Commute Cost Savings Calculator
Compare the yearly cost of driving your commute against riding it. Enter the distance, how often you go, and the per-mile cost of each, and see the annual saving from switching.
The commute that pays you back
A short car commute quietly costs thousands a year once fuel, wear, depreciation, and parking are all counted — and most of that disappears when you ride instead. For many riders the annual saving alone covers the price of the e-bike within the first year or two, after which the commute is close to free and you arrive having exercised.
See how far a charge stretches with the E-Bike Range Calculator, and check whether the ride is actually quicker with the Car vs Bike Commute Time Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I use for the car's cost per mile?
Not just fuel. A car's true running cost per mile includes fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance that scales with mileage, and depreciation. Motoring bodies and the IRS standard mileage rate put the all-in figure around $0.30 to $0.65 per mile for a typical car. If you only want the fuel piece, divide your pump price by your miles-per-gallon — but the bigger savings come from the wear and depreciation you avoid.
What does an e-bike commute cost per mile?
Very little. Charging a typical pack costs a few cents, working out to well under $0.02 per mile of electricity. Add a small allowance for tyres, brake pads, a chain, and the occasional service and most riders land around $0.03 to $0.08 per mile — a fraction of driving. Over a year of commuting the gap is what fills the savings box.
Should I count parking and transit fares too?
If they apply to you, absolutely — they make the case stronger. City parking, tolls, or a transit pass you no longer need are real money the car or bus costs you. You can fold them into your car cost-per-mile figure (total yearly cost ÷ yearly miles) so the comparison reflects your actual spend, not just fuel at the pump.
Are these figures financial advice?
No. This is an educational estimate from the numbers you enter. Real costs depend on your car, local fuel and electricity prices, how you finance the bike, and how many days you actually ride. Use it to sketch the payback on an e-bike, then confirm the specifics with your own receipts before making a purchase decision.
Estimates only, based on the figures you enter. Not financial advice — confirm real costs with your own fuel, electricity, and maintenance receipts.