The e-bike industry is changing new EU directive

On July 10, 2024, the so -called Right to Repair Directive came into force. The aim of this guideline is to promote repairs and reuse of defective electrical devices and thus reduce e-water. In the coming years, the EU will oblige its member states to implement appropriate measures.
Repairs should have priority over replacement purchases in the future – even outside of the statutory guarantee. This results in profound changes in particular for the e-bike industry.

From the guideline to implementation

By July 31, 2026, the Member States must have implemented this guideline in national law. This means that retailers and manufacturers of e-bikes will soon be able to prioritize repairs more.

Key points of the guideline:

• A free repair must be offered within the warranty period, provided that the costs are not higher than for a replacement product.
• Replacement deliveries are only permitted if you are cheaper than a repair.
• If the manufacturer is outside the EU, a European representative (e.g. importer or dealer) must ensure a repair solution.
• Outside of the guarantee period, the seller must also point out the possibility of a repair.
• Online platforms are intended to facilitate consumers to compare certified repair companies.
• Uniform quality standards at EU level should guarantee transparency and security in the repair process.

For the bicycle industry, in which repairs have always been common, but not with all electronic components, this means a cultural change.

Bicycle battery as a weak point and challenge

E-bikes differ from classic bicycles primarily in their electrical components-especially battery and engine. These components are considered particularly susceptible and cost -intensive. From an economic point of view, dealers have so far frequently decided in favor of an exchange or recommended the purchase of a new bike, especially after the warranty period.

This practice is questioned with the new EU regulation.

In the future, e-bike battery repairs, engine, controller or display will have to be considered more with regard to repairability. The battery in particular is considered a key component: it determines range, performance and safety of an e-bike and is also the component with the highest failure rate.

Responsibility is shifted

With the entry into force of the directive, responsibility for fast and environmentally friendly solutions is taking closer to the European market. Dealers can no longer rely on simply sending defective batteries back to Asian manufacturers or forcing the replacement purchase. Instead, repair options must be available on site – with appropriate specialist knowledge and capacities.

In recent years, some battery producers have already set up European service points in order to be prepared for the upcoming requirements.

Nevertheless, a significant part of the market is dependent on specialized third-party providers in Europe that have the necessary know-how in dealing with lithium-ion batteries.

Sustainability in focus

The EU directive not only aims at more efficient repairs, but also on a profound change in dealing with resources. By repairing defective devices instead of disposal, your lifespan is significantly extended. This drastically reduces the amount of the so -called electronic waste, which would otherwise land on landfills.

In the case of e-bike batteries that contain complex composition and raw materials such as lithium and cobalt, the extension of the useful life is of great importance. Each repair helps to reduce the need for new products and the associated dismantling of scarce raw materials.

In addition, the relocation of repairs to Europe strengthens local value chains and reduces the environmental impact of long transport routes that arise when returning to Asian manufacturers. This is not only economically useful, but also ecological.

Specialized repair partners as a link

Companies that specialize in the repair of lithium batteries for small electric vehicles play an increasingly important role. They not only support dealers, but also manufacturers in recall campaigns, recycling of older models or the reconstruction of battery packs.

The advantage is obvious: repairs within Europe shorten transport routes, reduce costs and accelerate the processing significantly.

For dealers, this means better customer loyalty, for consumers a more reliable supply of functional spare parts. At the same time, the sustainability of the entire value chain is strengthened.

outlook

With the Right to Repair, the EU pursues the goal of reducing electronic waste and strengthening the circular economy. For the e-bike industry, this means a fundamental change: away from the disposable principle, towards a repair-friendly culture.

The focus is on batteries in particular, since they are not only the most expensive, but also the most critical component. Traders and manufacturers are required to build repair structures in the coming years or to enter into partnerships with specialized service providers.

In the long term, the new legislation can help strengthen trust in e-bike technology and to make the European market more independent of global supply chains. For consumers, it means more transparency and reliability, for the industry new opportunities – provided that the requirements are consistently implemented.