"Our eBike systems allow people to get around with fewer emissions than with a car. It is also important to us to keep improving our eBike systems."
Claus Fleischer
CEO of Bosch eBike Systems
Sustainability at Bosch eBike Systems
Sources:
1 World Health Organization (2022): "Walking and cycling: latest evidence to support policy-making and practice", p. 1, URL (retrieved on May 30, 2024).
2 German Environment Agency (2023): "Welche Umwelttipps Sie bei Elektrofahrrädern beachten sollten" (Environmental tips to consider when using electric bikes), URL (retrieved on April 30, 2024).
Comparison of CO₂ emissions during use
The eBike is the lowest-emission motorized means of transportation
Perfect for the city
If you commute to work every day, cover short distances quickly, or spontaneously run an errand, the eBike is the ideal choice. During riding, it produces average CO₂ emissions of just 5 grams per passenger-mile (CO₂ g/p-mi) due to electricity consumption, whereas a car produces 266 g CO₂ g/p-mi.1
1 g/p-mi = grams per passenger-mile
The figure shows the following in ascending order: bicycle, eBike, long-distance rail, streetcar, light and subway rail, electric car, local bus services, cars (all drive systems), domestic aircraft.
Source: Own illustration based on German Environment Agency (2022): "Vergleich der durchschnittlichen Emissionen einzelner Verkehrsmittel des Linien- und Individualverkehrs im Personenverkehr in Deutschland 2022" (Comparison of average emissions from individual means of public and private passenger transportation in Germany in 2022), URL (retrieved on April 24, 2024). Our TÜV analysis, calculated using the German electricity mix, confirms the value for the eBike.
CO₂ 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. To make the climate impact of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances comparable, this is presented in CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.
Evaluating and saving
Reducing the carbon footprint
Carbon footprint of an eBike
Together with TÜV Rheinland, we calculated the average carbon footprint for an eBike with a Bosch system in 2022 and refined and updated it in 2024.3
The result: Over its entire life cycle – from production to recycling – an eBike generates around 580 lbs of CO₂.
1 CO₂ 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. To make the climate impact of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances comparable, this is presented in CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.
2 The carbon footprint of the eBike system shown here as an example is made up of the rounded footprint of the display (Kiox 300), the battery (PowerTube 500), and the drive unit (Performance Line CX). Based on a hybrid eBike with a mileage of 6,800 miles (11,000 km). The use phase was calculated on the basis of the German electricity mix. The calculation was carried out by TÜV Rheinland (as at April 2024).
3 Based on a touring eBike with a mileage of 6,800 miles (11,000 km).
The greatest savings potential
At 185 lbs of CO₂, 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%. The eBike battery offers the greatest savings potential within the system components as well as along the supply chain.
1 CO₂ 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. To make the climate impact of the various greenhouse gases and climate-relevant substances comparable, this is presented in CO₂ equivalents. For ease of reading, we use CO₂ synonymously with CO₂ equivalents.
2 The carbon footprint of the eBike system shown here as an example is made up of the rounded footprint of the net weights of the materials used in the display (Kiox 300), the battery (PowerTube 500), and the drive unit (Performance Line CX).
This is your contribution. With every ride.
The eBike Flow app automatically calculates your CO₂ savings compared to a car after every ride – you can find the value in your statistics.1
1 The emissions saved relate to the use phase. The calculation is based on the German Environment Agency's assumption (2022): Car = 266 g CO₂/p-mi, eBike = 5 g CO₂/p-mi
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-CO₂ plastic for the CompactTube 400. As a result, the emission factor is 64% lower than before. 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.
Transparency and trust
Responsibility in the supply chain
We track the journey 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 exert influence and make the supply chain more sustainable.
The diagram illustrates the complex supply chain of a battery cell in a very simplified form.
1 The list of raw materials is not based on quantity and is not intended 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 together with our cell suppliers.
Transparency in purchasing
The carbon footprint is an important decision-making criterion in our direct purchasing process. To evaluate our suppliers' climate protection measures, we ask them to publish their environmental data via CDP1. Suppliers that have a low CDP ranking and do not commit to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement through an SBTi voluntary commitment2 will be given a lower rating in the purchasing process. We also require a calculation of the carbon footprint for every part supplied. We support this process by providing training for our employees and suppliers.
1 By participating in the global system for the disclosure of environmental data provided by the non-profit organization CDP (formerly: Carbon Disclosure Project), we can record and assess the efforts of our direct suppliers to take climate protection measures.
