Analysis Of Electric Scooters And Two-Wheeled Vehicles For Circular Economy Essay.

1. Describe the different components used in your product and comment on the degree to which their material flows can be made circular. The main types of component are:

• Structural parts (chassis, wheels, suspension, seat assembly, etc.)
• Electrical parts (motors, switches, wires, circuit boards, batteries) and
• Miscellaneous parts (tyres, transmission, bodywork, upholstery, etc.)

2. Describe a future sustainable industrial system in terms of the stages in the lifecycle of a typical product after the company’s material and energy flows have been made as ‘circular’ as possible.
3. For each of the types of component above, describe the short term and longer term steps that the company should take to get to the sustainable system you described above. Where possible, illustrate your arguments from case studies in the literature and indicate briefly any relevant policy implications.

Chinese vs EU Battery Technology

Several scientists, organization and the policymakers have discussed in major global conferences on the best way to reduce the carbon footprint of the current carbon-based automobiles(Johansson and Luttropp, 2009). The solutions rest with the use of electrically powered automobiles such as e-vehicles and e-scooter to replace the conventional vehicles. This goodwill from the policymakers so a remarkable production of battery-powered cars and scooter to act as proof of concept that really the carbon-based cars can actually be replaced (Platt et al., 2014).The work started in 2010 with now many global manufacturing agencies have joined the electric powered cars bandwagon. Despite few success, the uptake of this new machines has been generally on a lower scale and people wonders if they will really compete for their counterparts which are based on carbon. Even with the ever-increasing global fuel prices, the electric cars have not been able to penetrate this automobiles industry. Scooter however has been gradually catching up in its uptake since they are ideally used for a short distance in urban cities(Schroeder, 2011). They can typically travel a mistake of about ten kilometers. Their circuit system is powered by a rechargeable battery which is either based on the lead or lithium metals. A new debate has emerged on the linear economy model of producing this electric scooters. The lead-based scooter are side to be a double cutting edge. Despite reducing environmental degradation by being a green source of energy, scientist have expressed concerns on the lead-based scooter which is said to be very poisonous to human beings if not well disposed of. Several suggestion have been made to to production models of this scooter and most electronic components, The paradigm is shifting to the new circular economy which in theory ensure component that can be recycled is taken to a recycling plant where treatment is done and then introduced to the production chain as input. This method is going to be discussed in the report to establish how the company can re-engineer their production strategies to accommodate this new economy model of missing cost while maximizing profit(Weiss et al., 2015).

China is the leading manufacturer and exporter of e-scooter than any other Asian country thanks to their technological advancements and favorable government policies (Weinert et al., 2007a, Cherry and Cervero, 2007). There has been an outcry from the e-scooter users that the design of some is so poor due to their limited speed, limited driving range, and less comfort while using them leave alone their high pricing. This has been a direct reason why its acquisition in some countries. The report tries to analyzing the Chinese method of e-scooter production in the methodology and suggests a way to incorporate them in the company. Poorly designed battery unit has led to underperformance of some scooter especially in on a rainy day. This was not only a major problem for South East Asia but the negative public perception of the e-scooter due to the massive failure of those scooters sold in the late 1990s(Tso and Chang, 2003).

Environmental Impact

Figure 1 Indian Sales distribution 2017

There is generally an influx in sales of e-bikes in the EU with a record sale of about 904,000 vehicles. This represented a 5% European market share and a 2% global share. The largest destination markets include Germany and Netherlands(Weinert et al., 2007b). With a whopping sales ranging from 410000 and 192000 respectively. A peculiar difference exists between the models sold in China and their counterparts in the EU(Shang and Pollet, 2010). The Chinese models use a lead-based battery to power its power supply unit while their counterparts in the EU are equipped with a lithium-based batteries for its power supply. The latter are more expensive but with a high energy capacity of up to 140Whkg^-1 thus gives them more long life cycle. The economy prediction has suggested that the global sales volume may reach over 40 million by 2015(Fairley, 2005). Although the potential of larger e-vehicles being manufactured are less likely. In the EU alone, scooter sales have reached 15000 which is a share value of 1 %globally. The American market nor the Asian’s have penetrated the market of the mid-sized vehicles. Another forecast suggests that the global sales of e-scooter and other two-wheeled vehicles may reach about 4.3 million by 2015 but this value can only by 10% with the current fuel prices. From the data above, it is estimated that the capacity of the battery of the e-scooter and other two-wheeled electric vehicles fleet is (125 ±42 GWh)¹ will pass the global-based fleet which is (4±2 G Hh) by 30. Although there is no a direct correlation between the technology of the battery and battery size, its illustrated below that the size of market share and its respective technological advancement among the e-vehicles(Fishman and Cherry, 2016).

