Electric bike gearbox
There’s a famous knock-knock joke that questions the need for a bell on a bike. Now, and a little more seriously, we’re asking the question ‘are gears really necessary’?
For mechanical bikes, gears are borderline essential. They help manage inclines, starting and stopping, and can allow users to manage their speed efficiently.Electric bikes, on the other hand, are built differently, and they don’t necessarily conform to the same engineering criteria as mechanical bikes. In fact, it makes sense for them to break away from mechanical gears altogether.
Automatic gears are simpler
Just as there are no mechanical gears in electric cars, certain electric bikes use automatic assistance to switch users from one speed to the next.
Torque sensors are a great alternative for electric bikes.
Instead of thinking about and fiddling with the handlebars to change up or down a gear. just like using the accelerator in an automatic car. users can simply adjust the intensity of their pedalling to change their speed.
The software commanding the engine ensures that pedal-assist kicks in right when it’s needed, seamlessly supporting the rider in all conditions. even on the toughest of inclines.
Automatic assistance simplifies the riding experience and attracts people back time and again. We have very positive feedback from our users on automatic assistance; users like how quickly it kicks in from a standing start, and they are chuffed with the lack of technical problems that they face (such as gears slipping).
One thing less to FOCUS on.
Automatic assistance gives a better experience
A key target audience for electric bikes and bike-sharing is people who have never ridden a bike, or at least haven’t ridden one in a long time. For many, especially first-time users, using gears correctly can be a challenging experience. and is something that could deter less-confident riders from taking up cycling.
For example, the innovative and market-leading VanMoof electric bike does not have mechanical gears. Instead, it boasts a more efficient, electronic and automatic gearing system. Cowboy and Angell have followed suit. There’s a reason high-end electric bike companies are using the gearless system. it’s the most enjoyable way to get around a city.
Lower operating costs and environmental impact
Gears, cassettes and gearboxes are among the most replaced items on a bike, and they rank near the top for costs related to spare parts.
Because the motor on an electric bike puts more tension on the chain, wear is increased when changing gears. In fact, these parts wear out 30% faster than on a bike without a motor.
The chain, gearbox and cassette requires higher maintenance and must therefore be replaced or repaired more regularly. This is especially true in bike-sharing, when changing gears at the correct time is not always respected by cyclists.
Gears simply don’t suit electric bikes.
Automatic transitions between speeds with a torque sensor means that the chain is not moving across gears, making it require less maintenance, last longer, and reduce operational costs.
Think of the waste; fewer parts need to be created (no cassette, single sprocket) and replaced, helping reduce the carbon footprint of the life of each bike.
Financially and environmentally economical.
Higher customer satisfaction with fewer faults
According to Velib’, gears account for 29% of breakdowns on electric bikes. This is a significant problem for electric bike users, because a fleet of bikes with gears that break often usually leads to a poor fleet availability.
When users can’t pick up a bike that works properly, user satisfaction will take a hit, and so too will ridership figures.
No gears, no gear-related faults.
Availability of spare parts
One of the reasons we decided to remove the gears is to limit our dependence on a single supplier based halfway around the world. Shimano currently controls 90% of the market, and as we have seen in the bike market, shortages are not uncommon.
Today, the waiting time for gears from top suppliers can last 18 months. The management of spare parts should be a significant consideration for any bike project. if spare parts are limited, it may well sideline bikes that are otherwise in great condition, which will decrease bike availability.
Simplify the supply chain.
Time to change gear?
With all these advantages, we hope that you will consider electric bikes with automatic assistance for your next bike project.
If you want to get into the details about torque sensors and automatic assistance, we’ll be happy to discuss further.
Do Electric Motorcycle Have Gears: Guide to Electric Motorcycle Transmissions
If you’re interested in riding an electric motorcycle or already have one of your own, you’re probably wondering how it differs from a traditional gas-powered motorcycle. Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in recent years as manufacturers look for ways to woo those that might be hesitant to give up their fuel hog. They used to be a rarity on the road with their low speeds, long charging times, and limited range, but that’s no longer the case.
If you’re interested in riding an electric motorcycle or already have one of your own, you’re probably wondering how it differs from a traditional gas-powered motorcycle. Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in recent years as manufacturers look for ways to woo those that might be hesitant to give up their fuel hog. They used to be a rarity on the road with their low speeds, long charging times, and limited range, but that’s no longer the case.
Today’s EVs are faster and more powerful than ever. They are also better for the environment than gas-powered vehicles with less maintenance and lower energy costs. This includes electric motorcycles. Here we will learn about the gears on electric motorcycles and what kind of transmissions they use.
