Gearing Up: How to Effectively Use Gears on Your eBike

Gears are one of the most overlooked—but most valuable—features on an electric bike. Understanding how to shift properly can improve your ride quality significantly, extend your battery range, and make tough terrain easier to handle.

Whether you’re riding city streets, country roads, or rugged off-road trails, this guide breaks down how eBike gears work, when to shift, and how to ride smarter.

Why Gears Still Matter on an eBike

It’s easy to assume that gears aren’t important on an electric bike—after all, you bought an e-bike. But gears and motors work better together, especially when used correctly.

Here’s why gears still play a big role:

Efficiency

• Gears allow you to adjust the bike’s mechanical advantage based on terrain. Lower gears help with hauling and hill climbs, while higher gears are typically used to cruise faster on flat ground.

Control

• When the terrain gets steep, loose, and unpredictable, shifting to the right gear ensures smooth, stable pedaling throughout—which helps you stay upright and safe.

Battery Conservation

• Using low gears while climbing reduces the load on your motor greatly, which means you consume less power, and are getting more out of your e-bike’s battery.

How eBike Gearing Systems Work

Most eBikes feature between 7 and 11 gears using a rear derailleur system like those found on mountain bikes or hybrids. Shifting is controlled by a thumb lever or grip shifter, and each gear changes the effort required to pedal.

Typical Gear Breakdown

When to Shift Gears on an eBike

Climbing

Use low gears and moderate pedal assist. This helps maintain a comfortable cadence and reduces motor strain—especially when the incline is stretched over a long distance.

Flat Ground

Shift into mid-to-high gears depending on your speed and how much you're pedaling. If you’re in higher assist levels, this helps match your cadence with the motor output.

Hauling or Towing

When carrying gear or using a trailer to haul loads, low to mid gears provide more control and torque, which helps the motor out with pulling strength.

Off-Road or Technical Trails

Mid-range gears are ideal for navigating through variable terrains like rocks, roots, and brush. Setting your gear to this level provides a balanced approach to power and traction.

Tips on Shifting

To get the most out of your eBike’s gearing system, keep these techniques in mind:

• Ease up on the pedals while shifting to avoid clunky gear changes or chain slap.
  
• Avoid “cross-chaining” (using the smallest gear in front and back at the same time) to reduce drivetrain wear.
  
• Shift early when approaching a hill or incline to keep momentum.
  
• Maintain a steady cadence to help your motor and legs work in sync, especially on long rides.
  

Gears and Battery Life: What You Should Know

Using the proper gear can directly affect how much power your eBike consumes. Here’s how:

The important thing to know here is to Shift into a gear that lets the motor assist you—not carry the whole load.

Real-World Example: Shimano 9 Speed on the Birch Grolar

For riders tackling serious outdoor terrain, the Birch Grolar is a top-tier hunting and hauling eBike equipped with a Shimano 9-speed drivetrain.

The wide gear range complements its dual motor AWD system, giving riders precision on steep climbs, soft soil, and load-heavy trails. With 160Nm of torque, a 1200Wh battery, and fat 26"x4” tires, using the right gear keeps the Grolar running cooler, longer, and more efficiently—even in the backcountry.

Final Thoughts: Shift With Purpose

Gearing may feel like an old-school feature on a high-tech eBike, but it remains one of the most important tools at your fingertips. By learning when and how to shift, you:

• Ride more comfortably
  
• Extend your battery range
  
• Conquer tougher terrain
  
• Protect your drivetrain
  

Knowing how to use your gears helps you ride farther, smarter, and with more confidence.