Sustainable mobility with the eBike

According to the European Comission road transport accounts for about one quarter of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore we can justify that if we use the eBike instead of other motorised vehicles, especially for personal use in cities, this value can be reduced. eBikes cause neither noise nor exhaust fumes and require little space.

But switching to an eBike is just one of many steps towards more mindful and responsible mobility. For Bosch eBike Systems, the journey begins much earlier:

We see sustainability as the balance between the economic, ecological and social dimensions of our business activities as part of responsible corporate governance.
Being responsible means acting in a way that considers the long-term impacts on the environment, society, and future generations.
We use ‘CO₂ equivalents’ to represent our total climate impact. This includes not only CO₂ but all other relevant greenhouse gases and other climate-relevant substances, allowing for a clear comparison.

On this page we show you how we are continuously working to improve our product lifecycle - for a more positive impact on our economy, our environment and our society.

A woman is standing with her eBike at an intersection, looking to the right. In the background, there are some cars and traffic lights visible.

With an eBike, you can relieve traffic congestion and often travel faster than cars – depending on the cycling route and traffic conditions¹.

A woman and a child, both wearing bicycle helmets, ride a bright Cargo eBike through a park with autumn trees and modern white buildings in the background.

Your eBike takes up less space than many other means of transportation. This frees up space that could then be transformed into new living space.

A person is riding a gray e-bike, wearing a black helmet and a black backpack. They are on a street next to a modern building with wood paneling. In the background, you can see trees and a blue bus.

Using an eBike for your travel is good for your health and keeps you fit¹.

More information

Sources:

¹ Gruber, Johannes / Narayanan, Santhanakrishnan (2019): "Travel Time Differences between Cargo Cycles and Cars in Commercial Transport Operations", URL (accessed on 12/01/2025)

Perfect for the city

According to the World Health Organisation, cycling is a response to issues and challenges of our time such as resource scarcity, climate change or urbanisation.

Let's look at the graph showing German transport data: If you only consider the time spent on the road with your eBike, the power consumption results in an average CO2 emissions value of around 3 g/km, depending on the power mix. In comparison, according to the Federal Environment Agency , a car emits about 166 g CO2/passenger kilometre (pkm)¹, while public transport emits between 31 and 93 g CO2/pkm. The graph shows that compared to all other motorized means of transport, eBikes are significantly lower in emissions.

Chart details and sources

¹ A passenger kilometre is a unit of measurement that quantifies the total distance travelled by all passengers. One passenger kilometre represents the transport of one passenger over a distance of one kilometre. Pkm = no. of passengers x km travelled

The figure shows the following in ascending order: bicycle, eBike, long-distance rail transport, tram and urban and underground railway, electric car, public transport bus, car (all drives), domestic aircraft.

Source: Own representation based on Federal Environment Agency figures: “Comparison of the average emissions of individual means of regular and private passenger transport in Germany in 2023”, URL (accessed on 24/4/2024). Our TÜV analysis, calculated using the German electricity mix, confirms the eBike value.

CO₂ equivalents indicate the climate impact of the different greenhouse gases. We have considered the effects of CO₂ as well as other greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, insofar as these are relevant to the analysis. In order to compare the impact on the climate of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, they are shown as CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.

Shaping a desirable future is a shared responsibility. As part of the Bosch Group, we have a common goal: We intend our products to contribute to a more desirable future in which people are mobile in a considerate, flexible way, with greater riding enjoyment.

At Bosch eBike Systems, we are particularly committed to three strategic pillars:

We measure emissions and identify potential savings for CO₂ reduction measures.

We enhance transparency and work with our suppliers to find solutions.

We focus on the durability of our products and work on recycling and reprocessing solutions.

Footprint of an eBike¹

Together with TÜV Rheinland, we calculated the average footprint of an eBike with a Bosch system in 2022 and then refined and updated it in 2024.²

The result: Based on the data from TÜV Rheinland, over its entire life cycle - from production to recycling - an eBike generates a CO₂ equivalent of approximately 263kg. Around 79% of these emissions are produced by materials and manufacturing, around 13% during actual use of the eBike, and the remaining 8% or so during transport, packaging and recycling.

