Electric bicycles aren’t just about motors and batteries – the humble gear ratio plays a huge role in how your ride feels. If you’ve ever wondered why you still need gears on an e-bike, or how some e-bikes climb steep hills so effortlessly, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down what gear ratios are, how they affect your electric bike drivetrain and performance, and how to choose a gearing setup that makes every ride smooth and efficient.
We’ll also compare different e-bike gearing systems (including a look at Letrigo’s gear setup) so you can get a real-world sense of what works best for different riders.
Featured Summary
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Gear ratio in an e-bike is the relationship between the front chainring and rear sprocket; it determines how many wheel rotations you get per pedal turn.
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The gear ratio affects torque and speed: a lower ratio (easy gear) gives more torque for hill climbs or heavy loads, while a higher ratio (hard gear) allows higher speeds on flats.
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Proper gearing is crucial even with motor assist; it helps the motor work efficiently, conserving battery and improving e-bike drivetrain efficiency.
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E-bikes come with various e-bike gearing systems (single-speed, derailleur multi-speed, internal hubs like in Letrigo bikes), and each offers different ride experiences and maintenance levels.
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Choosing the right gear setup depends on your terrain and needs – for example, cargo e-bikes (like a Letrigo e-bike) favor lower gearing for power, whereas commuter e-bikes balance for speed on city streets.
Related reading: How to Choose the Right Gear Ratio for Your Electric Cargo Bike
Understanding Electric Bike Drivetrain and Gear Ratios
When we talk about a bike’s gear ratio, we’re referring to the relationship between the front sprocket (chainring) and the rear sprocket (cassette cog). In simple terms, it tells us how many times the rear wheel turns for each full turn of the pedals.
For example, if your e-bike has a 44-tooth chainring in the front and an 11-tooth cog in the back, that’s a 4:1 gear ratio. One turn of the pedals would make the wheel spin four turns. On the other hand, a 1:1 gear ratio (like a 34-tooth front and 34-tooth rear) means one pedal rotation equals one wheel rotation.
This ratio matters because it controls your mechanical advantage.
A lower gear ratio (where the front gear is closer in size to the rear gear, or is smaller) gives you easier pedaling and more torque at the wheel. It’s like putting your car in first gear – you won’t go fast, but you’ll have the power to start moving or climb a hill with less strain. A higher gear ratio (large front gear and small rear gear) is like top gear in a car – you can reach higher speeds since the wheel turns many times per pedal stroke, but it’s harder to push.
On an electric bike, the drivetrain usually includes one or more chainrings up front and a set of gears at the rear (unless it’s a single-speed).
The concept of gear ratio is the same as on a regular bicycle.
Even though the electric motor is providing assistance, the gears still dictate how effectively that power (and your pedaling) translates into wheel speed and torque.
Whether you’re pedaling with motor assist or coasting, the selected gear ratio influences how quickly the bike accelerates and how comfortable it is to pedal.
Gear Ratio Basics: Pedaling Speed vs. Wheel Speed
Even for e-bike riders, the balance between pedal cadence (how fast you spin the pedals) and wheel speed is key.
With a low gear ratio, you might pedal very fast (high cadence) yet the bike moves slowly – perfect for climbing or starting from a stop with control.
With a high gear ratio, your wheel will cover more ground per pedal rotation, so at the same pedal cadence, your e-bike goes much faster.
The motor assist can make pedaling feel easier, but you’ll still want to shift gears so your legs maintain a steady, comfortable rhythm (around 60–90 RPM for most riders) while the wheel speed matches the terrain.
In short, how gear ratios work is all about trading off pedal speed and pedal force to get the wheel speed you need.
How Gear Ratios Affect E-Bike Performance and Efficiency
Ever noticed how an e-bike can tackle a steep hill more smoothly when you downshift?
The gear ratio you choose directly impacts your e-bike’s performance in different scenarios. Even with a powerful motor, you need the right gear to make the most of it. Here's how gear selection and ratio play into overall performance:
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Stronger hill climbing: In a low gear (smaller chainring to larger rear cog), your e-bike gains more torque. The motor and your legs can work together to conquer hills without bogging down. The bike feels more powerful because the gear ratio amplifies the torque, letting you and the motor spin faster.
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Higher top speeds: In a high gear (larger front sprocket and smaller rear sprocket), each pedal stroke covers more distance. This is ideal for cruising on flat roads or going downhill. The motor can assist you to reach higher speeds without hitting a cadence wall (where you’re pedaling air).
