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E-Bike vs Car Cost Calculator

Compare the true yearly cost of commuting by e-bike and by car: fuel, electricity, parking, insurance, maintenance and depreciation.

Your commute

Your car

Maintenance, tires and extra depreciation from driving. 0.08 to 0.15 per km is typical.

Your e-bike

You save every year

–

The e-bike pays for itself in –.

Car
–
E-bike
–
–fuel per year
–parking per year
–e-bike electricity
–kg CO₂ avoided

Based on 46 commuting weeks a year. The e-bike cost includes depreciation spread over its lifespan.

How the e-bike vs car cost calculator works

How much money will I save by commuting on an e-bike instead of a car? For trips under about 10 miles (16 km), many households replace most car journeys with an e-bike, especially with a cargo model for shopping and school runs. Studies of e-bike owners consistently show large drops in car trips.

  1. Car cost per year = fuel (distance ÷ efficiency × fuel price) + parking + the share of insurance, maintenance and depreciation you would avoid by driving less.
  2. E-bike cost per year = electricity + maintenance + insurance + depreciation (purchase price spread over its expected lifespan).
  3. Payback time = e-bike purchase price ÷ (yearly car cost − yearly e-bike running cost).

Results are estimates to help you plan and compare. Always follow your manufacturer's specifications, especially for charging, tire pressure and load limits. Found a problem with this tool? Let us know.

E-bike vs car questions, answered

Can an e-bike really replace a car?

For trips under about 10 miles (16 km), many households replace most car journeys with an e-bike, especially with a cargo model for shopping and school runs. Studies of e-bike owners consistently show large drops in car trips.

How long does it take for an e-bike to pay for itself?

For a daily 10-mile round-trip commute that replaces driving and paid parking, a $2,000 e-bike often pays for itself within 6 to 18 months. Without parking costs it usually takes 1 to 3 years.

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