Electric bikes have many advantages, but you also have to charge them. But how much does that cost exactly?
No more traffic jams and parking problems! And those hills or long distances? A piece of cake, even with a headwind. At first glance, the electric bike has all the advantages.
The downside? Of course, you have to charge it, and that costs money. But will it really break the bank? Don't panic: the costs are very limited. Less than €0,20 for a full charge.
2 important elements
To calculate the cost of charging, you need to know 2 things:
- The battery capacity : it determines how much energy the battery can hold. The larger the capacity, the longer it takes before you need to recharge the battery.
- The cost of electricity: it depends on your contract, but in Brussels you can expect to pay around €0.34/kWh (CREG tariff in the 4th quarter of 2025).
In addition, there are other factors that determine the total cost of using an electric bicycle. These include:
- How often you use it: occasionally or daily?
- When you charge it: during peak or off-peak hours?
- The type of bike: lighter bikes consume less.
Some actual examples
Most batteries in modern electric bikes have a capacity between 300 Wh (0.3 kWh) and 750 Wh (0.75 kWh).
Here are some examples based on a price of €0.34/kWh.
| Type of electric bicycle | Battery capacity | Average range | Charging cost (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports or light e-bike | ~350 Wh | ~50 km | €0,12 |
| City bike | ~450 Wh | ~70 km | €0,15 |
| Long-distance or e-mountain bike | ~675 Wh | ~100 km | €0,23 |
Calculate the cost yourself
Here is how to calculate the charging costs for your battery:
- Divide the battery capacity in Wh by 1,000. This gives you the number of kWh.
E.g.: 300 Wh / 1,000 = 0.3 kWh - Multiply the result by the cost per kWh.
E.g.: 0.3 kWh x 0.34 €/kWh = €0.10 for 1 recharge
Conclusion
Imagine: you cycle 20 km to work every day. With an electric city bike, that costs you less than €10 per year! An absolute winner for your wallet and a boost for your health.