexible for steep climbs or high-speed riding.
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Heavier and more expensive — More parts = more weight and higher cost.
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Slightly lower efficiency — Not as efficient as a clean derailleur system.
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Wheel removal is harder — Internal gears make repairs less simple.
Single-speed gears
We’ve discussed the mechanisms derailleur and hub gears use to shift, accommodating different terrain and riding styles. So, how does a single-speed e-bike shift gears?
Trick question: It doesn’t! Single-speed bikes only have one mechanical gear.
A single-speed system uses one front chainring and one rear sprocket with no derailleur or gearing mechanism. It has one fixed gear ratio, meaning you use the same gear for climbing, descending, and flat roads. The ride experience is very simple and straightforward.
Pros
- Very low maintenance — No gears or derailleur to adjust or clean.
- Light and efficient — Simple, straight drivetrain works well on flat roads.
- Low cost — Easy and beginner-friendly.
Cons
- Not flexible — One gear makes hills tiring and limits speed.
- Limited use — Best only for flat, city riding.
Understanding Pedal Assist Levels vs Ebike Gears
Many beginners confuse pedal assist with gears, but they serve different purposes:
| Pedal Assist | Gears |
|---|---|
| Boosts your pedaling power | Controls your effort level |
| Affects motor output | Affects your leg power |
| Great for hills and long rides | Great for timing and efficiency |
Pedal Assist(PAS) controls how much motor power helps you while pedaling. Higher PAS = more motor boost, faster acceleration, and less physical effort.
Gears (derailleur, hub, or single-speed) control your mechanical pedaling difficulty — how hard or easy it is to turn the pedals at a given speed.
PAS affects motor output, while gears affect your cadence and torque. The two systems work together: gears help you maintain a comfortable pedaling rhythm, while PAS determines how much electric assistance you receive. Even on high PAS, the wrong gear can make pedaling feel awkward. Likewise, the right gear makes riding smoother, more efficient, and easier on hills — regardless of PAS level.
How to choose the right Ebike gear setup
The “best” gear system depends entirely on how, where, and how often you ride. Each gear type supports different riding styles and terrain needs.
Commuters
A derailleur system or internal hub gear works best for daily commuting.
- Derailleurs offer more range for mixed terrain, bridges, or slight hills.
- Internal hubs are excellent for wet or rainy cities because the gearing is sealed, low-maintenance, and allows gear changes while stopped at traffic lights.
Recommended Ebikes for commuting
For daily commuters, the Velotric Breeze 1 is an excellent choice. Equipped with a Shimano 8-speed rear derailleur, it offers plenty of range for bridges, gentle hills, and mixed city terrain. The shifting is smooth and predictable, making it easy to find the right cadence whether you're cruising on flat paths or accelerating after a stop.
Mountain riders
For off-road trails, steep climbs, and fast descents, a wide-range derailleur drivetrain is ideal.
- It provides the lowest gears for climbing and highest gears for speed on flats and downhills.
- The responsive chain movement also pairs better with torque-sensing pedal assist, giving you more control in technical terrain.
This setup is designed for performance and versatility.
Cargo riders
Carrying kids, groceries, or heavy loads? A robust internal hub gear (especially combined with a belt drive) is often the smartest choice.
- Hub gears tolerate heavy torque better and require far less maintenance.
- They’re reliable for stop-and-go riding, which is common with cargo setups.
If you want durability and a worry-free drivetrain, hub gears are ideal.
How to shift gears on an electric bike
If you’re a newbie to cycling, it’s important to learn how to shift gears. Incorrect shifting can damage the gear system, reducing its life span.
Here’s a quick guide to help you master the basics.
1. Shift before you stop
Rule No. 1 about shifting gears on an e-bike: Never shift when standing still. You should be pedaling the bike when you shift — not stopping or using the throttle power assist (which powers the bike forward even when you aren’t pedaling).
