Environmental Impact of E-Scooters: A Circular Economy Approach

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of electric scooters, contrasting them with traditional carbon-based transportation methods. It highlights the challenges posed by lithium batteries and other components, emphasizing the need for a circular economy approach to mitigate environmental degradation. The report delves into the design and manufacturing differences among various e-scooter models, focusing on component recyclability and proposing innovative solutions for battery and motor design. It examines the life cycle assessment of e-scooters, advocating for the adoption of the circular economy model to reduce production costs and minimize environmental harm. The report includes a case study, comparative analysis, and detailed discussions on recycling scenarios, with a focus on electric components. The study concludes with a cost-benefit analysis of re-engineering e-scooter production, aiming for sustainability and environmental balance.

Abstract
There has been a tectonic shift in the transport industry as more electrical scooters have surfaced
in our roads to replace the conventional carbon-based methods(Larminie & Lowry, 2012). Air
pollution has been greatly reduced since the introduction of these machines due to zero carbon
footprint but a new environmental pollutant in the name of lithium which is a major component
in the circuitry of the electrical scooters has caused a major negative impact on environment.
(Cherry, Weinert, & Xinmiao, 2009). Such elements are a great environmental hazard especially
in the traditional linear based economy where disposition ends the cycle(Platt et al., 2014).
This report tries to bring out the balance in the environment and different types of the electric
scooters. This report further explains how the traditional manufacturing design can be re-
engineered to settle this balance in the environment and life cycle of the electric scooters. Our
company is used as a case study for the discussions hereafter. The electrical scooter will be used
as case study to compare their environmental impact analysis with their carbon powered
counterparts. This will provide a balance between the cost of production and the environmental
impact.
The report summarises the case study of some some known scooter manufacturers presents the
definitions and description which have been taken into account to ensure low cost production of
e-scooters, most of which uses the circular economy which tries to dismantle the conventional
process of the linear economy in scooter management.
The middle part of the report explains different scenarios used in recycling scooter parts, After
conducting a qualitative analysis bearing in mind the hygiene of the materials, several scenarios

of recycling are hereinafter proposed (Weinert, Ma, & Cherry, 2007). The proposal majorly deals
with electric components of the scooter which is a very peculiar feature of the electric scooter
and perhaps the major cause of environmental pollution if not well disposed of (Khateeb, Farid,
Selman, & Al-Hallaj, 2004). This component is made up of majorly an electric motor and
lithium-based battery package. Lastly, the report is an analysis of the traditional life cycle of a
scooter and compare it to the environmental impact analysis of the proposed hereafter different
scenarios and the cost-benefit analysis of the re-engineering using the circular economy model of
production(Chou & Hsiao, 2005b).
Introduction
(Lipson & Kurman, 2016) in their article inferred that several CEOs won’t make any U-turn until
they are satisfied that most road automobiles are electric. The quote underwent restate by Tesla
Motor’s CEO, which is known for mass design and production of electric vehicles (Colella,
2000), Despite standing with the previous quote, the truth is the future seems not bright with
more production of this electrical monsters. In the face value, the electrical scooter is seen as a
greener approach of commuting since it reduces your carbon footprint, but in reality, some of its
components are known environmental pollutants especially the lithium which is a major
component of its battery circuitry (Tso & Chang, 2003). Conrad Luttrop once EcoDesign main
goal s to provide a sustainable approach of design and production of various products. Putting
this words into perspective, it is clear that there is no solution considered easy nor is there an
easy answer to environmental pollutions. The report tries to bring out the benefits of employing
the circular economy in the production life cycle contrary to the traditional linear economy with
an aim of recycling various scooter components to reduce environmental degradation(Chou &
Hsiao, 2005a).

