When and How to Shift Gears on an Electric Bike

When you’re new to cycling, figuring out how and when to shift gears can feel overwhelming. How often should you shift? Which gear is best for climbing hills? What about flat roads or descents? For new riders, these questions can make cycling seem confusing. But once you understand the basics, you’ll enjoy your electric bike far more and ride with greater confidence.

That’s why we created this guide—to help you master gear shifting for a smoother, more powerful ride. Keep reading to learn essential tips that will make your next trip easier and more enjoyable.

Understanding Your Electric Bike’s Gears

On most bicycles, the left shifter controls the front chainring, while the right shifter controls the rear cassette. A simple trick to remember: Right = Rear.
Some electric bikes come with a single front chainring (“1x” drivetrain), so you’ll only need to use the right shifter. Gear systems vary slightly by brand, but they’re generally intuitive. When buying an e-bike, ask your local shop to explain how your specific shifters work—or just hop on and practice while pedaling lightly.

When to Shift Gears

• Climbing hills or riding into the wind → shift into an easier gear.

• Flat roads or tailwinds → use a harder gear.

• Descending → shift into higher gears for speed.

Shift before you reach steep climbs, not once you’re already struggling. Keep pedaling while shifting, but with lighter pressure—especially uphill—to prevent your chain from skipping or dropping.

As a beginner, focus on the rear cassette and smaller or mid-sized front chainrings. Over time, you’ll gain confidence in matching the right gear to the terrain.

⚠️ Avoid cross-chaining, such as using the big front chainring with the biggest rear cog, or the smallest front chainring with the smallest cog. This strains components and reduces your shifting options.

How to Shift Properly

1. Use the left shifter for the front chainring (big changes).

2. Use the right shifter for the rear gears (fine-tuning).

3. Keep pedaling while shifting, but ease off pressure slightly.

4. Moving the chain toward the bike = easier pedaling.

5. Moving the chain away from the bike = harder pedaling, more speed.

6. Practice makes perfect—experiment in safe areas until it feels natural.

Experiencing Different Gear Combinations

Most geared electric bikes have 1–3 chainrings at the front and 7–12 cogs at the back. Shifting on the rear cassette gradually changes resistance, while switching between front chainrings makes bigger adjustments.

To get familiar with your e-bike’s gear range, find an open, traffic-free area like a parking lot. Shift through all the gears to understand how each combination feels while riding.

What If the Chain Drops?

Sometimes, cross-chaining or rough shifting may cause the chain to fall off. If it happens:

1. Stop safely at the roadside.

2. Push the rear derailleur forward to create slack.

3. Guide the chain back onto the chainring by hand.

4. Lift the rear wheel and pedal to ensure smooth operation.