If you’re new to electric tricycles—or just haven’t used gears much before—you’re not alone. A lot of riders, especially seniors, focus on the motor and pedal assist settings, but don’t always realize how much gears can actually help. The truth is: your gear system is one of the most powerful tools on your trike for making rides easier, safer, and more efficient.
This guide breaks down what gears do, when to use them, how to shift correctly, and whether a geared or single-speed trike is right for you.
Why Gears Matter (Even With a Motor)
Most electric trikes come with multiple gears—usually 6 or 7. Even though your trike has a motor to help you, the gears still play a big role in how your ride feels.
Think of it like this:
- Gears = how hard or easy it is to pedal
- Pedal Assist = how much help the motor gives you
By combining them smartly, you control the experience: whether you’re going slow and steady or cruising comfortably at higher speeds.
Understanding the Basics: What Each Gear Does
- Lower Gears (1–2):
- Easier to pedal
- Perfect for starting from a stop, climbing hills, or riding without motor power
- Helps reduce joint strain and makes riding feel effortless
- Middle Gears (3–5):
- Great for everyday cruising on mostly flat terrain
- Keeps a smooth balance between speed and ease
- Higher Gears (6–7):
- Harder to pedal, but lets you go faster
- Useful when you’re already moving quickly and want to maintain speed
- Best for riders with stronger legs or those using higher assist levels
When to Use Which Gear
| Situation | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Starting from a full stop | 1 or 2 | Easier to get moving without strain |
| Going up a hill | 1 | Less resistance, more control |
| Riding with low pedal assist | 1–3 | Keeps things manageable without motor power |
| Cruising on a flat path | 3–5 | Balanced and comfortable pace |
| Riding fast with high assist | 6–7 | Matches your speed and avoids ghost pedaling |
Using Gears to Save Battery Power
One of the best reasons to use your gears properly is to extend your battery life.
For example:
- Climbing a hill in gear 1 + assist level 1 might take longer, but you’ll barely drain your battery.
- Doing the same hill in gear 3 + assist level 5 will get you up faster—but it could knock off two or even three bars from your battery level.
Pro tip: On longer rides, start in low gear and low assist. You can always bump things up later if needed. This helps you ride farther without worrying about running out of power.
How to Shift Gears the Right Way
If you’ve never used gears before, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds. Most trikes use a thumb shifter or twist dial on the handlebar.
Here’s how to do it:
- Always be pedaling when you shift.
Gears only change when the chain is moving. If you try to shift while stopped, it won’t work. - Use small shifts.
Don’t jump from gear 1 to 7 all at once. Go one step at a time. - Shift before you need it.
If you see a hill coming, downshift before you start climbing, not halfway up. - Don’t force it.
If you feel grinding or resistance while shifting, back off your pedaling pressure slightly.
What If Your Trike Only Has One Gear?
Not all electric trikes come with multiple gears—some, like the Lectric XP Trike and Mooncool TK1, use a single-speed drivetrain. This setup means you can’t shift to make pedaling easier or harder—what you get is what you get. While simple to use, single-speed trikes come with a few trade-offs worth knowing, especially if you ride with pedal assist.
✅ The Upsides:
- Simplicity: No shifting required—just pedal and go.
- Lower Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean fewer things to break or adjust.
- Beginner-Friendly: Great for flat areas and casual riders who don’t want to manage gears.
❌ The Downsides:
- No hill support: Climbing steep inclines can feel difficult without the ability to downshift. You’ll have to rely more on higher pedal assist levels or throttle.
- Ghost Pedaling at Higher Speeds: This is a common issue I’ve noticed on both the Lectric XP Trike and Mooncool TK1. When riding with pedal assist at around 12 MPH or faster, the pedals can start to spin freely without resistance—a sensation known as ghost pedaling. It feels like your legs are moving but not contributing, which can be awkward and take away from the riding experience.
Are There Any Downsides to Having Gears?
While geared electric trikes offer flexibility and better control—especially for hills or riders who prefer pedaling—there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. For some riders, especially beginners or those looking for simplicity, gears might feel like more hassle than help.
❌ Potential Drawbacks of Geared Trikes:
- Learning Curve: If you’re not familiar with shifting, it can take time to learn when and how to change gears properly. Shifting at the wrong moment—like while stopped or under heavy pressure—can cause grinding or even damage the drivetrain.
- More Maintenance: Geared systems have derailleurs, cassettes, and shifters that require occasional adjustments or cleaning. Over time, cables can loosen or parts may wear out, especially if ridden in dusty or wet environments.
- Gear Confusion: Some riders, especially seniors or those who are new to bikes, may find the extra control confusing. It’s easy to forget which gear you’re in or to accidentally shift too much in one direction.
- Extra Cost: Trikes with gearing systems may cost a bit more upfront and have slightly more that can go wrong over the years compared to simple single-speed models.
My Experience:
Even though I personally prefer trikes with multiple gears—especially for climbing and conserving battery—I’ve also seen some riders get overwhelmed by the added complexity. They might forget to shift before a hill or try to shift while not pedaling, which leads to frustration. For those riders, simplicity might be the better option.
Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to shifting, find a quiet street or parking lot and practice:
- Start in gear 1 and shift up as you gain speed.
- Then shift back down before stopping.
- Try going up a small hill in different gear + assist combos to see how they feel.
Over time, it’ll become second nature. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever rode without using your gears.
Remember: Gears don’t make riding harder—they make it smarter. Combined with your pedal assist, they help you get more out of your trike: more comfort, more control, and more range.
Happy riding!