diff --git a/boards/native/board.c b/boards/native/drivers/native-qdec.c
similarity index 96%
rename from boards/native/board.c
rename to boards/native/drivers/native-qdec.c
index a079e5b58b..cdab0a078d 100644
--- a/boards/native/board.c
+++ b/boards/native/drivers/native-qdec.c
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@
 #include <board.h>
 #include <log.h>
 
+#ifdef MODULE_PERIPH_QDEC
+
 extern int32_t qdecs_value[QDEC_NUMOF];
 
 void native_motor_driver_qdec_simulation(
@@ -52,3 +54,5 @@ void native_motor_driver_qdec_simulation(
             motor_driver, motor_id);
     }
 }
+
+#endif /* MODULE_PERIPH_QDEC */
diff --git a/boards/native/include/board.h b/boards/native/include/board.h
index 0df988bd9f..1d9061c2d7 100644
--- a/boards/native/include/board.h
+++ b/boards/native/include/board.h
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ void native_motor_driver_qdec_simulation( \
     int32_t pwm_duty_cycle);
 
 /* C++ standard do not support designated initializers */
-#ifndef __cplusplus
+#if !(defined __cplusplus) && (defined MODULE_PERIPH_QDEC)
 
 /**
  * @name Describe DC motors with PWM channel and GPIOs