How and Why to Use Gears on Your Electric Bike

Why do electric bikes have gears and how do you use the gears on an electric bike? If you've asked these questions, then this is the video for you. Gears may seem superfluous when you have a throttle and pedal assist on your bike but gears are actually great for when you want to get more of a workout on your bike and really maximize your calorie burn. Gears allow you to tailor each bike ride or even each hill to your effort level. Going for a casual ride and don't want to do much work? Gears can help with that, but they can also help if you DO want put in more work but don't want to turn off pedal assist. Once you practice using your gears in combination with pedal assist, you'll quickly get a feel for what works for you but in this video we give you examples of what gears we use to tackle the same hill with 3 different effort levels.
To jump right to the gears we used to get uphill, click here:
4:43 Uphill Examples
Remember, each hill is different and there are so many different factors that come into play such as wind resistance plus your own energy levels and strength so be sure to experiment to get the most out of your bike rides!
For more tips on biking uphill: [ • How to Bike Uphill - W... ]( • How to Bike Uphill - W... )
For more tips on switching gears: [ • How to Shift Gears on ... ]( • How to Shift Gears on ... )
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[@davidbrewster8071]

Thank you dear, this is the clearest explanation I've read. You are a natural educator , and after watching so many videos on this topic it was SO refreshing to come across your video. Well done. Thank you.

[@sixthreezero]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@flexv2680]

Best videos on changing gears with e-bike well done

[@TheAx504]

I got my Pedego a few weeks ago from 203. This video was very helpful as I am still exploring the different pedal assist modes and gear settings. Thanks!

[@sixthreezero]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@Drew43]

Thank you very much, great video. Awesome job

[@DBM1029]

Good explanation video 👍🏼

[@simplelife6284]

Thank you my dear for the wonderful video!

[@courtneybrown4678]

Thank you so much. I just purchased my 1st ebike and this by far has been the best explanation for shifting gears.

[@sixthreezero]

Glad it helped!

[@mrcutieluvsu015]

Yeah same. She explained it so well for beginners

[@sixthreezero]

@@mrcutieluvsu015 We are glad that it helped =)

[@kweikikwapong7045]

Thank you very much for this video. I have just purchased my first e-bike which I took out for a spin for the first time last week. I struggled with understanding how to use the gears and Pedal assist (and of course there was NOTHING in the instruction manual about that). Armed with the information I have gained from this video I will not despair and will try again.

[@sixthreezero]

Thank you for watching. Glad it helped!

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

Thanks for sharing the video it helped

[@afuantumi2768]

Best explanation thanks

[@virginiaramos8816]

Awesome video. Just got my new e-bike and this info really helped me. Thanks a bunch.

[@sixthreezero]

Glad it helped, Virginia! We are excited for you. Keep us posted with your photos! :)

[@TLCREW9]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@sixthreezero]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yogeshnaik9276]

Very nice video..iam from Goa India I had to make a mid drive motor ebike just to take good advantage of gears and yes it works exactly as you said..I used to get 20kms per charge but I realised I was making a mistake of using high gear in anticipation of more top speed on throttle only..then I changed to mid gear pickup is much zipper top speed is less but mileage rised to 80kms per charge with pas n throttle

[@sixthreezero]

Thanks for watching!

[@GetToSleepFaster]

Thank you Alana so much. This helped a lot.

[@sixthreezero]

Glad it was helpful!

[@freyakat1963]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@sixthreezero]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@awjake137]

Excellent video.

[@sixthreezero]

Thanks for watching, Anthony! :)

[@Samkoutloud]

Thanx

[@JnTmarie]

Thank you just got the hey bike Mars and the instructions are from China. No explanation of gears. I’m riding in nyc across town and along the river to a fitness center. I will be riding long trips w my son so I got an ebike so I can keep up. Eating whole food plant based bought a Tesla and a folding ebike to put in the back so I can get around on my own anywhere! 💃💪🏻💗💜

[@sixthreezero]

Wow, that's awesome! Have fun riding and keep safe!

[@SmokeyTreats]

I'm new to E-Bikes, only on my 3rd charge. My first question has to do with downshifting. Let's say your in gear 7 & you're letting up & starting to break as you're coming up to a stop sign. Can you go from 7 to 1 or should you go through each gear before reaching 1? Seems weird to be pedaling while braking because you're downshifting. Also when upshifting should you let up between shifts or just keep pedaling consistently? Thanks for your vid!

[@JG-kg3wc]

Did you get an answer to this question? It’s good questions

[@aimster562]

Thanks for the video!! Unrelated question: I noticed Alanna is wearing the Thousand helmet (at least I think it is...lol) what color is that? Is it artic grey?

[@sixthreezero]

Yes, that's correct. It's the Arctic Grey. Thanks for watching.

[@joelstaples6705]

So if you just want to fully use the pedal assess you just keep it on gear 6?

[@beansrgd]

Can you please explain the downshifting before stopping? I’m nervous about pressing it too hard and slip the chain. I can ride for ten minutes and now am ready to go longer on a main road. I ride at night in my complex with no interruptions on flat terrain parking lots. Plus the sis is only to gear upward correct? I’m fumbling to move the gear down. So I put the power assist back t to zero and slow down. Ty for your help.!!!!

[@sixthreezero]

Hi! We'll be happy to help you out. Please send us an email at [e-mail]. Thank you. :)

[@pattyedzards8587]

@@sixthreezero Would have appreciated an answer to this on this post.

[@randomescu]

Hello. How about motors parts protection? Not chain's or battery itself, only the motor kit. I planned to buy an 1000euros e-bike in 2024, cheapest being at 700 euros in my country. But ive got a 5000 euros bike as a gift ftom my brother! Huge battery, over 200km on Eco assist on plain roads. The battery cost 1000euros, with some search 800. The problem is the motor kit, to replace it i would need to go into another bigger town. So i want to protect it! The battery will probably last several years for now considering im commuting only 1/3 of a year, when its not cold outside, max 15 km per day. So my question is, should i use a lower gear to protect the engine? My town is on hills.

