Electrical appliances can be taken to any recycling center. Small electrical appliances can also be returned to specialist retailers, provided that the sales area there is more than 400 m2. Before disposal, all removable batteries must be removed from the electrical appliance and taken to a battery collection system. Please note that personal data may be stored on displays, so delete this if necessary before disposal.

Cities face huge challenges in the 21st century. The world's population is growing, resources are dwindling, and our climate is changing. Solutions are required. E-mobility can make a significant contribution to sustainable city development and a liveable urban environment. Pedelecs in particular offer great opportunities. They help save resources as well as reducing emissions.  Pedelecs are an effective and efficient means of transport, particularly over short distances. People who ride eBikes get around faster, cheaper and with less environmental impact. Pedelecs have great potential in terms of transport policy, especially in urban areas. 

The bicycle is one of the most sustainable means of transport. With very low material input and vehicle weight, it enables flexible, emission-free, quiet and climate-friendly mobility. In addition, regular cycling is also good for your health.

The eBike is the next evolutionary step in cycling. It allows you to go on longer trips, cover longer distances and overcome greater differences in altitude. Overall, eBikes significantly expand the possibilities for use without significantly changing the characteristics and CO2 emissions in the production of the eBike compared to the bicycle. Even though more energy is required for the battery and drive than for a bicycle, especially in production, riders are increasingly using their electric bikes in everyday life, often replacing the car and other means of transport. In addition, users ride more frequently and cover significantly longer distances on their electric bikes. In addition, the energy required is very low, averaging around 11 Wh of power per ride mile. 

For Bosch, climate protection is an essential part of corporate responsibility. Since 2020, Bosch and its more than 400 locations worldwide have been climate-neutral. This also includes the Bosch eBike Systems business unit.
Sustainability also plays a central role at Bosch eBike Systems and is part of the corporate strategy. As early as the development stage of a product, we pay a great deal of attention to how it improves the quality of life for people and reduces environmental pollution, and also how it is possible to minimize use of resources. Design for Environment is an integral part of our product development process: As early as the concept phase, we work out how a new product can be designed to be more sustainable. Even at this early stage, the criteria considered cover the entire value chain, such as the selection of environmentally-friendly raw materials, the use of recycled materials, as well as energy-efficient manufacturing steps and the design of packaging using more sustainable alternatives.

Every time we develop a new product or enhance an existing one, we look at how we can reduce the impact of our products on the environment throughout their life cycle. A key factor here is achieving consistent material savings by developing and designing subsequent generations of our components to be ever smaller, more compact and lighter. By reducing the number of parts, we reduce the amount of material required: Fewer raw materials are needed and the effort required in development and production is significantly simplified. One example is the weight reduction of our drive units. For example, the Performance Line CX in the Bosch eBike System 2 achieved weight savings of approx. 25% compared to the predecessor model. By standardizing our products and limiting the number of variants and parts, we achieve scaling in the manufacturing processes, which leads to a reduction in the energy required per part. Further examples can be found in our packaging strategy. Since September 2020, our drives have been delivered to our customers in sustainable molded fiber packaging. In addition, after extensive safety testing, we were able to eliminate the use of plastic outer packaging for our PowerTube batteries, saving about a quarter of the CO2 emissions for this packaging.

Together with TÜV Rheinland Energy GmbH, we have calculated and evaluated the Product Carbon Footprint according to ISO 14067. Over the entire life cycle of an eBike (including all phases: from manufacturing, packaging, transport to use and recycling), the average carbon footprint is 661 lbs CO2e.

This means that the footprint of an eBike is roughly twice that of a conventional bicycle. This is an average value, and deviations may occur depending on the model. Over its entire life cycle, the eBike has a relative carbon footprint of about 24-40 g/mi, depending on the total mileage covered. If we consider the pure use phase and thus the emissions caused by electricity consumption, the average CO2 value is 3.2-8 g/mi, depending on the electricity mix.

Over the entire life cycle of an eBike (including all phases: from manufacturing, packaging, transport to use and recycling), the average carbon footprint is 661 lbs CO2e. This means that the footprint of an eBike is roughly twice that of a conventional bicycle. This is an average value, and deviations may occur depending on the model.
For an objective comparison, however, it is important to consider the fact that riders are increasingly using their electric bikes in everyday life and are thus often replacing the car or other means of transport here. In addition, users ride two to three times more frequently and cover significantly longer distances on their eBikes.

