There is a range of Lithium battery chemistries, and iirc not all require Cobalt, but yeah, the ones that do have bad eco / etc. credentials.
GSV3MiaC , thanks for coining the phrase BAD ECO
Having been chained to a bicycle of some description , for the last 5 years of commuting , I’ve clocked up well over 36,000 miles .
During this time , I’ve been asking all the usual questions ( researching ) Stronger , Faster , Longer . . . How could I have got more from my 25kg Tank of an E-Bike ?
Try as I might , the answers NEVER came back as I wanted them to ,
But
Simple Mathematics do highlight the following :
1/60 th exploitation of rare earth elements ( and labour ) when compared to an Electric car .
98% less manufacture and running costs ( Carbon ) currently running at 2.5 pence /mile ( including purchase and maintenance )
As for being the Future of Transportation . . . ?
If there was such a SMILE-OMETER , it would read Healthier , Happier ( and as many cakes and pies as you like , guilt free )