When it comes to electric bikes, one common question is: do electric bikes have gears? This comprehensive guide will explore the world of e-bike gearing systems and provide an extensive list of popular electric bikes, categorized by whether they have gears or not.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which electric bikes have gears and which don’t.
Table of Contents
Do Electric Bikes Have Gears? Understanding the Basics
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand what we mean when we ask, “Do electric bikes have gears?” Gears on an e-bike serve the same purpose as they do on a traditional bicycle: they allow riders to adjust the ratio between pedaling effort and wheel rotation. This adjustment helps maintain a comfortable pedaling speed (cadence) while adapting to different terrains and speeds.
In the context of electric bikes, when we consider “do electric bikes have gears,” we’re looking at how gears can:
- Complement the motor assistance
- Optimize battery efficiency
- Enhance the overall riding experience
Now, let’s explore the types of e-bikes that typically have gears and those that don’t to answer the question: do electric bikes have gears?
Do Electric Bikes Have Gears? Yes, Many Do!
Many electric bikes come equipped with gears, offering riders versatility across different terrains. Here’s an extensive list of popular e-bikes that have gears, answering the question “do electric bikes have gears” with a resounding yes for these models:
Specialized Turbo Vado
- Gearing: 10 or 11-speed derailleur system
- Type: Commuter e-bike
- Notable: Wide range cassette for versatile riding
- Price Range: $3,500 – $5,500
Trek Powerfly
- Gearing: 10 or 12-speed drivetrain
- Type: Electric mountain bike
- Notable: Designed for diverse trail conditions
- Price Range: $4,000 – $9,000
Riese & Müller Charger
- Gearing: Up to 14-speed Rohloff hub gears or derailleur system
- Type: Touring and commuting e-bike
- Notable: High-end gearing options for maximum versatility
- Price Range: $5,500 – $8,500
Giant Explore E+
- Gearing: 9-speed cassette
- Type: Trekking e-bike
- Notable: Balanced gearing for urban and light off-road use
- Price Range: $3,000 – $4,500
Cannondale Synapse Neo
- Gearing: 11-speed drivetrain
- Type: Electric road bike
- Notable: Performance-oriented gearing for road cycling
- Price Range: $3,500 – $7,000
Rad Power Bikes RadWagon
- Gearing: 7-speed derailleur system
- Type: Cargo e-bike
- Notable: Geared to handle heavy loads across different terrains
- Price Range: $1,500 – $2,000
Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB
- Gearing: Enviolo 380% stepless gear hub
- Type: City e-bike
- Notable: Smooth, continuous gear changing
- Price Range: $3,500 – $4,500
Cube Kathmandu Hybrid 45
- Gearing: 12-speed derailleur system
- Type: Trekking e-bike
- Notable: Wide range for touring and daily commutes
- Price Range: $4,000 – $5,500
Haibike SDURO FullSeven
- Gearing: 11 or 12-speed drivetrain
- Type: Full-suspension electric mountain bike
- Notable: Designed for technical trails and varied terrain
- Price Range: $3,500 – $6,000
Stromer ST2
- Gearing: 11-speed derailleur system
- Type: Speed pedelec (up to 28 mph)
- Notable: High-performance gearing for fast commutes
- Price Range: $6,500 – $8,000
Do Electric Bikes Have Gears? Not Always!
While many e-bikes have gears, some manufacturers opt for gearless designs, focusing on simplicity and low maintenance. So, do electric bikes have gears in all cases? No, they don’t. Here’s a list of popular e-bikes that don’t have gears:
VanMoof S3
- Drivetrain: Single-speed with automatic electronic gear shifting
- Type: Urban e-bike
- Notable: Sleek design with integrated technology
- Price Range: $2,000 – $2,500
Gogoro Eeyo 1s
- Drivetrain: Single-speed belt drive
- Type: Lightweight urban e-bike
- Notable: Minimalist design for city riding
- Price Range: $4,000 – $4,500
Cowboy 3
- Drivetrain: Single-speed carbon belt drive
- Type: Urban commuter e-bike
- Notable: Clean, low-maintenance design
- Price Range: $2,000 – $2,500
Propella Single-Speed
- Drivetrain: Single-speed chain drive
- Type: Lightweight commuter e-bike
- Notable: Simplicity-focused design for urban riders
- Price Range: $1,000 – $1,500
Wing Freedom X
- Drivetrain: Single-speed (geared version also available)
- Type: Urban commuter e-bike
- Notable: Budget-friendly with minimalist design
- Price Range: $1,000 – $1,500
Ride1Up Core-5
- Drivetrain: Single-speed option available
- Type: Urban commuter e-bike
- Notable: Straightforward riding experience for city use
- Price Range: $1,000 – $1,500
Swagtron EB-5
- Drivetrain: Single-speed
- Type: Folding e-bike
- Notable: Compact and simple design for short trips
- Price Range: $500 – $1,000
Analogue Motion AM1
- Drivetrain: Single-speed belt drive
- Type: Lightweight urban e-bike
- Notable: Minimalist design with hidden battery
- Price Range: $2,000 – $2,500
Gocycle GX
- Drivetrain: Single-speed with electronic shifting
- Type: Folding e-bike
- Notable: Unique design with enclosed drivetrain
- Price Range: $3,000 – $3,500
Biomega OKO
- Drivetrain: Single-speed belt drive
- Type: Urban design e-bike
- Notable: Distinctive frame design with focus on aesthetics
- Price Range: $2,000 – $2,500
Do Electric Bikes Have Gears? It Depends on the Brand
Some e-bike brands cater to different rider preferences by offering both geared and gearless options. These brands recognize that the answer to “do electric bikes have gears” can vary based on rider needs:
- Rad Power Bikes
- Geared: Most models like RadRover and RadCity
- Gearless: RadMission (single-speed option)
- Aventon
- Geared: Aventon Level, Aventon Aventure
- Gearless: Aventon Pace 350 (single-speed option available)
- Lectric eBikes
- Geared: Lectric XP 2.0 (7-speed option)
- Gearless: Lectric XP 2.0 (single-speed option)
- Ride1Up
- Geared: Most models like the 700 Series and LMT’D
- Gearless: Core-5 (single-speed option)
- Propella
- Geared: Propella 7-Speed
- Gearless: Propella Single-Speed
Do Electric Bikes Have Gears? Factors Influencing the Choice
When considering “do electric bikes have gears,” it’s important to understand the factors that influence a manufacturer’s decision to include gears:
- Intended Use: The answer to “do electric bikes have gears” often depends on their intended use. Commuter e-bikes often have fewer gears or none at all, while electric mountain bikes almost always have multiple gears.