The average power consumption of an eBike with Bosch eBike system is about 11 Wh/mi. This value results from the R200 range test for eBikes with Bosch eBike system.

If we look at the CO2 emissions caused by the electricity consumption, the average CO2 value is 3.2-8 g/mi, depending on the electricity mix. If green electricity is used for charging, an eBike use even completely eliminates CO2 emissions. Compared with this, the CO2 emissions are around 240 g CO2/person mile (PMT) for a car and between 48 and 128 g/PMT for public transportation.

Bosch eBike Systems does not source raw materials such as lithium, but buys them as part of the cells from lithium-ion cell suppliers. A key pillar of sustainability activities in the eBike sector is a transparent supply chain that enables comprehensive tracing of so-called critical raw materials. For example, comprehensive information on the supply chain is requested from our cell suppliers and traced back to raw material procurement. In general, our suppliers must meet strict requirements based on the principles of the UN Global Compact, the core labor standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO), and Bosch standards that in some cases go beyond these.

Bosch eBike batteries use cylindrical lithium-ion cells. The cell technology is quite comparable to the cells installed in some electric cars. About 5000-8000 cylindrical cells are used per electric car, compared with just 40 to 60 for common eBike batteries. One electric car therefore corresponds to an average of about 130 eBikes in terms of cell quantity.

The first priority for our products is a safe design, and this also applies to our batteries. High quality and safety standards enable robustness and durability. Optimally adapted cell specifications and lifetime-optimizing electronics contribute to maximizing the service life and energy throughput of the battery and thus to the most sustainable use of the battery materials. The distance covered by a Bosch eBike battery during its service life can even be up to 37,282 mi with appropriate use and treatment. In order to keep the ecological impact of the batteries low, we try to keep the proportion of so-called critical raw materials in the cells as low as possible in the development of the products, while at the same time increasing the proportion of recycled materials and complying with safety requirements. For example, the cobalt content in the cathode of battery cells has already been reduced by 65% since 2013. Furthermore, with the support of our cell suppliers, we ensure that we can track the entire supply chain to ensure more socially responsible raw material extraction.

As a division of Bosch, Bosch eBike Systems is integrated into the plant network of the overall company. The components of our eBike systems are developed at the Bosch eBike Systems headquarters in Reutlingen, Germany. Production and consolidation of the drives take place at the Bosch plant in Miskolc, Hungary. Production and consolidation of the batteries also mostly take place at the Bosch plant in Miskolc, Hungary, with some work also taking place in Penang, Malaysia.

The use of materials with recycled content is considered in every development project and is critically examined, particularly with regard to product requirements and safety standards; we will continue to drive this forward in the future. As of today, the share of recycled materials in eBike components is still low. The material mix in our products is designed for the specific application and thus optimized to meet high requirements in terms of reliability and reproducibility. In the case of packaging materials also, we examine how the material mix can be designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The aim is to reduce the use of disposable packaging and to continuously increase the use of sustainable packaging materials and reusable packaging, for example. One example can be found in our packaging strategy. Since September 2020, our drives have been delivered to our customers in molded fiber packaging.

The legal basis for recycling is regulated nationally. The battery manufacturer is responsible for recycling. However, as soon as the eBike crosses a national border as a product, the importer automatically becomes the manufacturer. In countries outside Germany, this is the bicycle manufacturer or bicycle retailer. Because of this national perspective, Bosch eBike Systems in Germany provides a direct solution for recycling. In all other markets in which we are active, e.g. the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, we provide our customers with the best possible support in this respect and promote country-wide industry solutions if these do not yet exist in some regions at present.

Batteries must be properly disposed when they reach end of life. Materials recovered from recycled batteries, such as aluminum, copper, cobalt and nickel, are used in the manufacturing of new products. Bosch urges eBike riders to take batteries to the nearest approved collection site, a qualified dealer for recycling or local hazardous waste disposal facility.
If a rechargeable battery is defect: Warning: Direct contact with battery electrolyte may cause skin irritation.
Damaged or defective eBike batteries should be taken to the nearest approved collection site, a qualified dealer or local hazardous waste disposal facility for safe disposal. When not in use,damaged or defective batteries are best stored in a safe, outdoor location with their connection contacts taped.

