Electric Bike Gear Selection Guide

When choosing the gear system for an E-Bike, consider several factors. Think about the riding environment, motor type, and how often you will pedal. Also, consider battery life and maintenance costs.

The following is a detailed selection guide, which is suitable for the configuration of electric bicycles on various terrains.

1. Types of gear systems

The gear systems of electric bicycles are mainly divided into three types: single-speed, internal gear, and external gear, each with different advantages and disadvantages.

(1) Single-Speed

• Features:

Only one gear ratio, no need to shift gears, simple and durable.

Suitable for short-distance commuting, flat roads, low maintenance cost.

• Applicable motor:

Hub motor (front/rear wheel drive)

Suitable for low-power motors (250W-500W)

• Applicable scenarios:

Urban commuting, leisure riding, shared bicycles.

(2) Internal Gear Hub

• Features:

The gearshift system is enclosed in the hub of the e-bike, which is very durable and requires almost no maintenance.

The speed change range is generally small, usually 3 speeds, 5 speeds, 7 speeds, and 8 speeds.

The speed change can be achieved when the bicycle is stationary, ensuring safety during riding.

• Applicable motors:

Both hub motors and mid-mounted motors can be used.

• Applicable scenarios:

Urban riding, long-distance riding (8 speeds or above are recommended).

(3) External Derailleur System

• Features:

Uses external chain and flywheel for speed change, light weight, and wide gear ratio range.

Maintenance is relatively complex, and the chain is easy to wear.

Suitable for various complex terrains, such as mountain biking, long-distance biking, etc.

• Applicable motor:

Mid-mounted motor is best (gears can be used to expand the torque range).

Hub motors can also be used, but the overall efficiency is lower.

• Applicable scenarios:

Long-distance biking, mountain cross-country, road biking.

2. Choose the most suitable gear system according to the terrain

1. City riding/flat roads

City riding is mostly on flat roads, and needs to deal with the impact of starting, acceleration and short slopes, and has less shaking, simple daily maintenance and is not prone to failure.

• Recommended gear system: 7-speed(1×7) or internal gear
• Recommended model: City E-Bike
• Recommended motor: Hub Motor, 250W-500W
• Suitable cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Copenhagen

2. Countryside riding

There are some gravels and sand on the country roads, which also have certain requirements for brakes and tire anti-skid. At the same time, a wider gear range is required. The system with a front derailleur can support low-gear climbing and maintain a good speed on flat ground. Of course! If you don’t like the front derailleur, 1×9 is also a good choice.

• Recommended gear system: 21 speed (3×7) or 9 speed (1×9)
• Recommended model: Hybrid E-Bike
• Recommended motor: Mid-Drive Motor, 500W-750W
• Suitable for cities: Zurich, Dublin, Prague, Florence

3. Mountain off-road

Steep terrain requires strong low-gear support, while high gear is suitable for downhill sprints, and a wider gear ratio range is also required on rugged mountain roads

• Recommended gear system: 12-speed (1×12) or 3×10
• Recommended model: electric mountain bike
• Recommended motor: mid-drive motor, 750W-1000W, high torque (85Nm+)
• Suitable areas: Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians

4. Long-distance riding

Long-distance riding requires stability and low maintenance costs, and requires the use of internal gearing or a wide range of gear ratios to adapt to all-terrain conditions.

• Recommended gear system: 14-speed Rohloff internal gearing or 2×11 speed
• Recommended model: E-Touring Bike
• Recommended motor: 1000W or even higher power motor, 600Wh+ large capacity battery
• Suitable area: French countryside (Bordeaux, Provence), German Black Forest, Swiss Lake District

Summary: Which gear system is best for you?

In short:

For urban roads, 7 speed is recommended.

For rural roads, 21 speed is recommended.

For mountain off-road, 12 speed is recommended.

For long-distance travel, use internal gearshift or 2×11 speed.