Electric bikes are remarkably cheap to run, especially when you compare them with a petrol car. If you are wondering, “What are the costs of running an electric bike?” the short answer is: very little, particularly for everyday commuting.
A typical electric bike rider in an urban environment uses about 7.5 watt-hours of electricity per kilometre. At an electricity rate of 36 cents per kilowatt-hour in New Zealand, that works out to about 27 cents per 100 kilometres, or just 0.27 cents per kilometre.
By comparison, a fuel-efficient car that uses 6 litres per 100 kilometres at $3.30 per litre costs about $19.80 per 100 kilometres in fuel alone. That is a huge difference, and it is before you even factor in the other costs of owning a car.
Electric Bike Running Costs
The electricity cost of an electric bike is so low that it is almost negligible in everyday use.
Here is the basic calculation:
- 7.5 watt-hours per kilometre
- 750 watt-hours per 100 kilometres (0.75 kilowatt-hours per 100 kms)
- At 36 cents per kWh, that equals about 27 cents per 100 kilometres
For a daily 20-kilometre round-trip commute, the electricity cost is only about 5 cents per day. Over a full year of commuting every day, that is roughly $20 in electricity.
Petrol Car Running Costs
A fuel-efficient petrol car still costs far more to run.
Using this example:
- 6 litres per 100 kilometres
- Petrol at $3.30 per litre
- Total fuel cost: $19.80 per 100 kilometres
That means a 20-kilometre daily round-trip commute costs about $3.96 in fuel each day. Over a year of daily commuting, that comes to about $1,445 in fuel alone.
Other Costs of Owning a Car
Fuel is only one part of the cost of car ownership. The real expense of running a car usually comes from the full package of ownership costs, including:
- Servicing and repairs
- Tyres
- Registration and WOF
- Insurance
- Depreciation
- Parking and occasional tolls
Even if a car is fuel-efficient, these extra costs can easily add thousands of dollars each year. In many cases, depreciation is the biggest cost of all, because the value of the vehicle drops whether you drive it a lot or a little.
Other Costs of Owning an Electric Bike
Electric bikes also have running costs, but they are much smaller than a car’s.
Typical e-bike ownership costs may include:
- Routine maintenance (although your first MeloYelo service check, performed at 6 months/500km, is free)
- Brake pads and cables
- Tyres and tubes
- Chain and drivetrain wear
- Battery replacement allowance over time
- A good lock and basic security
- Clothing to ensure safety and protection in all weather, including a high-viz vest, a helmet, and perhaps gloves and a jacket.
Even allowing for maintenance and eventual battery replacement, the annual cost of owning an electric bike is usually far lower than the cost of owning a car. The purchase price of an e-bike can also be surprisingly low – check out the Zoomin Z1 by MeloYelo, starting at just $2,695, or the Town’n Trail for $3,495.
Annual Commute Cost Comparison
Let’s look at a 20-kilometre daily round-trip commute over a full year.
Electric Bike
- Annual distance: 7,300 kilometres
- Electricity cost: about $19.71 per year
- With maintenance and other small ownership costs, the total annual cost may still only be a few hundred dollars
Petrol Car
- Annual distance: 7,300 kilometres
- Fuel cost: about $1,445.40 per year
- Once servicing, tyres, insurance, registration, and depreciation are added, the annual total can easily run into several thousand dollars
That makes the electric bike dramatically cheaper for commuting.
Why Electric Bikes Make Financial Sense
Electric bikes are not just a fun or healthy way to travel. They also make strong financial sense.
They are cheaper to charge than cars are to fuel, cheaper to maintain, and cheaper to own over time. For daily commuting, that can mean saving thousands of dollars each year while also reducing traffic stress, parking hassles, and fuel dependence.
For many people, the e-bike is the most cost-effective vehicle they will ever own.
Final Word
If you are comparing transport costs, electric bikes come out far ahead. On a per-kilometre basis, they are incredibly inexpensive to run, and the annual savings compared with a petrol car can be substantial.
For a commuter doing a 20-kilometre round trip every day, the difference between a car and an electric bike is not just noticeable – it’s transformational. Keen to discuss what that transformation could look like for you? Find your nearest MeloYelo agent here, or book a test ride to discover our range.