Chart details

¹CO₂ equivalents indicate the climate impact of the various greenhouse gases. We have considered the effects of CO₂ as well as other greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, insofar as these are relevant to the analysis. In order to compare the impact on the climate of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances, they are shown as CO₂ equivalents. For the ease of reading in this graphic we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.

²The footprint of the eBike system shown here as an example is made up of the rounded footprint of the display (Kiox 300), battery (PowerTube 500) and drive unit (Performance Line CX). The basis is a Trekking eBike with a mileage of 11,000km. The use phase was calculated on the basis of the German electricity mix. The calculation was carried out by TÜV Rheinland (as of April 2024).

The biggest potential savings

At 84kg of CO₂ equivalents, the eBike system generates around 32% of the total footprint of an eBike. The eBike battery accounts for the largest share of this at just over 50%. Using this data, we are working to identify areas where emissions can be reduced, which will then influence the design of future products.

Chart details

The footprint of the eBike system shown here as an example is made up of the rounded footprint of the display (Kiox 300), battery (PowerTube 500) and drive unit (Performance Line CX). The basis is a Trekking eBike with a mileage of 11,000km. The use phase was calculated on the basis of the German electricity mix. The calculation was carried out by TÜV Rheinland (as of April 2024).

Unrestricted Smartphone with open route and Navigation in the eBike Flow App.

Clipped smartphone showing an open route and navigation in the eBike Flow app with highlighted CO2 savings.

That’s your contribution. With every ride.

When riding your eBike the eBike Flow app automatically calculates your CO₂ savings (during use) compared to a car after every ride.¹

Find out more

More information

¹The emissions saved relate to the use phase. The calculation is based on the Federal Environment Agency’s assumptions (2022): Car = 166 g CO₂/pkm, eBike = 3 g CO₂/pkm

Bosch eBike battery (CompactTube 400) with gray print.

We have reduced the emissions of the battery cell holder

The cell holder is the largest plastic part in our PowerTubes. We have used a low-emission plastic for the CompactTube 400. As a result, the emission factor is 64% lower than previously. The new plastic also has a lower density, which means that less material is required. We will use this plastic for the cell holders of future PowerTubes.

Bird's eye view of a square with several stacked containers and a truck driving with one of these containers.

Transparency in purchasing

The CO₂ footprint is an important decision-making criterion in our direct purchasing process. To record and assess our direct suppliers’ climate protection measures, we ask them to publish their environmental data via CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)¹. Suppliers that have a lower ranking on the CDP and do not commit to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement through an SBTi voluntary agreement² are rated lower in the purchasing process. We also require a calculation of the CO₂ footprint for every part supplied. We support this process by providing the training for our employees and suppliers.

More information

¹ By participating in the global system for the disclosure of environmental data provided by the non-profit organisation CDP (previously: Carbon Disclosure Project), we can record and assess the efforts of our direct suppliers to take climate protection measures.

²The SBTi voluntary commitment allows companies to set science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through this voluntary commitment, companies demonstrate their willingness to actively contribute to climate protection and align their business practices with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Shot of a warehouse with high shelves and packages, in the distance you can see two people long walking a path between two shelves.

We conduct on-site inspections of our suppliers

When we visit our direct suppliers, we take a close look on-site. We evaluate our partners at regular intervals on the basis of sustainability criteria ranging from environmental protection measures and occupational safety to compliance with human rights. We refer to these evaluations as quick scans. Further information is contained in the Bosch Sustainability Report.¹

More information

¹Page 71 ff.

We know the history of our battery cells

The battery is responsible for the largest share of CO₂ in our eBike system. We obtain the battery cells from suppliers. We have succeeded in tracing the complex supply chain back to the raw material. This allows us to positively influence the sustainability of our supply chain.

