The battery pack, the aluminium and the motor together account for 72% of the production impact of a bicycle. The environmental impact and the lifespan of bicycles are rarely mapped systematically, which leaves that concentration unnoticed.
Where the impact sits determines where effort pays off. Extending the life of these three components reduces impact more than optimising all remaining parts combined, because production impact is spread across every kilometre the bicycle is ridden. Steering on lifespan and repairability therefore lowers the footprint of a bicycle most sharply. Relevant for bicycle manufacturers, designers and parties in circular mobility. Source: Check CO₂-eq reduction management, New Economy.