How to Shift Gears on an eBike: Complete Guide for Smart Riding

Electric bikes are changing the way people ride, especially hunters, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts. While most are obsessed with the thrilling power of these electric machines, we’re focusing on an essential, but overlooked, aspect of the eBike: the gear shifter. An eBike gear shifter is just as crucial to mastering control, efficiency, and performance, allowing you to get the best from your ride. 

Many riders ask: Can you no longer shift gears with ebike assistance? The answer depends on the bike, but the answer is yes with eBikes like the Birch Grolar, which features a 9-speed Shimano gear shifter. Understanding how to shift gears on an eBike not only helps you tackle varied terrain with ease but also maximizes motor efficiency and extends battery life.

In this guide, we’ll dive into how shifting works, what gears to use in different conditions, and how to get the most out of your Birch’s Grolar dual-motor hunting eBike.

Understanding the Role of an eBike Gear Shifter

The ebike gear shift controls the mechanical drivetrain of your electric bike. It allows you to change the resistance of your pedaling, which directly affects your cadence (pedal speed), how much assistance the motor needs to provide, and ultimately, your control over the bike.

Unlike traditional bikes, eBikes offer motor assistance on top of gear ranges. This means when you shift into a lower or higher gear, the motor continues to assist—though how hard it works depends on the gear you’ve selected.

Why shifting matters even with a motor:

• Helps keep a natural, steady cadence (RPM) while pedaling
• Prevents overworking the motor, especially on climbs
• Reduces power drain on the battery
• Minimizes wear on your chain and drivetrain components

Just like a manual gear shift car, you’ll want to shift proactively and smoothly to match the terrain and riding conditions.

How to Shift Gears on an eBike: Pro Tips

These best practices apply to any eBike with a mechanical gear system:

1. Ease Pedal Pressure When Shifting

When shifting gears, slightly reduce the force you're applying to the pedals. This takes stress off the chain and derailleur, resulting in smoother, quieter shifts.

2. Shift One Gear at a Time

Avoid skipping multiple gears at once. This can cause the chain to jump or miss the intended gear entirely. Especially under load, shift one gear at a time for precision.

3. Anticipate Changes in Terrain

Look ahead on the trail. If you see a hill coming up, shift down before you lose momentum. If you’re nearing a descent, shift up before your cadence spikes.

4. Combine Shifting with Assist Modes

Match your mechanical gear with the appropriate motor assist level. For example, low gear plus low assist for gentle climbs, or high gear with high assist for fast cruising.

Best Gear for Flatlands

Your goal on level terrain is efficiency and comfort. You’ll want to use middle gears—typically gears 4 to 6 on a 9-speed system like the Birch Grolar’s Shimano setup.

These gears provide the best balance between resistance and cadence. Pairing a mid-range gear with low-to-moderate pedal assist will:

• Keep your pedaling smooth and natural
• Reduce the draw on your motor and battery
• Give you flexibility to accelerate or decelerate without harsh shifts

This is ideal for gravel roads, open trails, or approaching your hunting site at a consistent pace.

Best Gear for Climbing Hills

Climbing is one of the biggest challenges for any rider, but especially when you're hauling gear, towing a trailer, or dealing with steep backcountry terrain. The key? Shift early—before the hill starts.

Lower gears (1 to 3) reduce the force needed to pedal, allowing the motor to assist more effectively. This is crucial when you're:

• Tackling long or steep inclines
• Starting from a stop on a slope
• Pulling additional weight, such as a game trailer

Waiting too long to shift can cause strain on your drivetrain, force your motor to overwork, or make it difficult to keep momentum. 

Best Gear for Descending

When descending hills or riding downhill trails, your main goal is control—not speed. This is where higher gears (7 to 9) come into play.

Higher gears provide resistance, slowing your cadence and allowing you to maintain a controlled descent. On eBikes, this reduces the need to rely heavily on your brakes and helps the motor stay balanced.

For hunters heading downhill with loaded packs or trailers, this is essential. The higher gear keeps the bike steady, responsive, and ready to brake only when needed.

Common eBike Gear Questions

Can You No Longer Shift Gears with eBike Power On?

You absolutely can. Most eBikes—including the Birch Grolar—allow for gear shifting with or without motor assistance. Just be mindful of shifting technique to avoid stress on components.

What If the Shifting Feels Off?

If your shifting is sluggish, skipping, or noisy:

• Inspect and clean the chain and derailleur
• Check cable tension
• Lubricate the drivetrain
• Get a tune-up if issues persist

Why the Birch Grolar is Built for Gear Shifting Mastery?

The Birch Grolar is a dual-motor AWD electric fat bike built for the wild. It features:

• A Shimano 9-speed gear shifter, perfect for navigating all terrains
• Dual 750W motors (1,500W combined) for unmatched hill-climbing power
• A 26” x 4” fat tire setup that grips snow, dirt, and mud
• Quiet, reliable operation ideal for stealthy hunting trips

Its 9-speed system allows for fine-tuned control whether you're climbing, descending, or hauling game out of remote areas. The thumb shifter is responsive, intuitive, and built to last.

Shift Smarter, Ride Stronger

Learning how to shift gears on an eBike isn’t just about comfort—it’s about control, battery life, and getting the most from your investment. If you’re exploring the backwoods or hauling your latest trophy, knowing how to use your ebike gear shift ensures every ride is safer and more efficient.

At Birch, we’re dedicated to bringing hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers with the best of the best. Whether you’re tearing up the backcountry or trying to approach game on the back of silent, reliable steed, the Birch Grolar is ready to take you further—one shift at a time.