This diagram illustrates the complex supply chain of a battery cell in highly simplified form.

Graphical representation of the supply chain with explanations: "Mines: raw materials such as Cobalt, lithium, Nickel, manganese, graphite or sicily are extracted in different mines.", "Smelters and refineries: The respective raw materials are processed in various smelters and refineries.", "Intermediate/precursor: A precursor of the later cell is produced from the processed raw materials.", "Final assembly of the cell: In the final assembly of our direct supplier, the cell is assembled from the individual raw materials, the cell pre-products, as well as other components - i.e. "assembled".", "Final assembly of the battery: We receive the finished cell from our supplier and install it in the eBike battery.". Underneath is a banner that reads "We are continuously working to increase transparency in the supply chain."

Graphical representation of the supply chain with explanations: "Mines: Raw materials such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, manganese, graphite, or silicon are extracted from various mines.", "Smelters and refineries: The respective raw materials are processed in different smelting plants and refineries.", "Intermediate/Precursor: A precursor for the later cell is produced from the processed raw materials.", "Final assembly of the cell: During final assembly by our direct suppliers, the cell is put together from the individual raw materials, cell precursors, and additional components—that is, assembled.", "Final assembly of the battery: We receive the finished cell from our supplier and install it in the eBike battery." Below, a banner states: "We are continuously working to increase transparency in the supply chain."

Chart details

¹The list of raw materials does not correspond to the quantity shares and does not claim to be exhaustive.

² In addition to raw materials from mines, other components such as plastics can also be processed.

Source: Supply chain analysis carried out jointly with our cell suppliers.

Graphic explaining the battery recycling: Depiction of a woman holding a battery in her hand. Next to it, there are 4 dots in order: a shop icon with the text "Drop off at the specialist dealer/retailer", a truck with the text "Pick-up and transport via local take-back system", a factory with the lettering "Separation and processing of materials" and a triangle consisting of arrows with the lettering "reusing of products".

Recycling of an eBike battery

By recycling properly, you can help to ensure that valuable raw materials can be returned to the material cycle.¹

Note: The recycling systems are regulated differently depending on the country. Please contact your specialist dealer for support.

More information

¹ Simplified representation based on Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Servicegesellschaft GmbH (2023): “Increasing sustainability by taking back used batteries from eBikes and other small electric vehicles”, presented at Eurobike 2023.

Efficiency of recycling an eBike battery
Example: GRS Germany take-back system, 2024

Around 79% of the raw materials of a used eBike battery were recovered in the GRS take-back system in Germany in 2024 and reused for new products. Exactly how much can be recycled depends on the battery type, the cell chemistry, the recycling process and the respective country.

Chart details

Source:

¹Own representation based on Gemeinsamen Rücknahmesystems Batterien (GRS), Deutschland: "Success Monitoring 2024 GRS eMobility".

Close-up of Performance Line CX on an eBike.

Two batteries lie next to each other on a gray floor.

Recycled material for the Performance Line CX and PowerTubes

We use partially recycled material to produce the Performance Line CX (BDU384Y) as well as the PowerTube 600 and the PowerTube 800: for the first time in the largest plastic part of the drive unit as well as in the battery mount and the battery housing.¹

In addition, we have reduced the amount of material used for the batteries² and decided to do without the black colour coating.

More details

¹ Primary plastics and metals were used for previous drive units and batteries. Recycled material is now specifically used in the grease guide plate of the drive unit, in the protective cap of the battery mount system and in the battery housing. By providing the grease reserve, the grease guide plate makes a significant contribution to the efficiency level and service life of the drive unit and was produced for the first time with a plastic that consists of approximately 50% recycled material. We use recycled polypropylene for the protective cap of the battery mount system, while we use aluminium, consisting of approximately 38% recycled material, for the battery housing.

²The reduction is achieved by reducing the wall thickness of the housing. This produces the following result: when comparing PowerTube 600 with PowerTube 625, the housing wall is 26% lighter, and 37% lighter when comparing PowerTube 800 with PowerTube 750.