Overall, an eBike has an average carbon footprint of 661 lbs CO2e. Around 265 lbs CO2e of this is attributable to the Bosch eBike system.
The emissions for the eBike system have already been amortized after 497 miles if the eBike is used instead of the car, and the emissions for the entire eBike are amortized after 1,243 miles.
These figures are average values. Depending on the model, there may be deviations.

The lithium-ion cells used in Bosch eBike batteries are state-of-the-art. Currently, cobalt is still required. Cobalt is responsible for high energy density in battery cells and thus improves the performance of the battery. Together with our suppliers, we are working to further develop the technology of battery cells in order to continuously reduce the proportion of critical raw materials such as cobalt in the eBike batteries. The cobalt content in the cathode has already been reduced by 65% since 2013.

Retrofit and repair capability are key issues in the context of sustainable product development and thus an important part of our sustainability strategy.
Maintenance work and minor repairs to the drive unit can be carried out by bike dealers. This includes, for example, the use of a drive unit repair kit, regreasing or the replacement or retrofitting of bearing protection rings. If a larger defect is established, the motor will be collected from the dealer by Bosch. With some fault patterns, the drive units undergo a remanufacturing process in a service case. This means that drive systems that qualify for this after appropriate testing are reconditioned. After an "end-of-line" test, they are made available to the customer again with full functionality.
However, we also always consider repair concepts in the context of product safety. For Bosch eBike Systems, the safety and reliability of the products come first. Consequently, in the event of a damaged product, repair may not be reasonably feasible in this regard. In such cases, complete replacement of the product is required. Bosch is committed to finding the best possible solution so that riders can get on their bikes again quickly and enjoy them for a long time.

For safety reasons, defective, old or "exhausted" batteries cannot be repaired or refreshed. Lithium-ion batteries are complex, finely tuned systems with a high energy content. In the event of a repair, correct functioning and optimum interaction with the battery management system can no longer be guaranteed. In addition, the tightness of the housing cannot be ensured when the battery is reassembled. For safety reasons, rechargeable batteries must pass extensive series tests in accordance with national and international legislation and normative requirements before they can be placed on the market. These series tests are not feasible for a single repaired battery due to the prescribed number of test samples. This includes, for example, housing tightness testing, as well as overcharging and short-circuit tests. If these tests are not performed, there is a high risk that moisture can enter the battery, for example. In the worst case, this can cause a short circuit and thus creates a hazard. All this can have safety-relevant consequences. For safety reasons, Bosch therefore strongly advises against having repairs carried out.

In general, Bosch eBike Systems aims for a spare parts availability of at least 6 years after the products were last delivered to the eBike manufacturer. In individual cases, however, we may not be able to meet this target if, for example, our suppliers can no longer provide individual components. If necessary, we suggest alternative components, e.g. upgrades.

Some providers claim they can recondition batteries. Bosch strongly advises against this because the safety and optimum interaction with the battery management system cannot be guaranteed in this case. In addition, there is a safety risk and opening or modifying the battery may void any warranty or guarantee claims.

Bosch eBike Systems is in contact with many recycling companies and supports new and sustainable recycling methods. The efficiency of recovery depends on the recycling process. Recycling efficiencies of up to over 90% are possible with new recycling processes.

For disposal of your old or defective eBike battery please contact your local recycling centre.

Please note that you should not touch severely damaged batteries with your bare hands, as electrolyte can leak out and cause skin irritation. Please store them in a safe place outdoors with the contacts taped off and take them to an approved bicycle retailer for proper disposal as soon as possible.

Our batteries are specially designed and certified for use on eBikes. We cannot guarantee reliable operation in other areas of application.
Therefore, we expressly discourage second use and consider the proper return of defective or used lithium-ion batteries for recycling as the best method. New recycling processes largely recover valuable raw materials so that they can be used for the production of new cells. In addition, the recycling processes are considered to be environmentally friendly and contribute positively to the carbon footprint through the recovery of raw materials.