Shifting a Hub Gear on an E-Bike: What the Sources Say

Wikipedia says changing gear while pedalling can be "hard or impossible" on a hub gear. One maker says its hub can shift whether you're stopped or pedalling. This site gives no shifting advice of its own. Follow your own hub and motor manuals.

The shifter types

Wikipedia says most hub gears are "operated in a similar manner, with a single twist, trigger or thumb-shifter"¹. A twist grip sits on the handlebar like a motorbike throttle. A trigger is pushed with the thumb or finger.

A button shifter is a third type. One maker lists a button-operated hub for e-bikes. Its page claims the unit is "changing gears in just 180ms"². That's the maker's own figure for its own part. It isn't a test result.

A different group of hubs has no fixed steps. Wikipedia describes a stepless transmission technology "used in the internally-geared bicycle hubs"³. This source doesn't say how that hub is shifted, so check your own manual.

Shifting under pressure

Wikipedia lists a drawback. Its wording is that changing gear under pedal load can be "hard or impossible" in some cases¹. That is a general statement from an encyclopedia, not a maker instruction, and it isn't a shifting method for your bike.

One maker's page goes further and says its twist shifter works "regardless whether stationary of pedaling"². The two statements differ, and this site can't say which applies to your hub. Your own hub manual is the place to check.

With motor assist

Wikipedia says a mid-drive motor and a gear hub can be paired, with a caution about a missing clutch that would soften the shock when the gears re-engage⁴. The mid-drive page has more on this. It gives no shift steps.

The same page says a stepless or fully automatic hub "may reduce the shocks" at that moment⁴. That is a general comment, not a promise for any model.

This site doesn't give riding technique for shifting under assist either. Your motor's manual and your hub's manual are the right place. If the manuals are silent, ask the maker and don't guess.

What to look for

• Which shifter type is fitted, and does the manual describe how to shift?
• Does the manual mention shifting while stopped, coasting or pedalling?
• Does the motor manual mention gear changes at all?
• Is the shifter part of the hub's own parts list, or a separate fitting?

A seller who can point to these pages in the manuals is a better source than one who just says "it works fine". If a seller can't, ask for the manuals before you decide. Keep copies of both for later.