Ebike Shifting and Drivetrain 101

Mon, Apr 07, 2025 Scenic Route

A man rides a Radster Trail uphill in a sunny, woodsy setting.

Shift happens.

Whether you're climbing hills, cruising your neighborhood, or exploring the great outdoors, understanding your drivetrain helps keep every ride running smoothly. Here’s a quick refresher on what every rider should know — from shifting tips to chain-care basics.

Getting in Gear

How Gear Shifting Works

Most Rad ebikes come equipped with a 7-speed gearing system and a thumb shifter on the right side of the handlebar. That shifter controls the rear derailleur, which moves the chain across a series of cogs on your rear wheel. Each shift changes how your ebike rides — especially when combined with with pedal assist or your throttle.

A man rides a blue Radster Road uphill on a city street.

Why Shifting Matters

Gears help you match your effort to the ride. Want an easier climb? Shift into a lower gear. Cruising on flat ground or picking up speed? Shift into a higher gear to make the most of each pedal stroke.

Learning when to shift can help you:

Make pedaling feel easier
Climb hills without overworking
Conserve battery power
Ride smoother, faster, and more efficiently

When (and How) to Shift Gears

Here’s the golden rule: Only shift while pedaling. Shifting when you’re completely stopped can cause your chain to skip or jam — and nobody wants that.

To shift up (into a higher gear): Pedal and press the “+” button on your thumb shifter. This moves the chain to a smaller cog, helping you ride faster on flat ground or down hills — but it’ll take more effort to pedal.
To shift down (into a lower gear): Keep pedaling and press the lever below the shifter. This moves the chain to a larger cog, making it easier to start from a stop or get up a steep hill.

Pro Tip: Heading uphill? Shift into an easier gear before the climb begins. Shifting while climbing puts extra strain on your drivetrain and can cause the chain to skip.

Quick Tip: Know Your Gears

Lower gears (1–3) = easier pedaling for hills and stops
Higher gears (5–7) = more power for speed and flat terrain
Middle gears (4–5) = great for everyday cruising

Pair your gears with pedal assist to find the sweet spot that works best for your route, riding style, and energy level.

Dialing in Your Derailleur

The derailleur is the component near your back wheel that moves the chain across the rear cogs when you shift gears. And just like any hardworking part, it can use a little TLC from time to time.

(And remember, while DIY is always an option, you can get help from a pro at your local Rad service center!)

Common Signs You Might Need an Adjustment:

Your chain keeps slipping off the gears
Shifting sounds rough or feels imprecise
Chain takes too long to switch cogs

Before you start, you’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver and a buddy to hold your ebike while the rear wheel spins freely.

Step 1: Prep Your Ebike

Turn off the ebike, remove the battery, and press the MODE button to discharge any leftover power. Then, have a friend hold up the rear wheel or place the ebike on a stand so it can spin freely.

Step 2: Check the Chain’s Alignment

Make sure the derailleur lines up with the gear your shifter is set to. In 1st gear, the chain should be on the largest cog. In 7th gear, it should be on the smallest.

Step 3: Tackle the Issue

Chain Falling Off?

You may need to adjust the limit screws on the derailleur to keep it from moving too far in either direction:

A close-up of the limit screws to showcase where the items are on the ebike.

Chain falling off the smallest cog? Turn the high limit screw (H) clockwise until the upper jockey wheel aligns with the cog.
Chain falling off the largest cog? Turn the low limit screw (L) clockwise until it lines up correctly.Shift through all the gears to test and repeat adjustments as needed.

Shifting Feels Noisy or Skips?

This could be a cable tension issue. Try turning the barrel adjuster clockwise (1/2 to 1 turn) to add slack. Shift through all gears again to see if it improves.

A close-up of a barrel adjuster to showcase where the item is on the ebike.

Chain Slow to Climb Gears?

You may need to tighten the cable. Turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise (1/2 to 1 turn) to increase tension. Test the gears again — and don’t unscrew the adjuster too far or it might come out.

If shifting still isn’t smooth after these tweaks, it might be time to visit a local Rad service provider.

How to Clean Your Chain (Without Making a Mess)

Your chain puts in serious work — and it shows. Over time, rain, grime, rock salt, and dirt can build up and mess with your ride. A quick clean can go a long way toward keeping your drivetrain running smoothly and your ebike fun (and safe) to ride.

What You’ll Need:

A few clean cotton rags
Bike degreaser
Bike-specific chain lubricant
Nitrile gloves (optional)
Drop cloth (optional)

Step-by-Step Chain Cleaning:

Power down. Turn off your ebike, remove the battery, and press MODE to discharge any remaining power.
Apply degreaser to a clean rag. Don’t spray it directly on the chain.
Degrease the chain. Hold the rag against the lower part of the chain and rotate the pedals backward so the entire chain runs through.
Let it dry completely. Moisture trapped in the chain can lead to wear — especially if it gets sealed in by lubricant.
Lube it up. Once the chain is dry, apply a drop of chain lubricant to each roller on the chain.
Work it in. Lift the rear wheel, rotate the pedals forward, and shift through the gears.
Wipe away any excess. You want lube in the rollers and pins — not all over the outside. Extra lube can attract more grime.