Not only are electric bikes fun and easy to operate - they're very economical! It costs around $0.10 to fully charge a battery. Even with the oldest and least efficient form of battery technology (SLA), it costs less than $0.01 per mile to operate an electric bike. Li-Ion and NiMH cost even less. Plus, you don't have to worry about a license, insurance or registration in most states - and maintenance is minimal.Compare that to gas-powered vehicles which average about 25 miles per gallon. With gas prices at $2.50 - $3.50 per gallon, it costs about $0.15 per mile for gas alone - or 1500% more than an electric bike. Add in license costs, registration, maintenance and other fees, and the cost skyrockets. According to U.S. Government figures, the average cost of driving and maintaining a motor vehicle in the United States is $0.54 per mile.