What are the Gears in an Electric Motorcycle?
If you’re used to driving a manual stick or a manual motorcycle, you’re used to changing gears as you increase your engine speed. Combustion engines need to operate at certain rotations per minute (RPMs) to generate power. When you shift gears, the power is distributed so the engine can reach the proper RPM. Torque is highest at lowest gears to help the car accelerate from a stationary position. The torque decreases as your speed increases as less power is needed to keep the car or motorcycle accelerating. Manufacturers of combustion engines set specific gear ratios to maximize power and output.
That’s not the case with electric motorcycles. Electric engines produce the same amount of power at torque at any RPM within a specific range, so there’s no need for a multi-speed transmission.
In most cases, electric motorcycles only come with one gear. Manufacturers of electric motorcycles set the gear ratio to maximize power without having to change gears.
Electric motorcycles tend to be much lighter than their gas-powered alternatives. Adding a multi-speed transmission would add unnecessary weight to the bike.
However, having a single-speed transmission comes with a few disadvantages. Manufacturers often have to balance acceleration and the vehicle’s outright top speed to keep the engine from having to change gears. Electric motorcycles can usually accelerate on a dime, but most tap out at certain speeds. For example, the Harley Davidson Livewire can’t go faster than 100 mph.
Electric Motorcycles with Multi-Speed Transmissions
That’s not to say that every electric motorcycle has only one gear. Many electric vehicle manufacturers are starting to experiment with multi-speed transmissions to increase the overall speed of the bike.
For example, Kawasaki recently unveiled the electric H2R supercharged quasi-race bike, which can go up to 240 mph. It has four gears, which gives the rider the best of both worlds. It offers the quick acceleration that comes with an electric motor with the added power you’d expect from a combustion engine.
What’s Best for You?
If you’re thinking of investing in an electric bike, you can now choose between a single-speed and multi-speed transmission. However, the latter will likely cost you extra. The Kawasaki HR2 currently goes for around 55,000, while the Livewire sells for just under 30,000.
Image Source: @alexey13kolesnikov/Instagram.com
Having more gears will help you reach top speeds, but most of us aren’t going faster than 100 mph, so consider how you plan on using the bike. If you love to go faster than 100 mph, your chances of injury increase. Remember to stay safe on the road by wearing a motorcycle Bluetooth headset.
It will also help you feel like you are riding a traditional gas-powered motorcycle. If you’re used to riding a gas hog, using a single-speed transmission might feel a little boring.
However, having more gears will also make the bike heavier, which requires more electricity.
Electric motorists have more options than ever when it comes to finding the right type of vehicle. Whether you’re looking to save the environment or reduce your fuel costs, you can find an electric motorcycle that suits your needs and preferences.
Regardless of what kind of engine you choose, use a Bluetooth motorcycle headset to access your phone hands-free during an emergency. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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How to Use Gears on E-bike? Mechanic and Electric.
It is not a secret that most electric-assisted bicycles, similar to conventional ones, have multiple gears that allow adjusting pedaling effort passed to the wheels. While principles of using gears are similar, both for conventional bikes and for electric ones, there are a few details that are not exactly the same.
How to use gears on an electric bike? Use the left gear shifter to change electric assist levels. Use the right gear shifter to change mechanical gears. Lead with changing electric assist levels. Then follow with changing mechanical gears to obtain your optimal level of pedaling effort.
Further questions arise. What are the electric assistance gears? What are the mechanical gears? How many gears are there? Is there the best gear shifting technique for electric bikes? Let’s spend a few minutes understanding the electric bike gearing system and how to use gears.
What are the e-bike gears?
Gears are the same as speeds – a bike with 24 gears is a 24-speed bike. Electric bikes generally have 1, 3, 18, 21, 24, 27, 32, or even 40 speeds. Lower numbers are the low gears, and higher numbers are the high gears. The first gear is low gear. Twenty-fourth gear is high gear. Pretty easy so far.
Shifting gears is going from one gear to another. You shift gears by sliding or clicking the shifter on the handlebars. This shifts the chain onto a different-sized ring (or increases/decreases electric power output). Downshifting means going to a lower gear, and upshifting means going to a higher gear. You can also say shift down and shift up.
On an e-bike, the left shifter is responsible for shifting electric assistance levels and the right shifter takes care of shifting mechanical gears.
For mechanical gears, the right shifter is connected to a cable, which is hidden in protective housing. As you click through (or turn) the gears, this cable is tightening and loosening, applying more or less force to the mechanism that moves your e-bike’s chain up and down on the cassette or chainrings.
What are the electric assistance gears?
