Treadmill Electricity Cost: How to Reduce Power Usage While Exercising
Home treadmills are a convenient way to stay fit, but they come at a cost—an increased electricity bill. From basic walking models to high-speed incline trainers, using a home treadmill will affect your utility bill. Fortunately, there are ways to calculate, manage, and even offset that usage.
This guide will explain how much energy a treadmill uses, what affects that number, and how solutions like portable power stations can help you reduce your reliance on the grid while staying active.
How Much Electricity Does the Average Treadmill Use?
Treadmills don’t use a lot of electricity per hour, but the energy adds up over time, especially with frequent use or larger models. On average, a standard treadmill draws between 600 and 700 watts per hour, though high-performance models with incline features or built-in screens can easily exceed 900 to 1,200 watts.
That means if you run for one hour each day on a 750W treadmill, you’re using 0.75 kWh daily, or roughly 22.5 kWh per month. At an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, that’s about $3.38 per month in energy costs. Not a huge number, but it climbs quickly with longer sessions, multiple users, or higher rates.
For more precise calculations, check out EcoFlow’s appliance wattage chart and energy usage calculator.
How to Calculate Your Treadmill's Electricity Usage in kWh
If you want to understand exactly how much your treadmill is costing you each month, follow this step-by-step guide to calculating its electricity usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh):
Find the wattage of your treadmill. Check the user manual or the sticker near the power cord.
Convert to kilowatts by dividing the wattage by 1,000.
Example: 750 watts ÷ 1,000 = 0.75 kW
Estimate usage time in hours. For example, 5 hours per week = 20 hours per month.
Multiply kilowatts by hours used:
0.75 kW × 20 hours = 15 kWh/month
Multiply by your electricity rate (in $/kWh):
15 kWh × $0.15 = $2.25/month
This number varies depending on speed settings, incline, and motor efficiency. For off-grid use, knowing your kWh usage helps you pair the treadmill with one of the compatible EcoFlow Portable Power Stations or a solar generator setup.
Factors That Affect Treadmill Power Consumption
Treadmill power draw isn’t fixed—it varies considerably based on how the machine is used and who’s using it. While the motor’s listed wattage gives a rough estimate, real-world energy consumption depends on several dynamic factors.
Even the user's weight and added features like screens or fans can increase electricity use. Understanding these variables gives you more control over your energy consumption and helps you make smarter decisions about fitness and efficiency.
Motor Size
Treadmills with higher horsepower motors draw more electricity, especially under heavy loads. A 3.5 HP treadmill will use more power than a 2.0 HP model, particularly at higher speeds or when sustaining an incline.
Speed and Incline Settings
Running at 8 mph consumes significantly more energy than walking at 3 mph. Likewise, inclines force the motor to work harder, increasing energy draw. The steeper or faster your workout, the more power you’ll use.
Exercise Duration and Frequency
Someone who runs for one hour five days a week will use far more electricity than someone who walks twice a week. The longer and more frequent your workouts, the higher the cumulative power cost.
User Weight and Treadmill Load
Heavier users increase the load on the motor, which results in greater electricity usage. More resistance means the motor needs more torque and energy to maintain speed and incline settings.
Built-In Features
Touchscreens, built-in fans, speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity all use additional electricity. While these features don’t directly affect motor power, they contribute to overall energy consumption.
Understanding these variables helps you adjust your workouts and equipment to optimize efficiency without compromising fitness. By being mindful of how motor size, incline, speed, and session length impact electricity usage, you can tailor your routine to use less energy while still reaching your fitness goals.
Over time, these minor adjustments can lead to noticeable cost savings on monthly utility bills, especially for daily users or households with multiple family members using the treadmill. Energy-efficient habits not only support sustainability but also make workouts more affordable in the long run.
Practical Tips to Reduce Treadmill Electricity Usage
There are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep your treadmill’s energy use in check without sacrificing the quality of your workouts. Small adjustments in how and when you exercise, combined with smarter equipment choices, can significantly reduce your electricity consumption.
Whether it’s adjusting your settings, turning off unnecessary features, or integrating off-grid power solutions, these changes can make your routine more energy-conscious while still helping you meet your fitness goals:
Walk or run at lower speeds when possible.
Use incline sparingly to reduce motor load.
Keep workouts shorter or split into sessions.
Power down the console immediately after use.
Unplug the treadmill when not in use.
Turn off extras like screens, fans, or lights.
Use energy-efficient treadmill models.
Pair your treadmill with an EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator to offset power costs.
For frequent users, consider powering your setup with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and solar input for sustainable workouts.
Monitor consumption with a smart plug or power meter
Combining small changes with EcoFlow’s energy solutions makes a big difference over time, both for your wallet and your environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Treadmill Run Up Your Electric Bill?
Yes, but usually not by much. The average treadmill uses 600–900 watts. If used daily for an hour, it could add approximately $2–$5 per month to your bill. Frequent or long sessions, or using high-powered models, will increase that cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Run On a Treadmill?
The cost depends on your local electricity rate and how often you use the machine. A 750W treadmill used for 30 minutes a day will cost roughly $1.69 per month at $0.15/kWh. Models with more accessories, like built-in fans, could cost more.
Final Thoughts
Treadmills offer a great way to stay active at home, but they can add to your electricity bill, especially with regular, high-intensity use. By understanding how much power your treadmill uses and taking steps to manage it, you can keep your energy footprint low. Solutions like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus offer efficient, sustainable ways to power your workouts, reduce reliance on the grid, and make every mile a little greener.