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Freewheel

A freewheel is a cluster of rear cogs that threads onto the hub, common on hub motor e-bikes. Removal needs a tool that matches its spline pattern.

Last edited Nov 8, 2026 by Pedalwise team Edit History Add a subpage

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A freewheel is a set of rear cogs and the ratchet that lets you coast, built as one unit that threads straight onto the hub. Park Tool explains that this differs from a cassette, where the cogs slide onto a freehub body and are held by a lockring, and notes that freewheels are common on older and lower-end bikes and on some e-bikes (Park Tool freewheel guide).

What it's used for

Replace a freewheel when the cogs are worn, it skips under load, or the ratchet slips or stops engaging. Park Tool notes that on freewheels whose cogs are held by a lockring, the cogs aren't sold separately, so the whole unit is replaced (Park Tool). Replace a worn chain at the same time, as Check and replace chain explains.

What to look for

  • Freewheel or cassette. Check which you have before buying parts or tools. If it's a cassette, see Cassette.
  • Number of speeds. Match the count of cogs on your bike and your shifter.
  • The right remover. Park Tool lists removers by spline or notch pattern, such as the FR-1.3 for Shimano, SunRace and Sachs style 12-spline freewheels and the FR-7 for Falcon, and warns that the two look alike but aren't interchangeable (Park Tool). Park Tool lists the FR-1.3 at $9.95 (read Nov 9, 2026) (Park Tool FR-1.3). Some hub motors need their own remover. Area 13 E-Bikes sells one for a Bafang 750 watt motor (Area 13).
  • Installation basics. Park Tool says to grease the threads well, start the freewheel by hand, and stop and realign at any heavy resistance, since it may be cross-threaded (Park Tool).
  • Some won't come off. Park Tool notes some freewheels have shallow or no tool fittings and may have to be destroyed to remove (Park Tool). That's a shop job on a motor wheel.

Where to buy

  1. Your bike maker's parts store or support team.
  2. A local shop, through find a shop, which can also remove a stuck one.
  3. Independent specialists in Where to buy e-bike repair parts.

Guides that use it

Sources

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Guides that use this

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