As e-bikes continue to become more intelligent and more segmented, the shifting system has changed from a basic configuration into an important variable that shapes the complete vehicle experience. For OEM manufacturers and e-bike brands, choosing a shifting system is not only a technical decision. It is also part of product positioning and user strategy.

A common misunderstanding is to treat the motor as the only source of riding experience and underestimate the role of the transmission. In an e-bike system, the motor and shifting system are always in a coordinated relationship: the motor provides power, while the shifting system determines how that power is used efficiently. Together, they influence the vehicle's efficiency range, energy consumption and riding smoothness.

In today's mainstream technical routes, shifting systems are mainly divided into external derailleur systems and internal gear hub systems. Each corresponds to different product logic and target users.

1. External Derailleur Systems: The Preferred Solution For Performance And Adaptability

External derailleur systems remain one of the most widely used solutions thanks to their wider gear range and relatively high transmission efficiency.

Their core structure consists of a rear derailleur and cable control system. During riding, the shifter changes cable tension, driving the rear derailleur to move laterally and guide the chain between different sprockets to change gears.

When cable tension decreases, the rear derailleur guides the chain toward smaller sprockets for higher gears. When cable tension increases, the chain moves toward larger sprockets for lower gears.

Overall, external derailleur systems offer clear advantages in gear coverage, response flexibility and expandability. They are especially suitable for riding scenarios with higher performance requirements and more complex road conditions.

· Mountain, off-road and long-distance riding models.

· Products emphasizing speed performance and riding control.

· Mid-to-high-end configurations requiring a wider gear range.

At the same time, the exposed structure brings higher maintenance demand and greater environmental sensitivity. In shared, rental or high-frequency usage scenarios, this must be included in the vehicle solution evaluation.

2. Internal Gear Hubs: A System Solution For Stability And Low Maintenance

Internal gear hubs build a more integrated drivetrain solution by enclosing the gear structure inside the hub. The core principle is to integrate a planetary gear mechanism inside the hub and change the transmission ratio by altering gear engagement relationships.

Unlike external systems, where the chain moves between sprockets, the chain of an internal gear hub remains in a fixed position. The shifting process happens inside the sealed hub.

During shifting, the system locks or drives specific parts of the mechanism, changing the power transmission path and therefore the ratio between output speed and input speed.

Because the shifting process does not rely on chain movement, internal gear hubs can shift while stationary or at low speed. They also reduce the influence of external environments such as mud, water and dust, giving them advantages in stability and durability.

This structure is especially suitable for commuting and urban riding scenarios where reliability and maintenance efficiency matter.

· City commuting and everyday mobility products.

· Shared mobility, rental and high-frequency usage platforms.

· Product lines emphasizing low maintenance and reliability.

It should also be noted that internal gear hubs have boundaries in gear range and transmission efficiency. For complex terrain or high-performance applications, the complete vehicle positioning needs to be considered carefully.

3. How To Choose The Right Shifting System

For OEM manufacturers and e-bike brands, choosing a shifting system is essentially a comprehensive judgment based on usage scenario, user needs and product positioning.

First, consider the riding scenario. Different terrain and riding conditions directly determine the need for gear range and system adaptability. City commuting and mountain riding require fundamentally different shifting systems.

Second, consider the user profile. For commuter-focused products, stability and low maintenance have higher priority. For sport-oriented riders, a wider gear range and higher transmission efficiency are usually more important.

Third, consider usage intensity and maintenance capability. In shared mobility or high-frequency usage scenarios, system durability and maintenance cost directly affect operating efficiency. This is one reason internal gear hub solutions have received increasing attention in recent years.

Finally, consider complete vehicle system matching. The shifting system does not exist independently. It needs to coordinate with motor characteristics, control strategy and product positioning. A properly matched shifting solution can improve riding experience while also supporting vehicle energy efficiency and product competitiveness.

4. Internal And External Shifting Systems Are Not A Simple Replacement Relationship

Internal and external shifting systems are not simply replacements for each other. They are two technical routes formed around different needs, offering different balances among performance, stability and usage cost.

For OEM manufacturers and e-bike brands, the key is not which system is more advanced, but whether the drivetrain is matched to the target user and usage scenario.

As e-bikes enter a stage of more refined competition, shifting system selection is becoming an important part of product differentiation. OEMs no longer need only a single component, but a system-level solution that can adapt to different vehicle types and scenarios.

Based on this demand, Lofandi is gradually building a complete internal gear hub capability from manual to automatic solutions. Product forms include mature mass-produced manual and automatic internal gear hubs, intelligent shifting systems integrating electronic control and algorithms, and integrated solutions deeply combined with hub motors.

In application terms, city commuting, long-distance travel, shared mobility, e-assist vehicles and cargo models can all be matched with corresponding drivetrain configurations, supporting flexible coverage from customization to mass delivery.