Close-up of a drive unit without housing.

We avoid plastic packaging

Since September 2020, we have been delivering our drive units in fibre-based packaging instead of polystyrene. This ensures optimised packing density during transport and storage as well as CO₂ savings of approx. 45%. We have also succeeded in dispensing with the plastic outer packaging for our PowerTube batteries. We thereby save approx. 20% of CO₂ emissions for this packaging.

We support recycling solutions in 24 countries

In all sales countries where it is legally possible, Bosch eBike Systems voluntarily assumes responsibility for recycling obligations through local service partners. In countries where recycling solutions are not yet available or existing recycling solutions are inadequate, we work closely with partners, promote pilot projects and support the development of industry solutions. We already support battery collection systems in 24 countries.

Infographic showing Bosch eBike Systems' global recycling partners. Three maps—Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region—highlight the countries and partner organizations involved in battery recycling.

Infographic showing Bosch eBike Systems' global recycling partners. Three maps for Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region highlight the countries and partner organizations involved in battery recycling.

Chart details

We co-operate with partners for battery collection systems worldwide via our regional companies, our service partners or directly as Bosch eBike Systems.¹

Source:

¹No claim to completeness (status: June 2026)

² Bosch’s own solution exclusively for spare parts and service-case batteries

A woman in a bicycle repair shop, holding an eBike drive unit in her hand while talking on the phone.

Professional repairs

If your drive unit becomes defective, a specialised repair shop can assist your eBike dealer with the repair. In order to extend the product life of our components, we support professional repair companies in repairing components even after the warranty period.

We allow them access to product information, the DiagnosticTool 3 and new or reconditioned spare parts. The calibration function in DiagnosticTool 3 is an important step. It enables the sensor system of a drive unit to be readjusted after a repair. This ensures the motor continues to run efficiently and reliably. This is how we support the reparability of our products and help to reduce the use of materials.

A man packs several Bosch eBike batteries.

Exchange your battery for a certified replacement

As part of our contribution to the circular economy, we put new, unused batteries to meaningful use. If batteries have a reduced capacity due to long storage, we offer them to bicycle dealers or business partners as certified spare parts.

Each of these batteries is carefully tested by us and has to meet the same high safety standards as a new product. By giving these fully functional components a new lease of life in the eBike, we are helping to reduce waste and utilise resources more efficiently.

Close-up of a machine in eBike production.

We rely on remanufacturing

We have been remanufacturing used Bosch drive units since 2014: We check them, replace the wearing parts and remedy any defects. Our final inspection is carried out with the same degree of care as with new products. The quality must meet the same high standards.

This conserves resources and spares your wallet: If your Bosch Drive Unit is defective and the warranty has expired, you can ask your dealer whether they will install a remanufactured Drive Unit instead of a new one.

Certified by Bosch

You’d like a pre-owned eBike but are unsure whether it is in good condition? Certified by Bosch gives you peace of mind when choosing a pre-owned eBike. The Bosch certificate digitally assesses the condition of the smart system in the eBike at the time the certificate is created.¹ Allowing you to detect any system faults that may not be visible from the outside in good time before buying and compare used eBikes more easily.

More information

¹You can find out whether or not your eBike is equipped with the smart system here via our Help Center. The certificate provides a digital representation of the technical condition of the smart system at the time of creation, not at the time of purchase.

A woman wearing a Bosch shirt holds a PowerTube in her hand. At the same time, she is on the phone. In the background, you can see a workshop environment.

Do you have questions about eBike batteries?

We will familiarise you with the basics and show you how a battery works. We also explain how to charge, store and care for it correctly. If you follow a few tips regarding your battery, you will be safer on the road and will be able to rely on it for many years.

Find out more

Sustainability is a central component of our corporate strategy. In many areas of Bosch eBike Systems, our sustainability coordinators ensure that we make progress – from the Bosch eBike product teams up to and including our Purchasing, Logistics, and Service.