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Energy efficiency and range: Using the optimal gear helps maintain e-bike drivetrain efficiency. If you climb a hill in too high a gear, the motor has to work overtime, draining the battery faster and potentially overheating. By shifting to the right gear, the motor operates in a comfortable range, conserving energy. This means better battery range for you.
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Smooth acceleration: Starting from a dead stop in a low gear makes acceleration gentle and efficient. The motor doesn’t have to strain to get the bike moving. Once you’re up to speed, shifting to higher gears lets the motor ease off while you maintain momentum.
In essence, a well-chosen gear keeps your motor in its sweet spot and your ride feeling effortless. You’ll notice improved battery life and less wear on components when you’re mindful of gearing.
Whether you want quick acceleration or maximum range, understanding the link between gear ratio and performance is key.
Torque vs. Speed: Getting the Most from Your Gears
Every gear choice is a trade-off between torque and speed.
A lower gear provides more torque for quick takeoff or climbing, while a higher gear lets you go faster once you’re up to speed.
The beauty of an e-bike is that the motor helps fill in the gaps – it provides extra torque when you’re in a low gear and extra speed boost in a high gear. However, the motor has an optimal range where it performs best.
By shifting appropriately, you keep the motor running efficiently.
For example, when approaching a hill, downshifting lets the motor spin faster at a lower strain, giving you a smooth climb. When sprinting on the flat, upshifting prevents you from “spinning out” and allows the motor to assist at higher speeds.
Balancing these factors means you get the most out of both your legs and the battery, ensuring a fast yet energy-smart ride.
Types of E-Bike Gearing Systems and Gear Mechanisms
Electric bikes can have different e-bike gearing systems, each with its own advantages. The gearing setup influences how you shift, how much maintenance the bike needs, and how the bike feels to ride. Here are the common gear mechanisms you’ll find on e-bikes:
Derailleur Gears (External)
This is the classic setup with a chain moving across a cassette of sprockets. Most e-bikes (especially sport and commuter models) use a derailleur system, like a standard bicycle.
It might be a 1x system (one front chainring with multiple rear gears) or even a 2x with two front chainrings.
Derailleur gears offer a wide range of ratios and are relatively efficient, meaning minimal power loss. They let you fine-tune your pedaling effort to the terrain. However, they do require regular tuning and cleaning (the chain and gears are exposed to dirt).
On an e-bike with a mid-drive motor, the derailleur system is excellent because the motor can take advantage of the full gear range for better hill climbing or speed.
Internal Gear Hubs
These gears are hidden inside the rear hub of the wheel (or sometimes in a mid-drive gearbox).
From the outside, you won’t see a stack of sprockets; instead, all the gearing happens in an enclosed hub mechanism.
E-bikes like the Letrigo Minivan utilize internal hubs (the Enviolo CVT hub, for example) paired with a belt drive. The benefits? You can often shift while stopped, there’s less maintenance (no derailleur to adjust, and if using a belt drive there’s no chain oil or rust to worry about), and the system is very durable.
Internal hubs typically offer a slightly smaller gear range compared to a high-end derailleur setup, and they can add a bit of weight.
Some riders also feel a bit of extra drag due to the internal gears, but modern designs have become very efficient.
For urban riding or cargo e-bikes that need to be robust and low-maintenance, hub gears are a popular choice.
Single-Speed E-Bikes
Not all e-bikes have multiple gears.
Some electric bikes, especially simpler city models or certain e-cruisers, stick to one gear ratio.
These single-speed setups are straightforward and almost maintenance-free – there’s no shifting at all.
The bike might use a chain tensioner or just a perfectly sized chain. The upside is simplicity and durability (fewer parts to break). The downside is flexibility: the gear is usually chosen as a middle-ground ratio so that with motor help you can tackle mild hills and also cruise on flats, but it won’t be as easy on steep climbs or as fast on the top end as a multi-gear system.
Often, e-bikes with hub motors might go single-speed because the motor provides the help needed on hills, or they rely on the rider using the throttle. If you value low maintenance and ride mostly on flat terrain, a single-speed e-bike can work just fine.
Each gearing system affects the ride differently. Derailleurs shine in versatility and performance, internal hubs in user-friendly durability, and single-speeds in simplicity. Your choice might depend on how much you value having the perfect gear for every situation versus how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
Derailleur vs. Hub Gears: Trade-offs in Gearing
Choosing between a derailleur and an internal hub often comes down to your priorities.
If you crave a wide gear range and crisp efficiency – and you don’t mind a bit of maintenance – a derailleur setup might suit you best.