The level of electric assistance is controlled via a control block, mounted on the handlebar. Usually, on the left side. This control block typically has a combination of Up (Plus) and Down (Minus) buttons.
There is still no single standard. Different electric assistance systems have a bit of different terminology. In a nutshell, there are always low, medium, and high levels of assistance with Up (or Plus) giving more electric assistance, and Down (or Minus) offering less.
For example, Bosch electric assistance system has levels of: OFF ECO TOUR SPORT TURBO, while Shimano uses OFF ECO NORMAL HIGH.
Each electric assistance system (Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano or other) complements with giving you more electric power, depending on how hard you are pushing on the pedals and depending on the assistance level selected.
How to understand gear numbers?
One of the most difficult things about learning how to shift gears is the terminology. The rest is just about practice. Let’s get the terminology easy and straight from the start.
Low gear is easy, which is good for climbing. Low gear uses the most electric assistance power and the largest cog on your rear wheel cassette (rear or mechanical gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you’ll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance. To get into this position, you downshift.
High gear is hard, which is good for descending. What is confusing, is that the highest electric assistance gear on your bike is when there is no electric assistance at all. When electric assistance is switched off. This is counterintuitive.
The highest mechanical gear uses the smallest cog on your rear wheel cassette (rear or mechanical gears). In this position, pedaling will take the most effort and you will be able to accelerate downhill. To get into this position, you upshift.
Referencing rear gears applies to electric bikes with mid-drive and front-drive motors, which represent a good majority of e-bikes, manufactured today.
Shifting gears on an electric bike
For each electric assistance level, most e-bike models have multiple corresponding mechanical gears. As an example, my wife’s e-bike has eight mechanical speeds for each electric assistance mode. Four electric assistance modes and eight mechanical speeds give 32 different speed combinations. Not a small number!
For example, even on the first electric assistance level (ECO mode), when minimal electric assistance is provided, one can use eight different speeds, which will suit a variety of terrains and training levels of a cyclist.
As you start off cycling with electric assistance, the motor will very quickly start assisting you at the selected preset level.
Once your pedaling speed (it is also called, cadence) increases above a comfortable level, shift your mechanical gears (right shifter) to the next hardest setting while continuing to pedal. Remember to keep pedaling when changing gears.
You will hear the motor temporarily reduce power while the shifting is performed. The motor will then restart. This temporary power reduction protects the motor. It will then quickly resume its assistance.
Continue to pedal and again, when your pedaling speed has increased enough, shift gears again. Repeat this process until you reach a speed you are comfortable with.
Right or left shifter to use?
As you pedal along, which shifter to use when? When to use the left one and when the right one?
An easy rule is, if you need a big change, use your left shifter (electric), meaning change electric assistance level. If you need a small change (mechanic), use the right shifter, meaning change mechanical gears.
As you practice more and become more comfortable with your e-bike, you will get a better feeling for whether you need a big change or a small change.
Tackling hills on an e-bike
Naturally, you will find that you will need to increase the electric assistance level when you come to a hill. If you are in a lower assistance setting, your speed is likely to begin to decrease as you start climbing the hill.
To overcome this slowdown, keep pedaling and change into a lower mechanical gear first (one that is easier to pedal). Then increase the level of electric assistance (for example, from ECO to TOUR).
As you start going downhill, decrease the electric assistance level first (for example, back from TOUR to ECO) and then upshift mechanical gears (right control on the handlebar). This will allow you to pedal slower, but with more force.
Stopping on an electric bike
As you are riding along, changing gears, and adjusting assistance levels, how do you stop?
To prepare to stop, remember to start shifting into easier mechanical gears while pedaling as you slow down. It is a good practice to remain in the correct gear prior to stopping. Adjust the electric assistance level as well before you stop. Although, this can also be done while already stationary.
And, not least, do not forget to apply the brakes!
Dos and don’ts when switching gears
Change to an easy mechanical gear before you stop
If your e-bike has a rear gearbox, you need to change into an easier gear before you come to a complete stop. When shifting down you need to keep rotating the pedals to make sure the gears are fully engaged. This can also be done while rolling or coasting to a stop, as long as the pedals are being turned.
Do not change mechanical gears while stationary
If you forget or do not have enough time to change to a lower gear before stopping, you will have to start off in a higher gear. This is not a big trouble. Once you start rolling, you can then reduce your pedaling effort and shift down to an easier gear.
Yes, you can shift electric assistance modes when stopped
Contrary to mechanical gears, it is no problem to change the level of electric assistance while you are stopped. For example, if you are stopped at a road light while traveling on SPORT mode, you can downshift to ECO and start off at a more comfortable speed.
