Shifting gears is useful for riders who like to pedal, extend their battery's range, or are traversing mountainous terrain.
How Shifting Affects Pedaling
Shifting down to a lower gear moves the chain to a larger cog
Shifting to the lowest gear (1) before stopping can make it easier to start pedaling again, and also make climbing uphill easier.
Shifting up to a higher gear moves the chain to a smaller cog
Shifting up helps a rider go farther and faster with each pedal stroke but requires more effort; higher gears help maintain pedal authority at top speeds.
How to Shift Gears
Note: Do not shift up/down while stopped; only do so when riding.
The "+" button near the base of shifter
Is used to shift "up" and move the chain at the derailleur to a smaller cog every time it's pressed, making it easier to ride downhill.
The lever on the shifter
Is used to shift "down" and move the chain at the derailleur to a larger cog every time it's pressed, making it easier to ride uphill.
To shift up, begin pedaling, and press the "+" button to shift into a higher gear. This will move the chain to a smaller cog on the derailleur with every button press.
To shift down, continue pedaling, and press the lever on the shifter to shift into a lower gear. This will move the chain to a larger cog on the derailleur with every lever press.