Exercise bike vs. Peloton bike: running cost
An exercise bike is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $7 for a Peloton bike at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $7 difference.
| Exercise bike | Peloton bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 20 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 0–100 W | 60–150 W |
| Typical use | 45 minutes a day, 4 days a week | 45 minutes a day, 4 days a week |
| Energy per year | 3 kWh | 41 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.4¢ | 1.8¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.2¢ | 2.0¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.05 | $0.62 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $7 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1 | $18 |
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What drives the difference
- Exercise bike: Most magnetic-resistance bikes need only a few watts for the console (some are self-powered); bikes with large touchscreens draw 50-100 W.
- Peloton bike: A Peloton's resistance is magnetic; most of its power use is the touchscreen and computer, roughly 60-120 W while riding.
Ways to cut either cost
Self-powered spin bike
Generates its own console power; no plug needed.
See options on Amazon Smart plug
Cuts screen standby between rides.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an exercise bike or a Peloton bike?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a Peloton bike costs about $7 a year versus $1 for an exercise bike. That's $7 more, or 13.2× as much.
How many watts do exercise bike and Peloton bike use?
An exercise bike typically draws 20 W (range 0–100 W). A Peloton bike draws 100 W (range 60–150 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.