How Much Electricity Does An Electric Bike Use?

Every time you plug in your electric bike, you're spending money. But, how much? Compared to gas-guzzling vehicles or even public transport fares, the operational cost of an electric bike is minimal. 

But exactly how much electricity does an electric bike use? And what does that mean for your monthly budget?

In this article, you’ll learn the real-world operational cost of an electric bike and how you can reduce that cost by riding smarter. We’ll also tell you how to calculate your e-bike’s electricity consumption and how much every charge costs you. So, let’s get right to it.

How Electric Bikes Use Electricity?

Electric bikes run on a simple combination- a rechargeable battery powers an electric motor, which assists your pedalling or - in some models - drives the bike without any help from the rider.

The amount of electricity that your electric bike consumes will vary depending on the type of electric bike you use, the battery’s size, and the motor’s wattage rating. Your riding style can also cause fluctuations in the power consumption.

Most electric bikes use lithium-ion batteries rated between 36 to 52 volts and capacities ranging from 10Ah to 20Ah. These two values - voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah) - determine the battery’s total energy capacity, which is usually expressed in watt-hours (Wh). More on this in the next section. 

How Much Electricity Does an Electric Bike Use?

The electricity an electric bike uses per ride depends primarily on battery size, riding conditions, and how much motor assist you use. But we can break it down with real numbers.

As mentioned above, a watt-hour is the unit used to measure how much energy your e-bike battery can store. It’s calculated by multiplying voltage by amp-hours. For example:

• A 36V, 10Ah battery = 360Wh.
• A 48V, 15Ah battery = 720Wh.

When it comes to electricity usage, kilowatt-hours (kWh) are used to calculate costs. Since 1 kWh = 1000 Wh, a 500Wh battery uses 0.5 kWh of electricity when charged from empty to full.

So, your battery rating directly affects how much electricity your charger pulls from the grid each time you fully charge it. However, other factors can affect your electric bike's power consumption, including: 

• Motor Assist Level: Higher pedal assist levels require more power and consume more battery as compared to lower pedal assist levels.
• Terrain: Riding on flat terrain like city roads requires less power and is more forgiving for the battery, too. However, off-roading will drain your battery quickly and increase your e-bike charging cost.
• Rider & Cargo Weight: Heavy riders and payloads put more strain on the motor and the battery. 
• Wind and Tire Conditions: Headwinds increase drag and require the motor to put in some extra work. Similarly, underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, once again increasing stress on the motor and increasing battery consumption.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Bike?

Charging an electric bike is surprisingly cheap, but understanding the exact cost involves knowing your battery size and local electricity rates. Here’s a quick breakdown of the e-bike charging cost. You can follow this to calculate your own:

Convert Battery Size to kWh

To calculate charging cost, you first need your battery capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Here's the formula:

• (Battery Voltage × Amp-Hours) ÷ 1000 = Battery Capacity in kWh

Examples:

36V × 10Ah = 360Wh = 0.36 kWh

48V × 15Ah = 720Wh = 0.72 kWh

52V × 20Ah = 1,040Wh = 1.04 kWh

Multiply by Local Electricity Rate

The average residential electricity rate in Ireland is currently around €0.35 per kWh, though this may vary depending on your supplier and tariff. For this section, we’ll use €0.35/kWh as a baseline.

The table below shows how much it would cost to charge common-sized electric bike batteries:

Let’s say you use your electric bike daily and charge it once per day. Here’s what your monthly cost of charging an electric bike will look like:

For most users, the monthly electricity cost ranges from €4 to €12 when you factor in charging losses, even with daily use. That’s excellent value when you compare it to the cost of fuelling a car, paying for parking, or topping up a Leap Card.

Tips to Reduce Electricity Use When Charging Your Electric Bike

While charging an electric bike is already affordable, there are several ways to minimise electricity consumption even further. Follow these simple tips to get the most out of every charge and lower your overall energy costs.

1. Charge During Off-Peak Hours

Electricity prices fluctuate depending on the time of day. Off-peak tariffs, which are typically in the evening or early morning, offer lower rates. Check with your energy provider to see if they offer a night rate or time-of-use tariffs. Charging your electric bike during these off-peak times can reduce your electricity costs significantly.

2. Avoid Overcharging

Many e-bike chargers automatically stop when the battery is full, but it’s still a good habit not to leave your bike plugged in for hours after it is fully charged. Charging to 80-90% is generally sufficient for most rides, and it can also extend the battery’s lifespan.

3. Charge Less Frequently

Instead of charging your electric bike after every short ride, wait until the battery is below 30-40% before plugging it in. Charging more frequently can lead to unnecessary electricity consumption, and constant full charges can reduce the overall lifespan of your battery.

4. Keep Your Battery and Charger in Good Condition

A damaged charger or battery can lead to inefficient charging, which uses more electricity than necessary. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying cables or a slow charge. Also, ensure your battery is well-maintained and properly stored (avoid extreme heat or cold, as both can negatively affect efficiency).

5. Keep the Ride Smooth

Aggressive acceleration and braking can lead to more energy being used. Smooth riding is not only safer, but it’s also more energy-efficient. By maintaining a steady pace and avoiding sudden bursts of speed, you can reduce the energy required to propel your electric bike.

Conclusion

Now you know how much electricity an electric bike uses and how much it costs you to charge an electric bike. Compared to alternative modes of transportation, the charging cost of an electric bike is negligible. Moreover, you can further reduce this cost by following the tips that we’ve shared above.