In Australia, the average annual cost of owning and operating a second car—including fuel, registration, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation—is estimated to be $8,000 to $13,000 per year, depending on vehicle type and usage. According to the Australian Automobile Association’s Transport Affordability Index, metropolitan households spend over $400 per week on transport, much of it tied to car ownership. These costs exclude indirect expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and the environmental cost of emissions. In contrast, an eBike or cargo bike has a much lower total cost of ownership, with electricity costs amounting to just $0.10 to $0.30 per charge and minimal maintenance overhead.
Energy Efficiency and Operation Costs
Electric cargo bikes are 20–40 times more energy-efficient than a car per kilometre. A typical eBike uses only 1–2 kWh per 100 km, while a petrol car burns through 6–12 litres of fuel in that same distance, which at current fuel prices translates to $12–$25. Over a year of short-distance commuting (10–15 km per day), the energy cost of an eBike is typically less than $50, compared to $2,000+ for fuel and servicing a car. In addition, regenerative braking, fewer moving parts, and lighter materials mean significantly lower wear and tear.
The True Cost of a Second Car in Australia
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Time-Saving and Lifestyle Benefits
Cargo bikes, particularly electric ones, have proven to be not only a money saver but a time saver in urban settings. According to a 2020 study published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, eBikes in cities are often faster door-to-door than cars for trips under 10 km. No more circling the block for parking or getting stuck in school drop-off chaos. For families, this makes them ideal for school runs, daycare, sports, and shopping. With dedicated storage and seating for kids or gear, a cargo bike can replace 80–90% of second-car trips with ease.
The environmental savings also translate to real economic value. A study from the European Cyclists’ Federation found that replacing short car trips with bike trips can cut carbon emissions by up to 90%. This isn't just a climate benefit—lower exposure to air pollution and increased daily physical activity have measurable effects on public health, reducing long-term medical costs and improving mental wellbeing. The added benefit of incidental exercise—even when using pedal-assist—can offset sedentary lifestyle risks, particularly for parents juggling work, school runs, and domestic duties.
Unlike cars with complex engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems, eBikes—especially high-quality European models—require far less maintenance. A car has over 30,000 individual parts; an eBike has fewer than a hundred moving components. Quality eBike motors from Bosch, Shimano, or Bafang are sealed, weather-resistant, and designed for thousands of kilometres of trouble-free riding. Annual servicing for a premium eBike usually costs $150–$300, compared to $800–$1,500 for standard car servicing, which often doesn’t include consumables like tyres, brakes, or fluids.
High-quality eBikes are valuable, but with the right security measures, they can be just as safe—if not safer—than a car parked on the street. Modern eBike owners protect their rides with a combination of Sold Secure Gold-rated U-locks or folding locks, heavy-duty frame locks, and alarm systems that respond to motion or tampering. Many premium eBikes now come with integrated GPS tracking (like Bosch ConnectModule or third-party AirTag mounts) and remote immobilisers, allowing you to monitor your bike from your smartphone. When parked at home, using a ground anchor in a shed or garage adds another layer of protection. In cities where bike theft exists, these smart, layered security setups have been shown to deter theft and reduce risk significantly—giving you peace of mind without the hefty cost of car insurance.
High-quality eBikes are valuable, but with the right security measures, they can be just as safe—if not safer—than a car parked on the street. Modern eBike owners protect their rides with a combination of Sold Secure Gold-rated U-locks or folding locks, heavy-duty frame locks, and alarm systems that respond to motion or tampering. Many premium eBikes now come with integrated GPS tracking (like Bosch ConnectModule or third-party AirTag mounts) and remote immobilisers, allowing you to monitor your bike from your smartphone. When parked at home, using a ground anchor in a shed or garage adds another layer of protection. In cities where bike theft exists, these smart, layered security setups have been shown to deter theft and reduce risk significantly—giving you peace of mind without the hefty cost of car insurance.