Or, you can keep the electric assistance level to TURBO, if you want to accelerate as quickly as possible when the light goes green.
Is there the best gear shifting technique?
Easy Tip: I found that keeping a steady pedaling effort and switching often could well be the best e-bike gear shifting technique out there.
Some cyclists decide to put too much power onto their pedals as they climb up a steep hill. Or use a gear that is too easy for the descent they are riding. For easy riding, your goal should be to keep your pedaling speed (cadence) as consistent as possible.
This requires balancing electric power and your own pedaling force in a smooth combination. This, in turn, suggests not using one electric assistance level and one mechanical speed but shifting often for increased efficiency while riding.
Begin to shift into easier mechanical gears with your right hand early in the process. This will help you keep a steady pedaling rhythm. Remember, your right hand is for small changes.
Read also: How to select the best e-bike for your needs? Making your educated e-bike selection choice – and also in this article. And, How much does a good e-bike cost? Comprehensive e-bike pricing guide (with 46 examples).
If you find that your pedaling pace is slowing significantly, you will likely need to increase the electric assistance level to tackle the big climb ahead.
When shifting mechanical gears, put a little more power into your pedal stroke right before you shift gears. Then, reduce pedaling effort as you shift. This will help your bike’s gear shifting mechanism with less pressure on your chain during the shift.
Hope this helps a bit. Happy shifting and learning to use the full potential of both electric modes and mechanical gears!
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New Silent E-Drive E-Bikes empower your adventures
Are you a leader or a follower? Let’s be honest: For a lot of us, cycling is more than just a mode of transportation. it’s passion. Bikes these days stand for lifestyle and environmentally-friendly mobility. We feel great when we can ride quickly, passing by car after car lined up behind traffic lights on our way to work. We don’t have to deal with stressed-out faces and sneaky drivers who try to squeeze into every possible gap just to make up a couple of seconds. precisely the time that they lose once they get stuck looking for a parking spot.
Riding a bike provides independence and freedom, whether you’re cycling in the city or bikepacking on gravel paths. There’s a variety of E-bikes to choose from for those who want to be more comfortable on the bike. But don’t fall prey to the prejudice of E-bikes being for the older generation. These days, younger people are switching to E-bikes for a host of different reasons: Staying dry on the way to the office. Conquoring climbs and headwinds with ease thanks to a noticeable but invisible push. Expand your radius by being able to ride further afield and stay comfortable all the way. Taking the car-free routes to work every day. And perhaps most importantly, a topic that’s very dear to many: Doing something good for the environment. That’s one big reason why E-bikes are exploding in popularity. Even before “Fridays for Future” the German Federal Environmental Agency confirmed that E-bikes are in fact the fastest mode of transportation when travelling under ten kilometers in city traffic. all with an energy costs just 25 cents per 100 kilometers. E-bikes are environmentally friendly and a lot cheaper than a Diesel car which costs 9,50€ for the same distance. Another good reason to get an E-bike: With 18.6 kilograms per 100 kilometers, E-bikes produce significantly lower CO2 emissions which helps to keep our air clean and help save the environment. It’s no wonder that a lot of cities and communities are starting to create more room for cyclists on the streets. than ever before, urban car drivers are ready to switch to bikes to circumvent rush hour, or run short errands more effectively. It also gives people the freedom to explore new areas outside of the city. E-bikes start to take up more and more significance in today’s society. They’re here to stay, and to revolutionize the way we get around.
Quality components from Neodrives, Pinion, Gates, and Tout Terrain
Oliver Römer, managing director of Tout Terrain, makes a good point: “Compared to a conventional bike, the most important part of an E-bike is the drivrtrain. These are the components separate the chaff from the wheat.” Tout Terrain makes sure that they keep their motto with E-bikes, as well as with all of their other bikes: “We Put Riders First.” Tout Terrain uses only first-class components for new Silent E-Drive E-bikes. A strong team of four partners produces all the parts for your big next ride: the Neodrives rear motor and battery, and the Pinion drivetrain in the front of the bike, are made in Germany and are built to the highest standards. The frames are developed in the Tout Terrain manufactory and are equipped with a belt drive from market leader Gates. The Silent E-Drive system lives up to its name by being wonderfully quiet on every ride. Oliver Römer knows one thing for sure: “Motor, battery, transmission, frame, and belts are the five components that make a great E-bike.” The combination of front gearbox and rear motor makes for excellent longevity at the drivetrain, and at the same time, keeps the ride fun. The power from your legs get put through the gearbox, the belt and then to the Neodrives motor, where it is combined with the electric assist. Changing gears is smooth and reliable. The power from the motor has a significant effect on how you can ride: It will change the way you look at cycling.
