Shifting on ebikes keeps evolving. Today, most affordable models still use derailleurs, while city commuters are flocking to internal gear hubs, CVT and belt drives, and performance riders are embracing electronic and automatic shifting.
Below I map the landscape, why each system is popular, and which features riders actually value.
Featured Summary
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Derailleurs dominate entry–mid price e-bikes for low cost and wide range. Think Rad, Lectric, Aventon—nearly all ship 7–8-speed setups.
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IGH / CVT + belt drives are surging in city bikes for quiet, clean, shift-at-standstill, and low maintenance; often paired with automatic shifting via Enviolo, Shimano, or Bosch eShift.
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eMTB & performance riders are moving to electronic systems with shift-under-load and auto-modes (Shimano Auto Shift, SRAM Transmission, Bosch eShift + TRP).
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Touring/cargo niches prize bomb-proof hubs like Rohloff E-14, now integrated with Bosch’s Smart System for semi-auto shifting.
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Emerging: integrated motor-gearbox (Pinion MGU) and broader eShift partners point to more automation and sealed drivetrains.
What’s actually popular in 2025 (by category)
Entry to mid-price e-bikes: derailleur still rules
Most best-selling hub- and mid-drive commuters and fat-tire bikes ship with 7–8-speed Shimano derailleurs. It’s inexpensive, familiar, and easy to service. See RadRover 6 (7-speed), Lectric XP 3.0 (7-speed), Aventon Level.2 (8-speed), and Himiway Cruiser (7-speed).
Why riders like it
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Wide ranges at low cost.
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Simple parts availability at any shop.
Trade-offs
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Can’t shift at a stop; more maintenance than sealed hubs.
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Exposed parts wear faster under high e-bike torque.
City & commuter premium: IGH / CVT with belts and auto shifting
Urban riders are opting for internal gear hubs and CVT that shift smoothly—even while stopped—and pair neatly with Gates belts for low-mess commuting. Popular examples include Gazelle C380 (Enviolo), Trek District+ (Enviolo AUTOMATiQ + belt), and Specialized Turbo Como IGH lines.
These bikes increasingly support Bosch eShift (auto/manual integration with Enviolo/TRP/Rohloff/Classified) and Shimano Auto Shift on EP6/EP801 systems. Expect more vendors as Bosch expands partners.
Why riders like it
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Shift at standstill for stop-and-go traffic (Enviolo, Nexus 5E).
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Cleaner, quieter belt drive; Gates lists 1,000+ models using Carbon Drive.
Trade-offs
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Higher upfront price and slightly heavier systems.
eMTB & sporty bikes: electronic, load-tolerant shifting
On the trail, riders favor electronic derailleurs that shift under load and play nicely with mid-drives. SRAM’s Eagle Transmission e-MTB variants target Bosch/Brose platforms; Shimano’s EP6/EP801 enable FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT with Di2 (XT/CUES LinkGlide). Bosch’s eShift pairs with TRP’s E.A.S.I. A12 for automatic modes.
Why riders like it
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Maintains cadence on climbs; stronger components (LinkGlide) handle e-bike torque and last longer.
Trade-offs
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Pricey, needs system compatibility (UDH frames for SRAM, specific motors for some auto modes).
Touring & cargo: the “forever drivetrain”
Rohloff SPEEDHUB + E-14 offers sealed durability, wide range, and now integrates with Bosch Smart System for automated sequences and start-gear functions—perfect for heavy loads and reliability.
Emerging tech: motor-gearboxes & 2-speed rear hubs
The Pinion MGU fuses motor and gearbox, reducing external wear parts and aiming for low maintenance; more brands are adopting it each season. Classified Powershift brings front-derailleur range to the rear hub and is expanding e-bike compatibility and Di2 integration.
The features riders actually care about (and where to get them)
Shift at a standstill
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CVT (Enviolo) and IGH (Shimano Nexus 5E) let you drop to an easy gear at red lights. It’s a big quality-of-life win in cities.
Shift under load
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SRAM Transmission and Bosch eShift + TRP aim to keep power flowing while the system times motor cut-outs for smoother changes. Shimano LinkGlide cassettes are built thicker for e-bike torque.
Automatic and cadence-based shifting
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Bosch eShift supports manual and automatic modes across multiple partners. Shimano Auto Shift uses cadence/torque/speed sensors on EP6/EP801. Enviolo AUTOMATiQ targets a preferred cadence without steps.
Low maintenance & cleanliness
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Belts (often with IGH/CVT) are quiet, grease-free, and long-lasting—ideal for commuters and all-weather bikes. Gates cites 1,000+ belt-drive models available.
Quick buyer’s table: popularity & fit in 2025
| Shifting type | 2025 popularity* | Typical bikes | Best for | Notable features | Watch-outs |
| Derailleur (mechanical) | High at entry–mid price | RadRover, Lectric XP, Aventon Level | Budget, wide gear range | Cheap, light, easy to service | Exposed parts, can’t shift at stop. |
| Derailleur (electronic) | Rising in eMTB | Bosch/Brose/UDH frames with SRAM; Shimano EP6/EP801 + Di2 | Performance, shift-under-load | Auto/Free-Shift options; robust cassettes | Cost, compatibility needs. |
| IGH (Nexus 5E, Rohloff) | Growing in commuting, cargo | Trek District+, Riese & Müller, Gazelle | Low-mess daily use | Shift at stop; sealed reliability | Heavier; pricier. |
| CVT (Enviolo) | Growing fast in urban | Gazelle C380/Avignon, Specialized Como IGH | Smooth, step-less feel | AUTOMATiQ cadence-based shifting | Efficiency trade-off vs derailleurs. |
| Gearbox/MGU (Pinion) | Emerging | Premium trekking/MTB/compact | Minimal upkeep | Motor + gearbox in one | Early-adopter pricing, model availability. |
*Popularity = qualitative snapshot based on model lineups and platform integrations across major brands and system suppliers.
Recommendations by rider type
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Daily commuters (rain or shine): IGH/CVT + belt with auto shifting if you want truly hassle-free riding. Look for Enviolo AUTOMATiQ or Nexus 5E on Bosch/EP systems.
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Budget riders: Stick with a 7–8-speed derailleur from mainstream D2C brands; upgrade tires and chain care and you’re set.
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eMTB/fitness: Electronic derailleur with Auto/Free Shift or eShift for smooth power on climbs and better drivetrain life under torque.
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Cargo/touring: Rohloff E-14 or Pinion where uptime and low service trump weight and cost.
