Abstract: There is provided a powertrain of a mid-drive electric bicycle that enables regenerative braking. The powertrain comprising a mid-drive electric motor, a chain rotatably connected to the mid-drive electric motor, a gearing system mounted in a rear wheel bub, the gearing system rotatably connected to the chain, a mechanical brake connected to a component of the gearing system, and a control system. During operation of the mechanical brake, the gearing system is configured to cause rotation of the chain in a backward direction opposite to the forward driving direction, which mechanically forces the mid-drive electric motor to rotate in the backward direction, to thereby regenerate electric energy. There is further provided a crankset configured to prevent rotation of pedals of the electric bicycle in a backwards driving direction during backwards rotation of the chain in braking mode.