Learning to ride a bike properly isn’t always smooth sailing. Braking, steering, and shifting gears are essential functions cyclists need to know—especially those on bicycles with battery-boosted power. Most electric bikes have several gears that enable adjusting pedaling speed and torque. However, the shifting process is not as easy as it seems, even more so for those who are new to this field. You need to know how to shift gears properly to enjoy a smooth ride.
Curious how to properly shift gears on an electric bike? This article seeks to discuss the topic in more depth. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
Shifting Gears on an Electric Bike
Depending on the type of electric bike, you’ll come across different types of shifters. The option employing drop handlebars or handgrips is commonly found on e-bikes with a step-through frame design. With this kind of shifter, you just need to push the lever down and pull up to engage one gear. You’ll do this until there is a clicking sound.
Hybrid and mountain electric bikes with flat bars require the use of set paddles controlled with the thumb. In this case, you lift your hands off the grips and press the paddle forward to engage one gear. After you’re done, you release the paddle and let go of the grip.
After clicking your gear, the cable linked to the shifters tightens and loosens, automatically adjusting the tension. Once the tension reaches its peak, the cable releases to disengage from the shifters.
Tips To Shift Gears Successfully and Smoothly
The following tips can help you shift gears smoothly on an electric bike.
Anticipate the Terrain
You should anticipate the terrain before riding so that you don’t get stuck in a place where you can’t move. If you find yourself in such a situation, you may want to stop and change gears.
Avoid Getting Too Close To Obstacles
It’s important to avoid getting too close to objects like walls or trees because they can obstruct your vision and cause accidents.
Don’t Shift Too Fast
If you shift at high speeds, you might lose control over the bike. It’s better to shift slowly and gradually increase the speed until you reach the desired level.
Employ a Shifter at a Time
If you shift at high speeds, you might lose control over the bike. It’s better to shift slowly and gradually increase the speed until you reach the desired level.
This tip applies to both hybrid and mountain electric bikes. If you’re using a shifter with handles, you shouldn’t touch them while shifting gears. Instead, you should keep them steady and hold them still.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, shifting gears on an electric bike is not difficult if you follow these simple steps. If you’re still in doubt on how to properly shift gears on an electric bike, reach out to experts in the industry for guidance. No matter the type of e-bike, the professionals can provide the right expertise.