Treadmill vs. exercise bike: running cost
An exercise bike is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $24 for a treadmill at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $24 difference.
| Treadmill | Exercise bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 700 W | 20 W |
| Watt range | 250–1,500 W | 0–100 W |
| Typical use | 45 minutes a day, 4 days a week | 45 minutes a day, 4 days a week |
| Energy per year | 135 kWh | 3 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 13¢ | 0.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.7¢ | 0.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.03 | $0.05 |
| Cost per year | $24 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $59 | $1 |
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What drives the difference
- Treadmill: Treadmill motors draw far less than their peak horsepower rating; jogging on a home treadmill averages 500-900 W. Incline raises draw.
- 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.
Ways to cut either cost
Self-powered spin bike
Generates its own console power; no plug needed.
See options on Amazon Treadmill belt lubricant
Reduces friction so the motor draws less.
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, a treadmill or an exercise bike?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a treadmill costs about $24 a year versus $1 for an exercise bike. That's $24 more, or 43.2× as much.
How many watts do treadmill and exercise bike use?
A treadmill typically draws 700 W (range 250–1,500 W). An exercise bike draws 20 W (range 0–100 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.