A typical scooter does not have an exhaust pipe tailing it but it is well equipped with a power supply from batteries which are either based on lead or lithium. The former is a major environmental hazard to human beings if not well disposed of. Contrary to the known belief of vehicular pollution, the impact on the environment caused by this scooter is during the production stage, recycling treatment and during the power generation. Some manufacturers have shifted to locate their plant outside major urban reach to keep away the hazardous chemical used in the production of these new e-vehicles. Such due care has a potential to reduce the environmental impact to the humans. The only serious concern the amount of energy consumed by this new beasts. Their usage if not controlled could increase the energy used and come with some serious environmental crisis(Kotter, 2013).

Society Infrastructure Impact

There is a general parity between the price ranges for both the Chinese models based on the lead battery to those of EU based on the lithium battery. The Chinese model has a market value of 100€ as of 2012 while their EU counterparts have a market price of about 560€ as of 2012. German sold their two-wheeled machines between 2400±1300€. Based on the 2012 data. But larger models can cost a whopping 14000€.

It is estimated that Chinese models have been declining in their real prices at a rate of 8 ± 5%, this represents an inflation rate of 30% in price between the years 1999 to 2005. This decline in prices has hit Chinese models thanks to the decreasing cost of production which has been made possible by cutthroat competition, large-scale economies of scale, the circular economy model in production. The major cause of the significant disparity in the pricing of various models in single rest with the battery technology since it represents the largest production cost. The circular economy model has potential to level this parity by enabling the manufacturer to recycle some parts of the power supply and obtain some inputs for the next line of production instead of purchasing new inputs for every production line. This has potential to conserve the environment since less lead nor lithium shall be emitted to the environment in their harmful state.

The impact analysis of the e-scooter has many variables tides to it. First the region’s social and economic environment and the terrain not to mention the general climatic condition. The general market penetration by e-scooter, their mode-shift.This is summarized in the figure below.

Figure 2 Electric scooter social effect

The impact o these e-scooters on the urban infrastructure is generally the same compared with their counterparts in the carbon niche but the only peculiar difference is a great reduction in noise pollution which the carbon-based ones are well known for. The above is summarized below(Chiu and Tzeng, 1999),

The e-scooter and the conventional two-wheeled vehicles share some characteristics in terms of the provision of a door service, they generally require less parking space and they provide the fast and reliable transport mode in urban cities. The speed seems the most important factor considered by the customers who have a preference for the e-scooter to the other transport modes. Despite this promising merits, there is likely a major effect on electricity supply. The onboard power supply becomes handy in this scenario but they require frequent recharging. Most cities lack adequate recharging facilities due to the limited power supply from the national grid(Colella, 2000).

Scooter Engine Design and Recycling

The introduction of the e-scooter has greatly reduced pollution especially the air and noise when they replace the traditional modes of transportation. Users of these new beats also benefit from the cardiovascular effects of this reduced pollution. A major problem the e-scooter have solved is ensuring the mobility of the elderly and physically impaired members of the society remain mobile as possible. However, there is no innovation with no demerits, the e-scooter is not an exception to that written law. Operational hazards associated with the e-scooter is inevitable thanks to the high acceleration speed and absence of noise from the engine. Safety concerns are the major issues with the regulatory bodies who insist the manufacturer must implement good safety standard prescribed by the authorities. Several innovations have been suggested to help improve their safety. This includes but not limited to

• Substantial reduction in weight by replacing the lithium-based power supply battery with the less weight lead base.
• Ensuring the non-discretional minimum noise is implemented t aid in enhancing audibility and to a greater extent visibility.
• Most towns have established a dedicated infrastructure for their usage to help reduce speed clashed with the conventional ones.
• Authorities to implement speed limits for their engines.

The above literature has exploited in dept the current situation of our e-scooter and looked through various design categories that can be implemented to achieve a circular mode. To better understand the parts which are potential for recycling the methodology below will explain in greater depth the internal working of the scooter especially the engine part which is the key element in the e-scooters(Mohan, 2002).

The company e-scooter are no different from the standard requirements of the e-scooter. The detailed parts of the e-scooter are divided in the following major components which shall be discussed hereinafter,

The various parts perform a specific function and all work in collaboration to help the e-scooter in motion(Khateeb et al., 2004), the majors component include

1. The electrical part
2. Structural part
3. Motion system
4. Power Train

This is perhaps the most important component of e-scooter since it the one responsible for power supply to make the scooter be in motion. Contrary to the traditional vehicles, the e-scooter lacks a fuel tank, this new scooters use either a lithium battery or lead battery to power its electrical subcomponents. This has replaced the fuel tank. This is again the part that most mechanical engineers have expressed interest that they can be recycled to enhance the circular economy model as proposed by most opinion leaders and decision makers(Dalke and Raut). The main components such as the lithium battery or the lead battery are very harmful to the human and hence its disposal needs a new paradigm shift from them being considered as wastes to be being considered an important input in the next cycle of assembly after they have gone through some recycling plant to decompose the several components from the electrical components.