It’s lightweight and has been the standard for performance cycling for decades. On the other hand, if you value low maintenance and ease of use, internal hub gears are very appealing.
They keep things simple (especially with a quiet belt drive) and are perfect for everyday commuting or carrying loads without fuss.
Single-speed e-bikes take simplicity even further, but remember they rely heavily on the motor to cover for the lack of gear choices.
In summary, derailleur systems give you maximum control over your gear ratio for any situation, while hub gears and single-speeds trade a bit of flexibility for a more carefree riding experience.
Choosing the Right Gear Ratio for Your Electric Bike
There’s no one-size-fits-all gear setup for every rider.
The ideal electric bike gear ratio depends on where and how you ride, and even on your personal fitness level.
Whether you’re tweaking your current bike or shopping for a new e-bike, keep these considerations in mind to get gearing that matches your needs:
Terrain
Think about the typical terrain.
If you live somewhere mostly flat, you can get away with higher gearing (fewer teeth on the rear cog, or a larger front chainring) since you won’t need extreme low gears.
For very hilly areas or off-road trails, prioritize a lower gearing range. That might mean an e-bike with a big rear sprocket or a smaller front chainring, so you have those “granny gears” for steep climbs.
Many e-bikes intended for hill climbing or mountain biking will advertise a wide-range cassette (like 11-34T, meaning 11 to 34 teeth on the back gear cluster) to cover steep ascents.
Load and Cargo
Consider what you carry.
If you’re just zipping around town with a backpack, standard gearing is fine. But if you plan to haul groceries or tow kids in a trailer (or ride a heavy cargo bike), you’ll want lower gears available.
E-bike gearing systems on cargo models like the Letrigo cargo bikes are often designed with smaller chainrings or special transmissions to maximize torque.
This ensures you can get a heavy bike moving from a stop and up inclines without stalling out, even with a full load.
Motor Power and Support
Different e-bikes have different motor characteristics.
A high-torque mid-drive motor (say 85 Nm or more) can handle higher gears better than a lower-torque motor, but it’s still best to downshift on hills to keep the motor in its efficient range.
If your e-bike has multiple pedal assist levels, you might use a higher gear when on the highest assist setting, and switch to lower gears when you’re on eco mode or when the battery is low.
Some riders of hub motor e-bikes find that because the motor isn’t affected by the bike’s gears, they only shift when they personally need to (for comfortable pedaling), whereas on mid-drives you shift both for yourself and for the motor’s sake.
Preferred Cadence
Everyone has a comfortable pedaling rhythm.
If you’re a spinner (preferring fast, light pedal strokes), you’ll want enough low gear options to let you spin easily up hills.
If you prefer a slower, forceful pedal stroke, you might favor slightly higher gearing.
E-bikes often let you cheat a bit on cadence (since the motor can add power even if you’re not pedaling super fast), but for long rides, you’ll want gears that let you pedal at a natural pace.
Test ride your e-bike in various gears to see if you can maintain a comfy cadence at the speeds you like.
Gear Range and Number of Gears
Pay attention to how many gears an e-bike has and the overall range (the difference between the highest and lowest gear ratios).
More gears or a wider range gives you more flexibility. For instance, an 8-speed e-bike with a tight range might be fine for city streets, but if you plan to tackle big hills, an e-bike with 10 or 11 speeds (or a stepless CVT hub) might serve you better.
It’s not just about the count of gears, but the spread. A well-chosen gear range will make sure you rarely find yourself wishing for an extra low or extra high gear.
Ultimately, how gear ratios work for you comes down to matching them with your riding scenario.
If in doubt, consult with your local e-bike shop or look up the gear specifications of models similar to yours (manufacturers often list the tooth counts for chainrings and cassettes).
That can give you insight into whether a bike is geared more for speed or for climbing. By choosing an e-bike (or modifying yours) with the right gearing, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more efficient ride every time.
Gear Ratio Tips for Different Terrains and Riding Styles
Every rider’s situation is unique, but some patterns emerge.
City commuters on flat terrain often prefer higher gearing that lets them pedal comfortably at 20+ mph without over-revving.
Trail riders and mountain e-bikers need a very broad gear range – those low gears for technical climbs and a couple of higher gears to not spin out on descents or fire roads.
Cargo e-bike riders and anyone frequently tackling hills with weight should bias their gearing low; it’s better to have one or two extremely easy gears than to have a top gear you rarely use.
In practice, that might mean choosing an e-bike model known for hill-climbing capability or even customizing your sprockets (for instance, swapping to a larger rear cog) to get the gear ratio just right.
