Enhancing critical raw materials recovery in micro e-mobility: Regulatory strategies for the EU

Novel electrical mobility solutions such as micro e-mobility devices (e-bikes and e-scooters) are rapidly increasing in modern societies. Currently, research on the theme has not focused on the circular economy of the devices and critical raw materials (CRMs) incorporated in their components has not received a lot of attention. In particular, existing regulations regarding the end-of-life management of the devices have, to date, been insufficiently explored or studied. CRMs can be found in devices’ batteries, electronic motors and printed circuit board. Their recovery is crucial from the point of view of European Union’s (EU’s) objectives regarding circular economy and self-sufficiency of raw materials. However, the current regulatory means implemented by the EU provide limited incentives for more efficient CRMs recovery in micro e-mobility. This article discusses possible policy innovations as means to address the shortcomings of the EU regulations. These include setting out recovery targets for CRMs and requirement for recycled CRMs content for electronic products through amendments of the waste electrical and electronic equipment directive and the ecodesign framework. Nonetheless, the EU faces a challenge in increasing the capacity for the recovery of CRMs and CRMs’ rich waste streams.