The costs for each recharge allow you to understand how much an electric bike consumes. How much can you save by using it?
The electric bike is a relatively new mean of transport, which has many advantages of use. First of all, it is suitable for anyone, as it does not require a driving license to be used.
Furthermore, the pedal assist system makes it possible to significantly reduce physical effort, which makes it suitable for prolonged use. Not only that, it is also a ecological alternative to the car and public transport.
Given the frequent increases in the price of fuel, the electric bike may also seem like a way to save. To understand if this is actually possible, it is necessary to calculate the costs for each refill of an electric bike, so as to highlight the actual consumption.
Once this step has been carried out, the costs must be compared with those expected from using a car, taking into account the same mileage.
How much does an electric bike consume?
On average, most electric bike batteries have a capacity of 500 watt hours. This means that with a full charge it is possible to travel a maximum of 120 km, about 100 considering a speed that is not too high but constant.
The cost of recharging obviously depends on the price of electricity, which has undergone very little reassuring increases in the last year.
Currently, in fact, the cost of the kWh is 0.501€, according to the tariffs regulated by Arera in the Italian protected market. The battery of the electric bike has a power of 500 Wh, or 0.5 kWh.
The complete recharge of a battery is nothing more than the product of the battery power and the cost of electricity, therefore 0.50 kWh x 0.50 € = 0.25 €.
With a cost of only 25 cents it is therefore possible to travel a journey of about 120 km, going at about 25 km/h, for a minimum of 70 km.
Evidently, despite the price of electricity has risen dramatically, this is a rather limited expense. To know in detail how this convenience is reflected in savings, it is necessary to make a comparison with fuel prices.
How much can you save with an electric bike?
The average consumption of a car per 100 km is approximately 7.4 liters. Current gasoline prices, for example, fluctuate around € 1.80 per liter.
This means that an average of 13.30€ is needed to complete 100 km. The same journey can be done by an electric bike, allowing you to save more than € 10.
It is very clear that the electric bike is the cheapest solution, in fact with the expense necessary to complete 50 km it is not possible to buy even a liter of gasoline.
The situation does not change even considering the fuel at the cheapest moment, even if it is not a stable condition, namely Gpl.
The total cost of maintaining an electric bike
Having ascertained the costs necessary for recharging the electric bike, to create a complete picture, it is essential to also consider all other types of related expenses.
The battery itself, for example, must be replaced periodically to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
Generally it is possible to use the same battery for a period of about 3 years, but if the electric bike is used regularly this period can drop to 6 months.
The price to buy a new battery starts at a minimum of € 300 and can even exceed € 1,000, depending on the model of the bike and its size.
In addition to this, a very important factor must be taken into account: the repairs of the electric bike are required more frequently than the traditional one, as wear is more intense.
The prices for spare parts and repairs are however quite low, the pads of the brakes, for example, are around 10€. It is also impossible not to take into account the insurance, which is essential for reasons of safety and savings.
The insurance on electric bikes allow you to have a very low cost in case of breakdowns or accidents, and have an average rate of 39 euros per month. The cost depends on the model of the bike, as well as on the type of policy chosen, but it is still much lower than car policies.
In conclusion, the electric bike allows a considerable savings, but in calculating the costs it is necessary to take into account the accessory aspects. Not only the costs for repairs, but also your needs for use are fundamental.
The operation of the electric bike, in fact, allows a very limited travel speed and not always adequate.
However, it is perfect for carrying out daily activities and above all it is sustainable even on long journeys, representing a economic proposal, healthy and ecological.
Original article published on Money.it Italy 2022-10-20 22:11:54.
Original title: Quanto consuma la bici elettrica: i costi per ogni ricarica