Quiet power and long battery life from Neodrives
At the heart of each Tout Terrain e-bike is a direct drive Neodrives 250 watt Z20 rear motor. It’s built under strict quality control by the dedicated Neodrives team in Germany, and is not only quiet but produces virtually no vibrations. This new rear motor also uses Virtual Thermo Technology. the Z20 stays efficient during climbs without the danger of overheating. The result is a 30 percent increase of efficiency on long climbs, which means that the Neodrives rear motor can easily keep up with mid-mount motors. The Pinion gearbox also helps to reduce vibrations and noise during the ride. Your wallet will be happy, too. the annual maintenance costs are low because there’s very little wear on the drivetrain.
And Neodrives doesn’t leave you on your own in case you need some support: through your Tout Terrain dealer, they provide a 24-hour turn-around on replacement parts, and can provide repairs in five working days. Using the Neodrives system is easy as well. every essential element can be found on the easy-to-read neoMMI 20 C color display.
Focussing on efficiency, the motor’s active recouperation mode recharges the battery during descents, and takes some of the braking load of the brakes and rotors. Even the best brakes can use a break once in a while.
With a powerful 500 Wh capacity battery, the Neodrives V5 has a range of up to 120 kilometers. Longer distances suddenly become more manageable and comfort increases significantly. The battery is not built into the frame, so can be used as Klick Go which means you can simply take it off the bike and charge it with any standard outlet. Klick Go also provides the option of transporting a second battery in your pack so you can double your range by swapping batteries.
Low maintenance Pinion gearbox
Pinion’s highly innovative team subscribed to a singluar mission: Produce mighty good gearboxes. Developed andmanufactured in Germany, the Pinion gearbox can be found on every Silent E-Drive E-bike. It has it’s well-known advantages. it’s fun to ride, and extremely low-maintenance. There’s no adjustments required, and no derailleurs to fiddle with. The Pinion gearbox requires only a single oil change per year or after an astounding 10.000 kilometers. It is even covered by a 5-year warranty. Fine-tuned and evenly spaced gears are also offer a very wide gear range. You are free to choose between Pinion’s twist shifter, or take advantage of the Cinq Shift:R for trigger-style shifting. While pedaling, your muscle power becomes one with the Neodrives rear motor assist quickly pushes you up to 25km/h. Pinion has repeatedly demonstrated the advantages of the compeltely sealed gearbox, with snow, rain, mud, and sand being kept far away from sensitive drivetrain components. Pinion’s technology is just the right solution for your E-bike.
Oil-free Gates Carbon Drive belt
Everyone who has ridden with a belt drive get it: no oily chain, no worn casettes, and no extra noise. Everything is designed to make your time on and off the bike easier. Tout Terrain’s E-bikes use belts that are produced by the world’s leading carbon belt manufacturer: Gates. For commuters and those who ride on cool days, it’s a huge advantage not to worry about about getting oil on your pant legs. But not only can you leave the laundry for another day, you don’t have to clean your drivetrain as often either. And there are better things you can spend your money on than replacement drivetrain components. Gates Carbon Drive belts last up to three times longer than classic cain driven drivetrains.
Durable steel frames from Tout Terrain
The Tout Terrain team is responsible for assembling and fine-tuning all of the E-bike components. The centrepiece from the German manufacturer is a specially designed frame, made out of high-quality Stratocrom steel which is skillfully produced in Taiwan.The frame is specifically designed for use with the Pinion gearbox and features a the elegant TBA Pinion mount, which allows easy tensioning of the belt. After arriving in Germany, fames are painted with the three layer T-Coat powder coating process. Choose one of the standard Tout Terrain colors or one a pallette of RAL-colors. Make your E-bike yours. The Tout Terrain frame is built to last. if you ever decide that you no longer need the push of the E-bike components, you can to remove the components and turn the E-bike into an analog non-E-bike bike by swapping out the rear wheel.
Pre-configured or custom made E-Bikes
Tout Terrain has provided the option to choose from several pre-defined E-bikes, the so-called Select models, which give you an excellent price-performance ratio and can be delivered quickly. Just like with the fully custom bikes, all components have been carefully assembled and adjusted by Tout Terrain bike enthusiasts. If you prefer a fully custom-made E-bike, you can use the Tout Terrain Configurator to design your own. Select a frame size, color, lighting, tire width, headset, saddle, and even a bell. there are tons of options to choose from. Ultimately, there’s only one thing that really counts when it comes down to choosing your next E-bike: Have fun choosing it, and have even more fun riding it!