Electric treadmill: how much electricity it uses, what it costs in Chilean pesos and which to choose

An electric treadmill uses less power than its motor rating suggests. Although the models sold in Chile advertise motors of 1.5 to 3.5 HP, a manufacturer's measurements show the motor draws about 240 W when walking at 6 km/h and about 480 W when running at 12 km/h. With electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh, an hour of walking costs around CLP 61 and an hour of running about CLP 123.

For someone who runs one hour five times a week, the electricity bill rises by about CLP 2,451 a month. This guide explains how much a treadmill uses at each speed, what it costs per month with different routines, what motor horsepower really means and which models are sold in Chile, with prices checked at Falabella on 7 November 2026.

A treadmill's consumption is not fixed: it depends mainly on belt speed, the runner's weight, the incline and the condition of the belt and bearings. Australian maker Lifespan Fitness published the power three of its motors draw at different speeds. Its conventional EverDrive H7 uses 240 W at 6 km/h, 360 W at 9 km/h, 480 W at 12 km/h and 600 W at 15 km/h, according to its consumption analysis from February 2023.

The same company measured a brushless motor (EverDrive H7X) that uses 25% to 35% less: 155 W when walking and 450 W when running at 15 km/h. The peso figures in this guide are Energía Futura calculations using CGE's residential BT1 tariff in force since October 2026, CLP 255.27 per kWh, according to its tariff schedule. As of 7 November, CGE had not yet published its November schedule.

Power draw measured by Lifespan Fitness; Energía Futura calculations at CLP 255.27 per kWh. To convert watts to kWh, multiply power by hours of use and divide by 1,000: a treadmill drawing 480 W for one hour uses 0.48 kWh.

Chilean retailers list motor power in horsepower (HP). One HP equals 746 W, so a 2 HP motor has a rated power of about 1,492 W and a 3 HP motor about 2,238 W. If that figure were multiplied by hours of use, an hour with a 2 HP motor would cost CLP 381, more than three times what the measurements show for running at 12 km/h.

The gap exists because HP shows what the motor can deliver, not what it uses in a normal session. Some brands also quote peak power, which the motor reaches only for moments, while others quote continuous power, which it can sustain. The listing for the Ultimate Fitness E650 Elite 2.0, for example, separates its peak rating from 2 HP continuous. Lifespan warns that HP and wattage figures on spec sheets are not always accurate, which is why measured power is the better basis for estimating cost.

Energía Futura calculations with 1 HP = 746 W and CLP 255.27 per kWh. The theoretical cap assumes the motor runs at full power for the whole hour, which does not happen in home use. A bigger motor does not use more to run at the same speed: it works with more headroom and usually lasts longer.

Monthly cost depends on the routine. Someone who walks 30 minutes a day at 6 km/h adds up 15 hours a month, uses 3.6 kWh and pays about CLP 919. Running one hour five times a week at 12 km/h comes to 9.6 kWh and about CLP 2,451 a month. Even the most demanding case, running fast for an hour every day, stays at about CLP 4,595.

Energía Futura calculations using power measured by Lifespan Fitness and CLP 255.27 per kWh. Incline and a heavier user raise consumption; a well-lubricated belt lowers it.

For perspective: an average Chilean home uses about 180 kWh a month, as we calculated in how much electricity a home in Chile uses. The five-hours-a-week running routine is just over 5% of that. The price per kWh varies by municipality and distributor, as we showed in the price of a kWh in Chile, so the actual cost may vary by a few pesos.

These are the models listed in Falabella's treadmill search on 7 November 2026, with the motor power and top speed stated on each listing. Prices are sale prices where available. Entry-level treadmills, with 1.5 to 2 HP, reach 8 to 12 km/h; those above CLP 400,000 usually have 3 to 3.5 HP, automatic incline and top speeds of 16 to 20 km/h.

Source: listings and prices published by Falabella on 7 November 2026. Prices change with promotions. The interactive table includes 16 models and can be sorted by motor, speed or price.

For walking or easy jogging, a treadmill with 1.5 to 2 HP and 12 km/h is enough. For running several times a week, look for a 2.5 to 3 HP motor, a wider belt and a generous maximum user weight: entry models support 100 kg and professional ones 150 kg. Automatic incline lets you train uphill without running faster, although it raises consumption.

• Check the maximum weight: choosing one with 20 kg of margin over your weight extends motor life.
• Prefer continuous ratings: if the listing only gives peak power, the real motor is smaller.
• Look for brushless motors: in Lifespan's measurements they use 25% to 35% less.
• Unplug it after use: the display and electronics can stay on standby.
• Lubricate the belt as the manual says: friction makes the motor work harder.

A treadmill is not the appliance that weighs most on the electricity bill: at 12 km/h it draws about 480 W, less than a quarter of a 2,000 W electric kettle, although for longer. There are also motorless curved treadmills, driven by the runner, which need no plug, according to Lifespan.

Anyone looking to move on electricity outside the home can compare with the costs of an electric bike in Chile, whose full charge costs a few pesos. In both cases, what matters most for the budget is the price of the equipment, not the electricity.

How much electricity does a treadmill use per hour?

Between 0.24 and 0.6 kWh per hour depending on speed: about 240 W walking and about 480 W running at 12 km/h, according to Lifespan Fitness measurements.

How much does an hour on a treadmill cost in Chile?

About CLP 61 walking and about CLP 123 running at 12 km/h, with electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh.

How much does a treadmill add to the electricity bill?

Between CLP 900 and CLP 4,600 a month, depending on the routine. Running one hour five times a week adds about CLP 2,451.

What motor power do I need to run?

For running several times a week, a motor of 2.5 to 3 HP continuous is advisable. For walking, 1.5 to 2 HP is enough.

How much does an electric treadmill cost in Chile?

Falabella listed models from CLP 117,990 to CLP 899,990 on 7 November 2026, plus premium units above one million pesos.