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.

EMTB 03/2022
Reading time 1:05 minutes

Old battery: Refreshing or buying a new one

Reader’s question: Dear EMTB-team, I have been riding an e-mountain bike for about five years. Now my battery is slowly going down to its knees. With that in mind, I ask myself: Is buying a new battery or having it repaired – by a specialist company, of course – the better choice?

Reply by Dirk Zedler, sworn in expert witness for bicycles and electric bicycles

Unfortunately, refreshing an old battery with new cells is only a good idea in theory. As a matter of fact you could avoid electronic waste in this way. But, as far as I know, no one among the suppliers makes sure that refreshed batteries undergo the same tough test procedures for waterproofness and impact protection as the major original equipment manufacturers. At the same time, however, refreshing weakens the battery casing, as it has to be opened to replace the worn cells. All in all, this increases the risk of the battery being damaged by falls or water penetration after refreshing. The risk of serious defects, including battery fires, is also increasing. I therefore advise thorough battery care for the longest possible service life. And if the battery wears out after a few years, a new original battery is still the safest option. Unfortunately, this is not very sustainable. However, with over eight million e-bikes in Germany and taking account of the environmental balance, it is overdue that especially the major original equipment manufacturers work on certified recycling or refreshment solutions for their batteries.

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