Do you Need Gears on an Electric Bike?
Definitely no. You don't need gears on an electric bike because the motor and the battery automatically provide the power you need to pedal.
Technically no. In certain situations, gears come in very handy, but for most riders, they're unnecessary. If you want to ride on flat ground, for short distances, or commuting, you don't need gears on the electric bike, but if you're going up steep hills or on a long-distance or want to conserve your battery, kits are necessary.
Gear shifting is a great way to improve bike performance but isn't the only reason you should include a gear set-up on your electric bike. Today, there are tons of electric bike options available to you. However, not all of them are made equal.
Some models may be better suited to your needs than others. For that reason, if you're looking for a specific type of ride or you're wondering whether or not you need gears on your electric bike, I've got your back with this helpful article. Keep Reading.
Why Don't You Need Gears On Electric Bike?
Gears are unnecessary if you need to use the electric bicycle as a standard bicycle (using the propulsion of the motor or pedal assist all the time). This is because the motor and battery can produce enough torque to propel you without any additional gearing.
However, if you're planning to ride on hills or go out for a longer ride, it may be worth investing in a set of gears so you can pedal more efficiently. Reasons you should not use gears on the electric bike are:
1. Electric Bike has Automatic Assistance
Some electric bikes have Automatic assistance like torque sensors, while others have throttle and pedal assist that are simpler to use than gears.
For instance, the RadRover bike has a single-speed setting that allows you to adjust your speed, while others have automatic gears that will enable you to shift between different speeds without needing to pedal. You can cruise at the same rate all day long without pedaling or changing gears.
Automatic gears are also more efficient and easy to use. You dont need to work as hard, so it runs cooler and is less likely to break down. For instance, instead of struggling to change a gear — you can adjust the intensity of your pedaling to alter your speed.
2. To Enhance Your Experience
Using gears the right way may challenge new cyclists, making them more reluctant to take up cycling. But, a gearless electric bike allows you to ride your bike with confidence, which is fun and exciting.
Its automatic gearing gives you a better experience and confidence as a beginner or someone who hasn't ridden a bike for a long time. For instance, VanMoof, an innovative market leader in electric bikes, features an electronically controlled gearbox rather than mechanical gears. This results in gearless electric bikes that are more simple and more effective.
You can also enjoy being outdoors without being concerned about getting tired or hurting yourself because of the weight of your bike.
3. Gearless Electric Bikes are Environment-Friendly and Low-Cost to Operate
Most bicycle component replacements account for spare parts for gears, gearboxes, and cassettes,
An electric bike's motor puts extra strain around the chain, which results in higher wear while shifting gears. These components on bikes with motors deteriorate 30% faster than those without motors. Gear systems are also expensive, heavy, and inefficient.
Fewer parts are installed with no gears on the bike, so you don't need to change anything every few kilometers or months. The operating cost will also be lower.
Less maintenance — Since there's no mechanical connection between the wheels and the motor, there's no possibility of friction, wear, or lubrication issues between the two parts. There's less need for regular maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.
Fewer emissions — With no gear system, no gearbox needs to be regularly serviced or replaced; hence electric bikes don't produce emissions and reduce your carbon footprint considerably.
4. Motor Handles the Power
An electric bike motor can handle all of the power because the engine is strong enough to handle high torque to accelerate and decelerate the bike.
Besides, when using an electric bike in a city setting, it is not as essential to have a lot of torque on your motor because there are no hills or hills with significant inclines that need much speed or power.
5. Lesser Errors (Fault)
Velib claims that gears cause 29% of electric bike breakdowns. It is a massive problem for bikers since bikes with broken gears usually lead to fleet unavailability.
A gearless bike is a lot safer. The friction between the chain and sprocket, which causes wear, is eliminated, leading to fewer drivetrain faults and repairs.
It comes with an inbuilt brake system that stops the wheel from spinning when you pull up on the handlebars, so you don't have to worry about hitting pedestrians or your gears breaking or the chain coming off while you're riding. Some types of gearless electric bikes are:
Even though these bikes don't have gears and function just fine without them, there are still some great reasons to have them.
Why Do You Need Gears on Electric Bike?
The following are the advantages of using an electric bike without gears.
Help Climb a Hill
Depending on the motor's size, the electric bike pedal-assist system might not be strong enough to help the bike climb the hill. Gears help climbing the mountain much faster and easier and also save your bike from doing a lot of work while climbing the mountain.
Extend Battery Life
The gears on your electric bike can extend battery life and save power. The stronger the motor, the longer the battery will last. The higher the gear ratio, the longer it will take to reach top speed, but also, for given rider weight, a higher gear ratio means more power and faster acceleration.
Allows for Variability
In addition to allowing you to adjust your speed with more acceptable increments than your feet can achieve alone, gears will enable you to adjust your gearing system more efficiently than just changing the tension of springs would allow.
For example, if you want to change from a gear that works at 80 rpm and has a high gear ratio (ratio) to one that works at 60 rpm and has a low gear ratio (ratio), all you need is some simple tools and about an hour.
Is It Right to Shift Gears While Using Pedal Assist?
The answer is yes; shifting gears while using pedal-assist is okay. Most ridders match their terrain and speed by shifting gears while pedal assist.
However, you must be careful when shifting gears on the bike if you're riding in traffic or around other people to avoid causing accidents. If you are just out for a leisurely ride on your bike with no one around for miles, then shifting gears won't cause any problems.
Should I Have Gears on Your Electric Bike?
While it's certainly easier to set up a bike or scooter than a car, choosing the right one for your needs is vital for ensuring your commute goes smoothly. It may include having gears so that you can tackle moderate terrain and make use of your ebike's full potential.
However, if you plan to ride in an area with flat roads, little-to-no traffic, and short distances, opting out of gears might be the best choice. Ultimately, the choice depends on what sort of terrain you'll be riding over and how much help you'll need while riding.
If you want a boost but don't want to get bogged down with so many gears, think about purchasing an ebike with one or two fewer gears than most models offer.
So what do you think? Decide if gears are a valuable addition to your electric bike and if they suit you, and make the next step.
