Li-Cycle partners to recycle batteries in scooters, e-bikes

Li-Cycle Corp., a lithium-ion battery recycler based in Mississauga, Ontario, and Helbiz, a scooter manufacturer based in New York, have announced a partnership to create a safe and sustainable recycling solution for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries used in e-scooters and e-bikes.

As the global shift toward electrification continues to accelerate, the popularity of micro-mobility is following suit, with the global market expected to grow to $150 billion by 2025, according to Market Research Future. 

According to a joint news release from Li-Cycle and Helbiz, Li-Cycle says it intends to utilize its hub-and-spoke technologies to efficiently, safely and sustainably recover the end-of-life batteries from Helbiz’s fleets and return the valuable materials contained within them back into the supply chain.

“We believe Li-Cycle and Helbiz are ideal partners as we are two innovative companies working toward the same vision for a sustainable electric mobility sector,” says Kunal Phalpher, chief commercial officer of Li-Cycle. “This partnership represents a critical first step for our collaboration as we seek to create a closed lithium-ion battery recycling loop on a global scale. Together, we intend to recover valuable materials from old scooters and e-bikes to be reused in new ones in cities around the world via a truly sustainable, fit-for-purpose pathway.”

Both Li-Cycle and Helbiz previously announced plans to become publicly traded companies in the United States via business combinations with special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and have plans to expand operations in Europe. Li-Cycle says it expects to recycle 500 lithium-ion batteries from Helbiz e-bikes and e-scooters in the coming months. The volume is set to increase heading into 2022 as Li-Cycle supports Helbiz’s operations in the United States and abroad.

“We are proud to partner with Li-Cycle and look forward to working closely with their team to develop and implement a safe and sustainable recycling solution for the batteries used in our e-scooters and e-bikes,” says Ruggero Cipriani Foresio, chief marketing officer of Helbiz. “This collaboration further supports our commitment to worldwide sustainability and our dedication to lead each city we operate in towards a greener future.”

Li-Cycle is supporting Helbiz’s net-zero emission target by 2022. It is also helping Helbiz to achieve a 100 percent recycling target.