2 The 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.
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 respect for human rights. We refer to these evaluations as quick scans. You can find more information in the Bosch Sustainability Report.1
1 Page 71 ff.
Reconditioning and recycling
Development of a circular economy
How your eBike battery is recycled
When you return your old eBike battery to the dealer, valuable raw materials can be reused. This reduces the environmental impact and the need for new raw materials through recycling.1
Source:
1 Own simplified illustration based on Gemeinsames Rücknahmesystem Servicegesellschaft GmbH (2023): "Nachhaltigkeit durch Rücknahme von Altbatterien aus E-Bikes und anderen elektrischen Kleinfahrzeugen steigern" (Increasing sustainability by taking back used batteries from eBikes and other small electric vehicles), presented at Eurobike 2023.
Your eBike battery does not belong in the household garbage!
If disposed of improperly, the batteries may become mixed with other flammable materials. This can damage the battery and lead to fire.
So where should I bring the battery at the end of its lifetime?
Find your nearest drop-off location at:
Example: GRS industry solution
In the processes used by the German GRS industry solution, almost 79% of the raw materials from a used eBike battery can be recovered and used for new products.1
Source:
1 Own illustration based on Gemeinsamen Rücknahmesystems Batterien (GRS), Deutschland: "Success Monitoring 2024 GRS eMobility".
Recycled material for the Performance Line CX and PowerTubes
For the production of the Performance Line CX (BDU384Y) as well as the PowerTube 600 and PowerTube 800, we use partially recycled material: 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 not use the black color coating in the future.
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 reservoir, the grease guide plate makes a significant contribution to the efficiency level and service life of the drive unit and has been 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 aluminum, consisting of approximately 38% recycled material, for the battery housing.
2 The reduction is achieved by reducing the wall thickness of the housing. The result is as follows: A reduction in the housing wall weight of 26% for the PowerTube 600 compared with the PowerTube 625 and a reduction of 37% for the PowerTube 800 compared with the PowerTube 750.
We avoid plastic packaging
Since September 2020, we have been delivering our drive units in more sustainable and easily recyclable molded fiber packaging instead of polystyrene. This ensures optimized packing density during transport and storage as well as CO₂ savings of approx. 45%. We have also able to dispense with the plastic overpack for our PowerTube batteries. This has produced CO₂ savings of approximately 20% for this packaging.
We support recycling solutions in 24 countries
In all sales countries where it is legally possible, we voluntarily assume responsibility for the 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.
We cooperate worldwide with partners for battery collection systems – through our regional companies, our service partners, or directly as Bosch eBike Systems.¹
Source:
1 Not intended to be exhaustive (as at June 2026)
2 Bosch's own solution for spare parts and service case batteries only
Have it professionally repaired
If your drive unit is defective, a specialized repair store can help your 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 has expired.
We give them access to product information, the Diagnostic Tool 3 and new or reconditioned spare parts. An important step is the calibration function in Diagnostic Tool 3. It enables the sensor system of a drive unit to be readjusted after a repair. This allows the motor to continue to run efficiently and reliably. This supports the reparability of our products and help to reduce the use of materials.
Replace your checked battery
As part of our contribution to the circular economy, we put new, unused batteries to a meaningful use. If batteries have a reduced capacity due to a longer storage period, we offer them to bicycle dealers or business partners as tested 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 life in an eBike, we are helping to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently.
We rely on remanufacturing
We have been remanufacturing used Bosch drive units since 2014: We check them, replace wearing parts, and rectify 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 saves resources as well as money: If your Bosch drive unit is defective and the warranty has expired, you can ask your dealer to install a reconditioned drive unit instead of a new one.
Certified by Bosch
Would you like a used eBike but are unsure whether it is in good condition? Certified by Bosch helps you to decide on a used eBike with a good feeling. The Bosch certificate digitally assesses the condition of the smart system in the eBike at the time the certificate is created.1 This allows you to detect possible system faults that are not visible from the outside in good time before purchasing and makes it easier to compare used eBikes.
1 You can find out whether your eBike is equipped with the smart system here in our Help Center . The certificate digitally shows the technical status of the smart system at the time of creation, not at the time of purchase.
Pre-Owned eBikes with a Bosch system
Product longevity is inherently sustainable. By choosing one with a Bosch system, rest easy knowing it’s built to last and can be serviced throughout its long life.
You, us, and the eBike battery
We are looking for solutions to make the eBike battery more sustainable. You can help by returning your used battery to your dealer so that it can be recycled. But until then, let's work together to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. We have a few tips for you in our eBike battery guide.
Sustainable mindset
Our sustainability team
Sustainability is a central component of our corporate strategy. In many areas of Bosch eBike Systems – from our business units to purchasing, logistics, and service – our sustainability coordinators ensure that we make progress. Since 2022, we have doubled the number of employees who advocate for sustainability in our company.
Whatever your plans are
Find your eBike
In the flow through the city
Whether stylish and compact or practical and flexible: With your eBike, you can glide through city traffic in a relaxed manner.
Awaken your desire for adventure
With your eBike, you can explore new routes, enjoy nature, and escape from everyday life.
