On July 10, 2024, the so-called Right to Repair directive came into force. The aim of this guideline is to promote repairs and the reuse of defective electrical devices and thus reduce e-waste. In the coming years, the EU will require its member states to implement corresponding measures.
In the future, repairs should have priority over replacement purchases – even outside of the statutory warranty. This will result in profound changes, particularly for the e-bike industry.
From directive to implementation
Member States must have transposed this directive into national law by July 31, 2026. This means that retailers and manufacturers of e-bikes will soon be obliged to prioritize repairs more.
Key points of the guideline:
- A free repair must be offered within the warranty period, provided the costs are not higher than for a replacement product.
- Replacement deliveries are only permitted if they are cheaper than a repair.
- If the manufacturer is outside the EU, a European representative (e.g. importer or dealer) must provide a repair solution.
- Even outside the warranty period, the seller must point out the possibility of repairs.
- Online platforms are intended to make it easier for consumers to compare certified repair companies.
- Uniform quality standards at EU level are intended to ensure transparency and safety in the repair process.
This represents a cultural change for the bicycle industry, where repairs have always been common, but not for all electronic components.
Bicycle battery as a weak point and a challenge
E-bikes differ from classic bicycles primarily in their electrical components – especially the battery and motor. These components are considered particularly vulnerable and cost-intensive. From an economic perspective, dealers have often decided in favor of a replacement or recommended buying a new bike, especially after the warranty period has expired.
The new EU regulation calls this practice into question.
In the future, e-bike battery repairs, motors, controllers or displays will have to be viewed more closely with regard to repairability. The battery in particular is considered a key component: it determines the range, performance and safety of an e-bike and is also the component with the highest failure rate.
Responsibility shifts
With the entry into force of the directive, the responsibility for quick and environmentally friendly solutions is moving closer to the European market. Retailers can no longer rely on simply sending defective batteries back to Asian manufacturers or forcing them to purchase replacements. Instead, repair options must be available on site – with the appropriate expertise and capacity.
In recent years, some battery producers have already set up European service points to prepare for the upcoming requirements.
Nevertheless, a significant part of the market is dependent on specialized third-party providers in Europe who have the necessary know-how in dealing with lithium-ion batteries.
Sustainability in focus
The EU directive aims not only at more efficient repairs, but also at a profound change in the way we use resources. By repairing defective devices instead of disposing of them, their lifespan is significantly extended. This dramatically reduces the amount of so-called e-waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Extending the service life is particularly important for e-bike batteries, which contain a complex composition and raw materials such as lithium and cobalt. Every repair helps to reduce the need for new production and the associated extraction of scarce raw materials.
In addition, relocating repairs to Europe strengthens local value chains and reduces the environmental impact of long transport routes caused by returns to Asian manufacturers. This not only makes economic sense, but also ecologically.
Specialized repair partners as a link
Companies that specialize in repairing lithium batteries for small electric vehicles are playing an increasingly important role. They not only support retailers, but also manufacturers with recalls, recycling older models or rebuilding battery packs.
The advantage is obvious: repairs within Europe shorten transport routes, reduce costs and significantly speed up processing.
For retailers, this means better customer loyalty and 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 aims to reduce electronic waste and strengthen the circular economy. This means a fundamental change for the e-bike industry: away from the throwaway principle and towards a repair-friendly culture.
Batteries in particular are the focus because they are not only the most expensive, but also the most critical component. Dealers and manufacturers will be required to set up repair structures or enter into partnerships with specialized service providers in the coming years.
In the long term, the new legislation can help to increase trust in e-bike technology and make the European market more independent of global supply chains. For consumers it means more transparency and reliability, and for the industry new opportunities – provided the requirements are consistently implemented.