Electrical Scooter: Parts
According to the Navigant Research Leaderboard report [9], on matters electric scooter, it is
evident that Europe’s market share is 2%. What is conspicuous as outlined the report is that Asia
Pacific and Western Europe are the giant market share holder. The report further highlight that
the Asia Pacific market share stands at 99% of the global sales. The only challenge to be able to
operate in the Asian market is come up with scooter which are competitive (Weinert et al., 2007)
The second upcoming market is the Western Europe. For one to succeed in the European market,
the electric scooter must have more functionalities and more reliable in matters performance. The
green nature of the electric scooter play a vital role in the European market hence the scooter
must be a low environmental pollutant emitting less noise (Tso & Chang, 2003). The figure 2.0
below a snapshot of the figures of the manufacturing report for various global markets.
Figure 1 Scooter Manufacturers Market Share
The design differences in the various manufacturers is as shown in the figure 3.0 below,

Figure 2 Manufacture Design Differences
Some differences also exist in other components such as the technology used in braking
technology, the energy recovery models, the distance range it can cover, etc. Generally such
specifications differ from manufacture to manufacture,(Weiss, Dekker, Moro, Scholz, & Patel,
2015). The only peculiar differences are in the electricity circuitry part especially the battery.
Those who use lead battery ensure the price is lower but less performance is achieved. The aim
of the report is to give advice on the best case scenario for low cost production with less
environmental degradation, the European market is the most preferred design to be implemented.
(Chan, Pun, & Selden, 2013) This technology give more attention to competitiveness of the
technology other than price. To give a clear picture of the various performance and cost analysis
between the European models and the conventional models, the following figure illustrate the
comparison in details.

Components and Design Differences
This part of the report defines in details the electric scooter in terms of the mechanical system
and various components. This part is important for the critical analysis of various compositions
that can be recycled as proposed the life cycle assessment report. It worth to illustrate the
fundamental components of an electric scooter bearing in mind how the circular economy model
can be applied to reduce the cost of its manufacturing (Khateeb et al., 2004).The functional
components are put in four based on whether it part of the electrical and electronic, the motion,
the structure and or the powertrain. In close look, the various groups are linked and without one
the other can’t move the scooter effectively. The electrical and electronic arrangement
component entails the electrical system, the power stock which in record cases is a lead or
lithium the battery. The main use of the electrical system is to manage the electrical devices e.g
as the indicators LED turn lights, beeping horn sound, the lighting system, etc. The motion
system mainly deals with the kinetic energy applied in steering the system, the wheel motion,
suspension and the system used to apply a brake, the transmission, and their various subsystems.
The structural system includes but not limited to all the structural components that enhances the
solidity of the scooter as a reliable mean of transport. The fundamental parts include polymeric
parts of the body, the framing of the steel, the chassis ad the comfortable seat. The pictorial of
the parts is illustrated below.

The functional summary of the above parts is as shown in the figure below
Figure 3 Summary of E-Scooter components
The last component represents the powertrain thermal component. It the component which take
power supply to motion group. Its subcomponents are the engine, tank, and silencer. From the
research, the report proposes some changes in some of the various components to enhance low
productivity while minimizing the environmental degradation by encompassing components that
could be recycled and benefit from the circular economy model(Reddy et al., 2010).
Innovative Components Proposed: Lithium Based Battery
The very first battery based on the metals Lithium-ion was sold by Sony in the early 1990s.
Years on, this technology has been advanced thanks to the advancements in technology, this
technology is briefly described in the subsequent paragraphs. Reference is made to the Dingguo
ad Xia works (Reddy et al., 2010). The battery is described in the following subheadings,
 The electrochemical process
 Components
 Performance and its comparison.
The electrochemical circuit diagram below summarizes the process as shown in figure 5.0 below

Figure 4 Li-Ion Electrochemical circuit diagram
The main player in the electrochemical processes is the three components name; the cathode, the
anode, electrolyte. During utility time of the battery, Li+ , transports current from the negative
section of electrode to electrolyte and the separator. Li-ions are made to change course and go
opposite direction of the positive terminal of the electrode when some external electric source is
applied. Discharge occurs when the electrode becomes oxidizes and this leads to a reduction in
the number of negative electrodes (Zhang, Xu, & Jow, 2003). The opposite is true during the
charge period. Graphite is the material of choice in the anode since it has a good conductivity of
electrodes. The cathode should be made of a material that has high energy efficiency ratio, high
capacity to store lithium, good cyclability. Some manufacturers have opted for LiCoO2 (Layered
Oxide), LiFePO4(Polyanion) and LiMnO2 (Spinel) (Taberna, Mitra, Poizot, Simon, & Tarascon,
2006). The following table shows the pros and cons of the different technologies
Material Pro Cons
LiCoO2  Making is easy
 Higher capacity of
over 140 mAh g-1
 Relatively Expensive
 Poses Ecological
hazard