Shifting when you aren’t pedaling can damage the gears. For example, this can cause the bike chain to dislodge and come off in a derailleur system.
Shifting before you stop also makes it easier to start up again later. You should be pedaling normally or with only pedal assist engaged before shifting.
2. Be careful when shifting gears while pedaling
While pedaling when shifting gears, you shouldn’t be going at maximum speeds. For example, the chainring could come off if you’re pedaling too hard when trying to shift with a derailleur model.
Before getting on your e-bike, it’s important to understand how to shift gears. Velotric Discover 3 and Nomad 2 both feature reliable multi-speed drivetrain systems with handlebar-mounted thumb shifters, allowing you to adjust gears smoothly for different speeds, hills, and riding conditions.
3. Shift one gear at a time
Only shift one gear at a time to avoid potential damage to the e-bike gear system. Aggressive gear changes can cause the chain to skip or derail.
On the Velotric Discover 3, the SHIMANO 8-speed drivetrain and handlebar-mounted thumb shifter make gear changes smooth and precise. Paired with a 750W motor and up to 80 miles of range, it helps you find the right gear easily—whether you’re starting from a stop, cruising through the city, or climbing a hill.
4. Use the right gear for the terrain
Finally, know what gears work for what terrain:
- Lower, easier gears are better for inclines — switch to a lower gear when approaching a hill.
- Middle gears are great for everyday cruising and terrains with slight ups and downs.
- Higher gears are ideal for accelerating, descending inclines, and riding on flat surfaces.
Electric bike gear maintenance
Well-functioning bike gears are important for a comfortable, smooth ride. You can help keep gears in good working order with the right maintenance.
Here are some basic steps for caring for bike gears.
Clean and lubricate gears
Use a clean, lint-free cloth and mild detergent to clean the drivetrain, including the gears. Dry the parts thoroughly afterward to reduce the risk of rust.
You should also lubricate the bike chain. Do this once every month. Check here to learn more tips about Ebike chain maintenance.
Adjust gears
When you first get your e-bike, the gears may shift and adjust slightly. After you’ve ridden about 1,000 kilometers (about 620 miles), have a professional inspect and adjust the drivetrain as needed.
Replace worn or damaged gears
Gears are subject to wear and tear over time. You should replace broken gears immediately to ensure you can fully use the bike’s gearing capacity.
Generally, you should replace gears every 1,000 miles of riding. A pro bike shop can help.
Ebike gear FAQs
We’ve got answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding e-bike gear systems.
1. What is the best gear ratio for an e-bike?
A 300% gear ratio is considered average for an e-bike and suitable for a wide range of terrains. Gear ratio — or gear range — refers to the difference between the lowest and highest gear and is usually given as a percentage.
A gear ratio of over 500% is high, while 200% or less is on the lower end.
2. What is the purpose of gears on an electric bike?
Electric bike gears help cyclists adapt to different terrains and riding styles. Higher gears are better for descending inclines and flat surface riding, while you should downshift to lower gears for climbing hills.
Middle gears are for everyday cruising and terrains with slight undulations.
Discover the best Velotric electric bike for you
An e-bike gearing system directly impacts the range of terrain you can comfortably ride on, so it’s worth considering.
Velotric’s Discover 3 and Nomad 2 has a Shimano 8-speed derailleur system. You can use a thumb-controlled gear shifter.
Beyond a high-quality gearing system, Velotric Ebikes have other features to enhance your ride. They come with high-quality lithium-ion batteries that charge in six hours and are certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL2271) — a global safety standards organization.
Velotric Ebikes also come in different sizes and styles to accommodate different needs. While the Discover 3 is good for everyday commuting, the Nomad 2 is a fat-tire Ebike that you can take on tougher terrain. And Nomad 2 come in two bike frame types: high-step or step-through.
The best way to find the right Ebike for you is to take it on a test run. Find a local Velotric dealer and schedule a test ride today.
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My wife and I love our bikes