Is an e-bike expensive to run?

Even charging daily, a year of e-bike commuting costs less than a single tank of gas. At typical use it adds about $1.50 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $1.05 in the cheapest states to $3.91 in the most expensive.

How many watts does an e-bike use?

E-Bike (Charging) typically draws about 150 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How can I lower the cost of running an e-bike?

Even charging daily, a year of e-bike commuting costs less than a single tank of gas. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. Use the calculator above to see how changing hours per day or your rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run E-Bike (Charging)?

An e-bike battery holds around half a kilowatt-hour — a full charge costs less than a dime, the cheapest commute on wheels. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running an e-bike costs about $1.50/month ($18.05/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 2

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run an e-bike

$18/yr

Per day: $0.05
Per month: $1.50
Energy per year: 110 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

Cost to run an e-bike by electricity rate

Same 150 W appliance, 2 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$1.05	$12.60
US average	16.5¢	$1.50	$18.05
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$3.91	$46.93

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, an e-bike drawing 150 watts for about 2 hours a day costs roughly $0.05 per day, $1.50 per month, and $18.05 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it — adjust both in the calculator above.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run E-Bike (Charging)?

Cost to run an e-bike by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run an e-bike?

Is an e-bike expensive to run?

How many watts does an e-bike use?

How can I lower the cost of running an e-bike?

Cost to run other appliances