Recycling Lithium batteries for electric bikes
After a certain number of uses, the battery in your electric bike is likely to lose its range and performance. This is normal, as E-Bike batteries have a certain lifespan after which they need to be changed. While some batteries can be reconditioned, this is not the case for all batteries. You can recycle your battery by taking it to a specialist.
What does a lithium battery for an electric bike contain?
A lithium e-bike battery contains:
cells
a BMS (Battery Management System): this is the “brain” of the battery. It prevents overcharging and deep discharge, balances the voltage between cells, and cuts off the current in case of overheating or short circuit.
a mount, a casing, and connectors, such as temperature sensors
The cells are the main components that get recycled, as they contain strategic materials like cobalt, nickel, or lithium. Recycling helps preserve these resources and reduces the human and environmental impact of mining and fossil resource extraction.
What does a lead-acid battery contain?
Lead-acid batteries are made up of electrodes made from a lead alloy (often with tin), immersed in a bath of sulfuric acid. Lead is a toxic metal, both for humans and the environment. Even though it is complex, recycling lead-acid batteries is therefore essential.
It is worth noting that the share of lead-acid e-bike batteries on the market today is very low. If you own an electric bike, your battery is most likely a lithium battery.
How do you recycle an electric bike battery?
In the case of lithium batteries no longer in use, some cells may be in excellent condition. We work with partners who specialise in battery recycling. The aim is to separate these cells in good condition from the others and reconstitute battery packs for electric bicycles.
To recycle your battery, nothing could be easier: simply bring your battery to our workshop in Villeurbanne. You can also take your battery to your bike dealer or to a recycling center near you.
Did you know? Your bike battery might not actually be dead! To find out, we carry out a diagnostic at Doctibike. If you live in Lyon or nearby, you can bring your battery directly to our workshop at 254 Rue Francis de Pressensé in Villeurbanne. Otherwise, contact us to send your battery for a diagnostic!
A benefit for the environment
Recycling your battery reduces the risk of pollution. Doctibike is seeking to adopt an eco-responsible approach by developing an alternative solution. Your used batteries will be sorted, processed and recycled by our team.
What happens to used batteries?
More than 150,000 batteries from light electric vehicles have been collected and recycled by our partner since 2018.
Each battery is first dismantled, then the dozens of cells that make it up are extracted and crushed to separate the main metals and alloys. These metals and alloys will be used to manufacture everyday objects or will be reused in the manufacture of new batteries.