- Terrain: E-bikes designed for hilly areas typically include gears, while those for flat urban environments may not need them. The expected riding terrain plays a crucial role in answering “do electric bikes have gears” for specific models.
- Motor Type: Mid-drive motors often work best with a full range of gears, while hub motors may reduce the need for multiple gears. The motor type influences whether electric bikes have gears or not.
- Target Audience: Novice riders might prefer simpler, gearless designs, while experienced cyclists often appreciate the flexibility of geared e-bikes. The target market’s preferences affect whether electric bikes have gears.
- Maintenance Considerations: Gearless e-bikes offer lower maintenance, which can be attractive to some consumers. This factor often influences whether electric bikes have gears or not.
- Price Point: Gearless systems can help keep costs down, making e-bikes more accessible to a wider audience. Budget considerations often play a role in deciding if electric bikes have gears.
- Weight: Single-speed e-bikes are often lighter than their geared counterparts, which can be a crucial factor for commuters who need to carry their bikes.
- Aesthetic Design: Some manufacturers opt for single-speed designs to achieve a cleaner, more minimalist look. Aesthetic considerations can influence whether electric bikes have gears or not.
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Do all electric bikes have gears?
No, not all electric bikes have gears. While many e-bikes come equipped with multiple gears, some models, particularly those designed for urban commuting or simple recreational use, are single-speed or gearless. The presence of gears depends on factors such as the bike’s intended use, design philosophy, and target audience.
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Can I shift gears on an electric bike while the motor is running?
Yes, you can shift gears on most electric bikes while the motor is running. In fact, it’s recommended to shift gears as you would on a regular bike to maintain an optimal pedaling cadence and efficiency. Some advanced e-bike systems even feature electronic shifting that works seamlessly with the motor assistance, making gear changes smooth and effortless.
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Are gearless electric bikes easier to maintain than those with gears?
Yes, gearless electric bikes are generally easier to maintain. They have fewer moving parts, which means there’s less that can wear out or need adjustment. Bikes with gears require periodic maintenance of the derailleur, chain, and shifters. However, modern geared systems are quite reliable and many riders find the performance benefits worth the extra maintenance.
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Do electric bikes with gears have better performance than those without?
Electric bikes with gears often offer better performance across varied terrain and riding conditions. Gears allow riders to optimize their pedaling efficiency, tackle steep hills more easily, and achieve higher speeds on flat ground. However, gearless e-bikes can still perform well, especially in urban environments, as their motors can often compensate for the lack of gears.
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How many gears do electric bikes typically have?
Electric bikes with gears typically have between 7 and 21 gears, similar to traditional bicycles. However, some e-bikes may have fewer gears, as the electric motor can compensate for the need for an extensive gear range in certain riding conditions. The number of gears often depends on the bike’s intended use, with mountain e-bikes generally having more gears than city commuters.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the answer to “do electric bikes have gears?” varies depending on the specific model and brand. While many e-bikes come equipped with gears for versatility and performance, others opt for a simpler, gearless design.
Geared e-bikes offer the advantage of tackling varied terrain more easily and allowing riders to optimize their pedaling efficiency. They’re particularly beneficial for hilly areas, long-distance riding, and off-road use. However, they do require more maintenance and can be more complex to use.
On the other hand, gearless e-bikes offer simplicity, lower maintenance, and often a lower price point. They can be ideal for urban environments with relatively flat terrain, or for riders who prefer a more straightforward riding experience. The electric motor can often compensate for the lack of gears in many situations.
When choosing an e-bike, consider your riding needs, the terrain you’ll encounter, your maintenance preferences, and your budget. Whether you opt for a geared or gearless e-bike, both types offer unique advantages to enhance your riding experience.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with geared or gearless electric bikes. Do you prefer electric bikes that have gears, or do you enjoy the simplicity of gearless models? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
