We all know the price of gasoline has skyrocketed in recent months. If you drive anywhere, paying astronomical fees at the pump is unavoidable. The supply of oil simply has not kept pace with all the pent-up travel demand that exists in the world right now. Coupled with geopolitical issues, many countries are facing a gas shortage which is increasing prices. We don’t know when prices will come down or if they will at all.
It is important to understand the price of driving using a simple data analysis. By calculating exactly how much you are spending on gasoline each month, you can begin to look at alternative transportation options with an accurate understanding of the true cost. Then you can plan your route and your errands each day to save the most money.
The Average Cost of Commuting
As of the publishing of this article, the average price of gasoline in the United States is $4.20 per gallon.
However, we must analyze what that cost means to our monthly budget to understand the true impact of these rising gas prices. To do so, we will look at the average commuter in the U.S.
The average daily commute by car in the United States was 27.6 minutes one-way as of 2019. By doubling this, we can arrive at the average total daily commuting time per person which comes out to just over 55 minutes. During those 55 minutes, the average driver will travel 39 miles per day according to the Federal Highway Administration.
The cost of gasoline on commuting to and from work each day is then easy to calculate; we just need one more number. The average miles per gallon of a gasoline-powered car. In the U.S., this number is 25 miles per gallon. Therefore, each day the average driver uses 1.56 gallons of gasoline at a cost of $4.20 per gallon. This gives us a daily commuting cost of $6.55. That number will increase for any additional errands or stops that the person needs to make. The number will also increase for anyone in a high cost of living area such as California, New York, or Oregon.
So, at a minimum, the yearly cost of gasoline for the average American is $2,391! And that figure is only going up lately. But knowing this annual cost is incredibly important because now we can begin to compare it to other methods of getting around such as our favorite option - electric bikes.
The Average Cost of an Electric Bike
It’s no secret that we favor electric bikes over any other mode of transportation available on the market today. With less maintenance required than a motorcycle or car, a much lower up-front cost, and the ability to ride on trails, pavement, roads, or any other terrain, the e-bike truly represents the future of mobility.
And with the average price of our Himiway electric bikes coming in at less than the average cost of one annual gas bill, we believe the price is very attractive in today’s climate. The choice is clear for cost-conscious and environmentally friendly individuals looking to get to work, run errands, and socialize. After doing a cost analysis, the e-bike is the way to go.
In addition to the up-front cost of the e-bike being magnitudes lower than a car, charging an e-bike is vastly cheaper than filling up your gas tank. Because you are simply using a little more electricity at home, you might not even notice much of a difference in your utility bill. But you will definitely notice a much lower cost of getting around.
How to Save on Gas with an Electric Bike
There are plenty of ways to save on gas prices by using an electric bike. The first and best way to save money is by using your e-bike to get to and from work. As we’ve already shown, this practice could save you $6 or more dollars per day. That’s over $30 a week in savings, even after accounting for the cost to charge your battery at home. What could you do with an extra 120 dollars each month?
Another excellent tip for saving money is to plug in your bike at work during the day. Always check with your employer first, but it is easy enough to leave a spare charger at work in your desk or at your station behind the counter. Thanks to the Himiway design, it’s easy to take your battery on and off the frame of the bicycle and plug it in during your shift.
Map a safe route to work by using these commuting tips. Wear bright clothing, especially if you are riding to work in the early morning or late evening. Finally, always wear a helmet when riding. We cannot stress this point enough.
Another simple way to save money on gas is by planning your errands for the day. By grouping tasks into one trip, you can not only save money, but you can also save time. Pack a set of work clothes or gym clothes into a bag and throw it on your e-bike rack. In this way, you can be sure to make the most out of your busy schedule.
Soon you will discover all sorts of uses for your e-bike in addition to commuting and running errands. Not only will you be saving on gas and helping the environment, but you will be getting exercise and fresh air the entire time. E-bikes are truly a win-win option.
We hope you’ve found this short analysis and set of recommendations helpful as you look for ways to stretch your monthly budget. Please ride safely and enjoy your time e-biking!
