Your Electric Bike Gears Are Not Working? Here’s Why

If your electric bike gears are not working, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. But don’t worry, there’s usually an easy fix.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and repair your electric bike gears. I’ll cover everything from common problems to simple fixes, so you can get your bike back up and running in no time.

So if your electric bike gears are giving you trouble, read on for help!

Most Common Reasons: Electric Bike Gears Not Working

Most Common Reasons: Electric Bike Gears Not Working

1. Derailleur Malfunction

The derailleur is a mechanical device that shifts the chain between the cogs on the rear cassette. If the derailleur is not properly adjusted, it can cause the chain to skip or fall off.

2. Broken or Worn Chain

A broken or worn chain can also cause the gears to not work properly. If the chain is too stretched or damaged, it will not be able to engage with the cogs on the cassette.

3. Misaligned Front Derailleur

The front derailleur is responsible for shifting the chain between the chainrings on the front crankset. If the front derailleur is not properly aligned, it can cause the chain to rub against the frame or the chainrings.

4. Dirty or Damaged Cogs

The cogs on the rear cassette can become dirty or damaged over time. This can cause the chain to skip or fall off.

5. Low Gear Oil

Electric bikes with internal gear hubs require regular lubrication to keep the gears working properly. If the gear oil is low, it can cause the gears to become stiff and difficult to shift.

How to Troubleshoot: Electric Bike Gears Not Working

Symptoms of a Problem with Your Electric Bike Gears

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that there is a problem with the gears on your electric bike. These include:

The gears are not shifting smoothly:
When you change gears, you should feel a slight click as the chain moves from one gear to the next. If the gears are not shifting smoothly, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the derailleur or the shifter.

The chain is skipping:
If the chain is skipping when you pedal, it could be a sign that the derailleur is not properly aligned or that the chain is too loose.

The gears are making noise:
If the gears are making a grinding or clicking noise, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the bearings or the chain.

The gears are not engaging:
If you can’t shift into a particular gear, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the shifter or the derailleur.

How to Troubleshoot Your Electric Bike Gears

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you can try troubleshooting the problem yourself. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Inspect the chain and derailleur:
Make sure that the chain is properly lubricated and that there is no damage to the links. Also, check to make sure that the derailleur is properly aligned.

2. Adjust the derailleur:
If the derailleur is not properly aligned, it can cause the chain to skip or not engage properly. To adjust the derailleur, you will need to loosen the mounting bolts and then move the derailleur until it is properly aligned with the chain.3. Replace the chain:
If the chain is damaged or worn out, it can cause the gears to not shift smoothly. To replace the chain, you will need to remove the old chain and then install the new chain.

4. Replace the derailleur:
If the derailleur is damaged or worn out, it will need to be replaced. To replace the derailleur, you will need to remove the old derailleur and then install the new derailleur.

How to Fix Electric Bike Gears Not Working

If you have tried troubleshooting the problem yourself and you are still having trouble, you may need to take your electric bike to a qualified bike mechanic. A bike mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Preventing Problems with Your Electric Bike Gears

There are a few things you can do to help prevent problems with your electric bike gears. These include:

Lubricate the chain regularly:
A properly lubricated chain will run more smoothly and will be less likely to skip or damage the gears.

Keep the chain clean:
A dirty chain can cause the gears to not shift smoothly. To keep the chain clean, you can wipe it down with a rag after every ride.

Adjust the derailleur regularly:
The derailleur should be adjusted so that the chain is properly aligned with the gears. If the derailleur is not properly adjusted, it can cause the chain to skip or not engage properly.

Replace the chain and derailleur as needed:
A worn out chain or derailleur can cause problems with the gears. To prevent problems, you should replace the chain and derailleur as needed.

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About The Author

I'm Ryan, an avid road biker who also enjoys track racing, time trials, as well as riding off-road on a mountain bike or gravel bike. I believe cycling is a good way to improve the quality of life. Regardless of your skill level or interests, we make it accessible and enjoyable.

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