Matching your gearing to your terrain ensures you’re never struggling, whether you’re hauling groceries uphill or cruising through a park.
Comparing Letrigo E-Bike Gear System with Traditional Drivetrains
Let’s wrap up with a real-world Letrigo e-bike comparison to see how gear ratios play out in practice.
Letrigo’s long-tail cargo e-bikes (like the Minivan model) use a modern gearing approach: a Gates carbon belt drive paired with a continuously variable internal hub (the Enviolo CVT).
This setup is quite different from a traditional chain-and-derailleur drivetrain found on many other e-bikes.
On the Letrigo, you don’t have distinct gear “steps” at all – instead, you have an infinite range within the hub’s limits.
Shifting is seamless; you can even change the effective gear ratio while stopped or under load, which is a game-changer when you’ve got kids or groceries on board and need to get rolling again after a red light.
The belt drive means there’s no chain to lubricate or adjust, and it runs whisper-quiet.
Letrigo riders often comment on how smooth the ride feels: the transition in gear ratio as you accelerate is buttery, with no sudden jolt from gear changes.
Now compare that to a typical cargo e-bike with a chain drive and a 7-speed or 8-speed derailleur.
It certainly gets the job done and can offer a wide range of gears, but you’ll feel each gear shift.
When starting on a hill with a heavy load, you have to make sure you’re in a low gear beforehand, because shifting under high tension (while you’re pedaling hard) can be rough on the chain and gears.
The traditional setup also requires more upkeep – you’ll be cleaning and oiling the chain, and adjusting the derailleur over time to keep shifts smooth.
Noise-wise, chain drives tend to make a bit of clatter, especially if the chain isn’t perfectly tuned or if it’s rattling over bumps.
In terms of performance, the Letrigo’s geared hub and strong mid-drive motor give it an edge in low-end torque.
With 130 Nm of torque in the mid-drive motor feeding into that CVT hub, the bike finds the optimal ratio for climbing almost instantaneously. You can feel the motor working in its happy zone, and the bike just goes even with a hefty payload.
A traditional geared e-bike with, say, a 60 Nm hub motor and a derailleur might struggle on the same hill – you’d be in your lowest gear, pedaling hard, and the motor would be drawing max power to help, possibly heating up quickly.
The Letrigo can climb slower but steadier, without making you or the motor break a sweat, thanks to the efficient torque multiplication of its gearing system.
Another difference is long-term durability and efficiency. Belt drives and internal hubs are known for long service life – Letrigo even advertises that their drive system can go thousands of miles with minimal maintenance. Derailleur systems might lose tuning or wear out chains/cogs faster under heavy use.
On the flip side, if something does go wrong in an internal hub, it can be more complex to service than the relatively simple and universal chain drive components. But for the daily rider, not having to think much about the drivetrain is a huge plus.
Ride Experience and Efficiency Differences
From a rider’s perspective, the difference is night and day.
The Letrigo’s gearing makes the ride feel effortless and intuitive – you focus on the road, not on managing your gears. Meanwhile, a traditional drivetrain keeps you more involved in shifting decisions. Neither is “wrong” – it comes down to preference.
If you enjoy the act of shifting and fine-tuning your ride, a classic derailleur system works great. But if you want the bike to handle the complexity for you, the Letrigo’s smooth CVT experience is a clear win.
In terms of efficiency and energy use, the more advanced gear ratio management on the Letrigo can mean the motor operates optimally more often, which could translate to better battery efficiency especially on variable terrain.
A traditional e-bike might burn through the battery quicker on a steep hill if you don’t shift down in time. This comparison highlights that electric bike drivetrain design – whether high-tech like Letrigo’s or traditional – has a real impact on how much fun and utility you get out of your e-bike.
Understanding those gear ratio nuances helps you appreciate why your e-bike rides the way it does, and how to make the most of it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the world of electric bicycles, understanding your gear ratio can make a real difference in how your e-bike performs, feels, and lasts over time. The right e-bike gearing system helps you climb hills more easily, conserve battery power, and enjoy smoother, more responsive rides.
From traditional derailleur setups to advanced internal hubs like those used in Letrigo e-bikes, every system comes with its trade-offs. Riders who value simplicity and low maintenance may prefer hub gearing and belt drives, while those seeking maximum control and flexibility might lean toward multi-speed derailleur systems.
No matter your choice, taking time to learn how gear ratios work will help you ride smarter—whether you’re hauling kids, cruising the city, or hitting steep trails. The better you understand your gears, the better your e-bike will serve you.
