On an e-bike, you can easily reach speeds above 20 km/h. Thanks to the motor integrated into the electric bike, you experience assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour. When you’re riding at a good pace, it’s of course important to remain comfortable while cycling.
How do you do that? The right gearing helps. There are different types of gears available, so read below to find out which system best suits your rides.
Types of gears on an electric bike
There are several types of gears you can find on an e-bike. The most important ones are hub gears and continuously variable (stepless) gears. Curious about the benefits? Read on!
An electric bike with hub gears
Hub gears are very popular on electric bikes. This gearing system is located in the center of the rear wheel, housed in a cylinder that is slightly thicker than the wheel axle. Shifting is done via a twist shifter on the handlebar, and you can even change gears while standing still. This is especially handy if you forget to downshift when stopping at a traffic light.
- Advantages of hub gears:
- Low maintenance thanks to the enclosed chain guard
- Ability to shift gears while stationary
- Simple and easy shifting
Hub gears are available with 3, 5, 7, or 8 speeds and are ideal for flat terrain. The enclosed chain guard keeps the chain clean and prevents dirty trouser legs.
An electric bike with Enviolo – a stepless gear system
A stepless gear system, such as the Enviolo hub, offers an exceptionally smooth riding experience without the usual “steps” between gears. Instead of traditional gears, this technology uses rotating balls between discs to create a seamless transition. You shift easily by turning a control on the handlebar.
Advantages of a stepless gear system:
- Infinitely many gear ratios
- Extremely smooth shifting
- Low maintenance
- Virtually no wear due to the absence of gear teeth
A stepless gear system is suitable for every type of ride and offers an infinite range of gearing options. If you’re still unsure, we recommend test-riding an e-bike with a stepless gear system.
Advantages of an e-bike with stepless gearing
- Infinitely many gears
- Super-smooth shifting
- Very low maintenance
- Minimal wear due to the absence of gear teeth