Safety Concerns

This component is further subdivided into two subsystems based on their functionality,

1. Electrical subsystem
2. Signaling subsystem
3. Electrical subsystem

This sub-system is responsible for the whole wiring of the e-scooper from the power supply to other sub-systems that require electrical energy to function. Its main component is the lithium or lead-based battery energy supply which in most cases is rechargeable. The power generation uses the principle of electrolysis using the anode, cathode and electrolyte combination to generate clean energy. This is transported to other component using this subsystem(Itou et al., 1998).

1. Signaling system

This sub-component is mainly used for the logical control of the e-scooter from the programs that control the indicator signal lights and other basic indicators. This sub-system is crucial for the e0-scooter safety requirements since it helps other road users don’t crush with the e-scooter when making diversion or braking(Sirbu, 2017).

The structural component is mainly made of the body, frame, chassis, and seat. The body is built with light materials to enhance it acceleration speed while riding it. The body is well balanced with two wheels to reduce friction on the road thus enhancing its overall speed. The chassis houses the engine part thus protecting it from the mechanical and environmental damages that may occur while it is in motion. The seat is well fitted at a greater altitude to make it comfortable to have a clear view of the road. This also reduces fatigue to the operator(Hughes and Baldwin, 2001).

This is the crucial component for ensuring the kinetic energy produced by the electrical component is well balanced and controlled to enhance the safety requirements of the regulatory bodies. This component has five sub-components namely,

1. Steering system
2. Wheels and tires

• Suspension

1. Breaking system
2. Transmission
3. Power Train

This sub-system is the powerhouse of the e-scooter. It converts the stored energy into kinetic energy. The most important sub-component is the lithium and or lead battery which provides the power supply for the other subcomponents hereinbefore explained.

From this analysis, the e-scooter system is currently undergoing the linear economy of production where the used component is written and no recycling is done to use them as inputs. This method of production has cost many manufacturing companies a lot of pennies and our is no different. It is in this regard, that the report analyzed each component and made suggestions on what can be done to the contemporary component to make them circular as possible. Making them circular is advocated due to its know merits that stretches from lowering the cost of production and reducing environmental pollution from some of the wastes products especially the lithium and lead-based batteries which are very harmful to the humans(Sheu, 2008).

E=scooter is the green alternative mode of transportation that has not been fully tapped due to the higher cost of manufacturing which is reflected in higher prices per unit. Despite China using a lead-based battery to for powerhouse power supply for their scooter, the methodology has been discouraged by opinion leader that it pollutes the environment due to bad waste disposal methods leaking poisonous lead metal to the human beings which is very poisonous metal. The analysis of the various e-scooter parts brings some light at the end of the tunnel since they can be recycled thanks to the circular economy model. The components which are particularly interesting is the power supply which is discussed below among other recyclable components(Hershaft, 1972).

Several proposals are hereinafter proposed to replace the traditional lead-based power supply which is particularly an environmental pollutant. First, the companies who insist on the lead battery need to have proper recycling policy to ensure there is a complete life cycle of the metal decomposition. This can be achieved by liaising with the government recycling plant to reduce the metal to its individual metal like iron and cobalt which are profitable when sold and can be used to produce more lead for the next cycle of production. This method is not only cost-effective but also an environmental conservation methodology which will make the company compliant with the various regulatory bodies. Another approach is to use lithium-based battery component which is relatively expensive but less environmental pollutant. The lithium can also be taken to a recycling plant to reduce its presence in the environment. The recycling will produce some other core metals from the lithium. This includes the nickel metal and iron which can be used in the subsequent cycle to produce some new e-scooters. This will lower the cost of production in general and conserve the environment(Berzi et al., 2016).

Conclusion

E-scooter is a revolutionary invention that has promised to ensure all the carbon-based automobiles are phased out of our roads. Despite community support, opinion leader support and the major global superpowers support the innovation, there has been a generally lower penetration of this next-generation invention. This is attributed to the higher cost of production using the conventional linear model. The report aims at providing a better understanding of this sorry state of affairs and deduced that the circular economy model shall be particularly the best approach to reducing the cost of production since it will enhance reusability and recycling of the e-scooter components thus not only reducing the cost of production but also conserving mother nature(Liu et al., 2015).

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