Treadmill vs. Peloton bike: running cost
A Peloton bike is cheaper to run: about $7 a year versus $24 for a treadmill at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $17 difference.
| Treadmill | Peloton bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 700 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 250–1,500 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 | 135 kWh | 41 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 13¢ | 1.8¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.7¢ | 2.0¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.03 | $0.62 |
| Cost per year | $24 | $7 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $59 | $18 |
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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.
- 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
Smart plug
Cuts screen standby between rides.
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 a Peloton bike?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a treadmill costs about $24 a year versus $7 for a Peloton bike. That's $17 more, or 3.3× as much.
How many watts do treadmill and Peloton bike use?
A treadmill typically draws 700 W (range 250–1,500 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.