LiMnO2  Relatively Lower
volume under 120
mAh g-1
 Higher temperatures
lead to storage lose
 Relatively
Environmental
friendly
 Relatively cheap
LiFePO4  Relatively Lower
conductivity
 Higher capacity 170
mAh g-1
 Nontoxic
 Stable temperature
 relatively cheap
 Relatively higher
accessibility of the
metal Iron
The market is generally shared among the three technologies, However, the third and even the
second technology will get their space in the future models, since they are relatively less
expensive and poses less environmental hazards. The separator main function is to act as an
impermeable membrane separating the two terminals of the electrode submerged into the
electrolyte, this prevents the contact of the two terminals. It also acts as a medium of the passage
of the free ions from one terminal to the other. The peculiar material used for this purpose is the
synthetic polymers.
The work of the current collector is to link the current from the electrodes to the external current
circuitry. Aluminum is largely ideal as a current collecting material due to its proven mechanical
durability, a good conductor of both electricity and thermal energy. Copper can act as next best
choice(Etacheri, Marom, Elazari, Salitra, & Aurbach, 2011).

The Proposed Components: Electric Motor
The electric scooter gets its power from the electric motor component. This unit encompasses
other subcomponents such as the control unit and the various power electronics. The best
suitable motor for this kind of circuitry is the brushless DC motor. What makes this motor ideal
is its ability to provide a specific power. By definition, great specific power is hereby used to
mean a relatively light motor once its power is reached and decided (Larminie & Lowry, 2012).
The motor is essentially AC type of a motor but got its naming of DC since it required
alternating current to vary its frequency, this power is supplied by the DC. Figure 6.0 shows the
functional principle of these motors.
Figure 5 Brushless Motor
Circular Economy: Scooter Recycling
The circular economy has been suggested as the best alternative model to be used in the most
productive line. A lot of pitfalls have befallen the traditional linear economy which ends with the

product being taken to waste for disposal. Such activities have led to environmental degradation
since most of these products are non-biodegradable. The electric scooter can benefit from this
approach by ensuring some of its components are taken to recycling plans thus reducing the cost
of manufacturing due to reduced cost of materials. This enhances the low cost of production
while maximizing profit. Such components that can be recycled are discussed hereinafter. To
effectively consider a subcomponent for recycling after scooper life cycle, the following
algorithm is established to aid in decision making (Hsien & Lee, 2001),
Figure 6Algorithm for disposing of an electric scooper
The above algorithm shows the electric scooper has some components that are too important to
be disposed of and should be considered for recycling. This includes,

Lithium Battery Waste Management
Several directives and regulatory bodies are in place to set up standards that should be used in
the management of battery. This includes the regulations in the management of used lithium-
based batteries. The regulatory body has put on the spot the producers to take due care to ensure
their properly comply with the regulations. European Union has collectively set their own
collections centers of wastes but the bar starts and stops with the manufactures to run the
collection system and ensure proper disposal. The new battery based on the lithium technology is
relatively somewhat new technique, however, the collections systems for the waste are in place.
Their counterpart treatment plants are however not evenly distributed. A country like Italy still
lacks a plant for treating the lithium-based accumulators. The destination points of most
collected wastes are Germany or Switzerland. To effectively achieve a circular economy, the
company should consider enrolling with one of the treating plants so as to recycle them (Castillo,
Ansart, Laberty-Robert, & Portal, 2002). There is generally no standard for recycling the
disposed lithium-based batteries but the standard process all over the globe is summarized in the
table below,
Organizatio
n
Locality Technology Used Lithium
recovery
Residual
metals
Batrec Switzerland Pyrometallurgical NO Steel, Ni,
Co
Retrieved
Tech.
USA Hydrometallurgica
l
YES Al, Cu, Co
Recupyl France Hydrometallurgica
l
YES Steel, Cu,
Co