A:Answer I beleive the Level.2 has 7 or 8-enough manual gears for shifting. It also has 5 levels of electric power, and also a throttle if you do not want to pedal at all. For me, it is best to just use the level 1 power assist with manual gear 6, and just leave it there most of the time for good battery life and power assist. It automatically gives more power assist with its new torque sensor as you need to pedal harder. When you hit a hill, it automatically gives more assistance. Using higher power assist levels or the throttle only for long periods drains the battery much faster. With ndst level 1, we go on 20-mile rides and usually get back with over 50% of battery left. Riding without power assist at all is not so great for distances since the bike is heavy and there may also be a little drag sometimes in the wheel motor with no power on. Don't let the battery go dead if you are many miles out.
OK with no power on flat ground or downhills, but not uphill.
