Updated 17th March
Fuel Rationing in Australia maybe on the cards soon.
Rising fuel prices are pushing more Australians to rethink how they commute.
How much could you save
riding an e-bike?
Adjust the sliders to match your situation and see your real savings in seconds.
Ready to make the switch?
Browse Australia's best e-bikes and e-scooters at Ride Electric.
Calculations are estimates based on AAA Transport Affordability Index data and Ride Electric research.
Individual results vary based on usage, vehicle type, fuel efficiency, and location.
How much could you save with an e-bike?
Takes 30 seconds. Adjust the sliders and see your savings instantly.
Australian average is ~$95/wk (AAA Transport Affordability Index 2024).
Set to $0 if you park free. CBD parking averages $25-$60/day.
Avg. Australian car service: $400-$600 per visit, 2x per year plus tyres, brakes and parts.
Each full charge costs ~$0.10 (48-52V battery, Australian electricity rates).
Typical e-bike service $150-$250. Annual parts (tyres, brake pads, chain): $50-$450.
What's the price of the bike you're thinking of buying?
Based on your weekly savings above. Drag the slider to match the e-bike you're looking at.
Data from AAA Transport Affordability Index & Ride Electric research. Charging estimated at $0.10/charge. Results are estimates - individual usage varies.
Fuel prices in Australia continue to rise as global supply tensions are under pressure.
With the average fuel price in Australia continuing to fluctuate, more and more commuters across the country are starting to consider electric bikes as a practical and cheaper alternative to driving.
While fuel prices in cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are often among the highest in Australia, petrol prices across the country continue to climb, with drivers nationwide feeling the increasing cost of filling up each week.
Metro Households in cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane spend between
15% - 17% of their income on transport costs.
Cycling has always been an easily available alternative, but for most people, push bikes are not practical for daily commuting. Electric bikes offer the simplicity of cycling with electric assistance, making it possible to replace many short car trips while dramatically reducing transport costs.
How much does it actually cost to drive compared to riding an electric bike?
| Buying an eBike | Buying a Car |
| A brand new eBike can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the features, brand etc. | The minimum purchase price of a decently functional car is $8,000 in 2026. |
Average cost of driving a car in Australia is $461.52 a week.
| eBike Running Costs | Fuel Car running costs |
| Electric bikes' estimated cost per full charge is between $0.08-$0.12. At 5 full charges that makes the weekly cost 60 cents. | On average Australians spend approx $95 on fuel every week. |
While electric bikes are significantly cheaper to run than cars, they still come with ownership costs.
Charging an ebike battery uses a relatively small amount of electricity. Depending on battery size and how often you ride, electricity costs typically range from around $20 to $80 per year in Australia.
Like any vehicle, ebikes also require maintenance. Riders can expect to pay around $150 to $250 for a service, with additional spending on parts such as tyres, brake pads, chains or drivetrain components over time.
| Electric Bike Charging Costs | Electric Car Running Costs |
| Electric bikes' estimated cost per full charge is between $0.08-$0.12 | EVs estimated cost per full charge is between $9.00 and $15.00 |
SOURCE: In-Tech
For regular ebike riders, yearly maintenance and parts can range from $200 to $700 depending on usage.
Ebike purchase prices also vary widely. Entry level models start around $1,500, while high performance commuter or cargo ebikes can cost up to $5,000 or more.
Even when accounting for electricity, servicing and occasional repairs, the total cost of owning an ebike remains significantly lower than the average cost of running a car in Australia.
Can you completely replace a car with an e-bike?
Yes and no, it depends on your lifestyle, on how far you commute, what your intentions are. Electric bikes offer a practical solution. With lower purchase prices and dramatically lower running costs, ebikes provide a smarter and more cost effective alternative for many daily trips.
For commuters looking to reduce fuel expenses and take control of their transport costs, switching to an electric bike is quickly becoming one of the most practical ways to get around.