All about bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, technology and safety in the press

In our daily work as we deal with bicycle safety, technology and user manuals we come across lots of safety risks. The most frequent ones are published in articles of the leading German special-interest magazines TOUR – Europas Rennrad-Magazin Nr. 1, BIKE – Das Mountainbike Magazin Europas Nr. 1 and E-Bike – Das Pedelec-Magazin to make this information important for the sector accessible to a wider public.

For many years now the Eurobike Show Daily accompanying the annual international Eurobike Show has given us the opportunity to publish our perspective on major developments in the cycle industry in full-page articles.

We also speak regularly in independent lectures about all topics relating to bicycle technology and bicycle market. In addition, we are regularly cited by further special-interest magazines or trade journals as well as more and more by radio and television and in their media reports, which shows us that we are completely right with our information. The section NEWS informs you about the latest news from our specialist fields. The reports and publications of this section are listed chronologically or according to topics of interest.

e-bike 02/2013
Reading time 0:45 minutes

Rechargeable batteries – are they as dangerous as is written in the newspapers? What do I have to bear in mind?

State-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density. Like every energy storage device this bears risks.

We’ve got used to fuel tanks and always know what to do. Rechargeable batteries are new and therefore unusual. Models from quality bicycles bought from specialist shops are tested for lots of foreseeable incidents and safe. One of the test seals is the BATSO test seal. Brands like Bosch and BMZ supplying special rechargeable batteries for numerous pedelec manufacturers do not mark their products according to BATSO. They apply, however, very high company-own standards. If handled inappropriately, e.g. if charged with another than the delivered charger or pierced etc., even tested batteries may catch fire or explode. Treat your brand battery with care, charge it during the day at ambient temperature under supervision and as described in the operating instructions, then there is no risk.

Dirk Zedler, graduate engineer

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