[@hphillips7425]

Good video. I am new to ebikes and was surprised the throttle and front brake is on the left handle bar. Are all ebikes this way? If so why are they opposite of a motorcycle? Thanks and have a good one

[@sixthreezero]

Just move it to the other side.

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

Mine (5 ebikes) have always been half twist throttle on right. So far I've only seen thumb throttles on the left.

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

@@sixthreezero Some ppl aren't comfortable doing this. Would a bike shop do it?

[@sixthreezero]

Yes, sure. You can go to a bike shop and have them fix it. :)

[@kenfriend9676]

Video has a good start but I suggest re-doing the demo part. I could not figure out what you meant. It would be better to gently explain what the "gear number" is. Let the newbies learn the terms "higher gear" and "lower gear". Show the cogs, which is which and show the numbers on the gear shifter.

[@MargieETX]

I'm using low pedal assist on mainly flat roads. My bike has 7 gears. I should use a higher gear to get more exercise while not making my bike go too fast? Then shift to lower gear when I encounter hills?

[@sixthreezero]

You want to shift to an easier gear on hills (climbs) or when you’re riding into the wind. Use a harder gear on flats or if the wind is blowing from behind (a tailwind). When in doubt, shift before the terrain changes, especially on hills. Don’t wait until you can feel the incline kick in before you shift; shift gears in anticipation of the incline. When you shift, keep pedaling but ease up on the pedals, especially on hills-if you’re pushing hard or if you stop pedaling completely, the chain may skip or fall off. You can also check this article - www.sixthreezero.com/blogs/bike-advice/how-to-shift-gears-on-a-bicycle

[@farouqomaro598]

Nice

[@sixthreezero]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelhall3127]

Can you suggest the most efficient bike for using gears and not pedal assist or throttle? I want to buy an ebike but mostly want a workout and seldom will use the battery? Thank you

[@sixthreezero]

Hello Michael, you may want to check bikes that are 700cc. If you have three minutes we have a proprietary algorithm to find the right bike for you. You may want to start filling out the questionnaires here: www.sixthreezero.com/pages/customizer-questionnaire. At the end of the assessment, it will give you a bike recommendation that fits your preference that fits your lifestyle and your riding style.

[@michaelhall3127]

Thank you

[@alondraarellano8851]

Excuse me when will you restock the "Ride in the Park" Bike?

[@sixthreezero]

We are still yet to determine when we will have this bike available. On the bike page, there's a button that says "Notify me when in stock". Please click that button and key in your email address to get notified once we start taking pre-orders for that bike again.

[@johnscannell4189]

So, pedal assist changes the gears while using throttle and pedals?

[@sixthreezero]

Yes. You can change gears while on PAS.

[@samforgione9237]

What gear is the best to get the better range out of your battery?

[@sixthreezero]

Hi Sam! You can ride on any gear, it will not affect your battery performance.

[@samforgione9237]

@@sixthreezero Thank you

[@sixthreezero]

Thank you.

[@iKeto_gal]

What if you don't want to pedal at all the entire ride? Can you go for like an hour "ride" with the battery?

[@sixthreezero]

It’s going to depend on your weight, terrain and speed, The battery life can last about 20 miles on throttle. As long as your terrain is flat and you’re going less than 20 mph it should last!

[@maureengoins4675]

When is the best time to shift gears when riding?

[@sixthreezero]

You want to shift to an easier gear on hills (climbs) or when you’re riding into the wind. Use a harder gear on flats or if the wind is blowing from behind (a tailwind). When in doubt, shift before the terrain changes, especially on hills. Don’t wait until you can feel the incline kick in before you shift; shift gears in anticipation of the incline. When you shift, keep pedaling but ease up on the pedals, especially on hills-if you’re pushing hard or if you stop pedaling completely, the chain may skip or fall off. You can also check this article - www.sixthreezero.com/blogs/bike-advice/how-to-shift-gears-on-a-bicycle

[@mikebronicki8264]

Great reply, but let me add that it is never a problem shifting to a higher gear *after* you realize you are on a downhill (or you've attained enough speed to require a higher gear) because you can easily reduce your pedal effort a touch to make the shift. Anticipation is only needed for downshifts before hills and stops.

[@sixthreezero]

Thanks, Mike! We'll take note of that! :)

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

I had to get a single gear, would it be worth it to get it augmented?

[@sixthreezero]

Hi Jo! Getting a wider range of gears means that you will have both easier gears for getting up hills as well as higher gears for going faster. :)

[@pattyedzards8587]

I am completely new to gear driven bikes and ebikes. What gear should it be in when you begin your ride? And if you don't want to use the gears what gear should you leave it in. Please someone help me figure this out because I want an ebike, but I don't want to start out with a bottom of the line one speed. Thanks

[@sixthreezero]

Hi Patty, I like to start somewhere in the middle - 3rd or 4th gear. If you're on level ground either of these gears should be fine to leave it in. If that feels too hard, then try 2nd or 3rd! You know those times when it feels like you're pedaling really fast and you're not really moving? That's when you'd want to switch to a higher gear. And when it feels like it's so hard just to get one rotation - that's when you want to switch to a lower gear! Hope this helps.

[@arshasharshan]

Which bike is this?

[@sixthreezero]

www.sixthreezero.com/products/womens-atb-new-beach-cruiser-ebike/?variant=36659779829918

[@blackphilipalvarez1305]

Yes having a cute girl definitely helps my ego when riding an e-bike since so many people hate it. I need a big Bertha for more accurate measurements.