Electromobility as a Success Story – With Blind Spots
Whether e-bikes, e-scooters, sharing fleets, or electronic accessories such asnavigation devices and trackers: today’s mobility industry is unimaginablewithout batteries. They enable companies to offer new services and open up newmarkets.
What is often underestimated, however, is that batteries are not just technicalcomponents – they also entail regulatory responsibility. Every battery placedon the market triggers legal obligations, which many companies only becomeaware of when the situation has already become critical.
Why Batteries Become a Compliance Issue
In discussions with mobility companies, we frequently hear statements such as:
“We don’t manufacture batteries.”“That only applies to large manufacturers.”
“Our batteries are permanently installed – that doesn’t count.”
The reality is different. Producer responsibility begins with manufacturing and continueswhen a product is placed on the market. Anyone who sells or places a productwith a battery on the market is responsible for the entire life cycle of thatbattery. This includes correct labeling, take-back obligations, properdisposal, and recycling in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
This affects, among others:
- Manufacturers of e-bikes and cargo bikes
- Providers of e-scooters, sharing fleets, and sharing services
- Manufacturers of navigation devices, onboard computers, and trackers
- Providers of accessories with integrated batteries
The Overlooked Question: What Happens at End of Life?
While product development, market entry, and scaling are usually well planned, onequestion often remains unanswered:
What happens to the batteries when they are defective or no longer usable?
Without clearly defined processes, legal risks arise, along with additionalorganizational effort and uncertainty for end customers and partners.Especially for growing vehicle fleets or international markets, this issue canquickly become complex.
Why Now Is the Right Time to Address This
Regulatory requirements for batteries are increasing at both national and European levels.At the same time, public attention on sustainability, the circular economy, andproducer responsibility continues to grow.
Companies that establish structured processes early on and comply with legal obligationssuch as labeling, registration, take-back, and proper disposal of batteries:
- avoid fines and sales bans,
- reduce the burden on internal teams through clear processes,
- strengthen their market position and brand image through compliance and sustainability.
Unsure Whether Your Products Are Affected?
We support mobility companies in identifying their obligations early and fulfilling themin a structured way.
Get anon-binding assessment now to see whether action is required.
