Northern California-based Specialized Bicycle Components is recalling about 2,500 electric mountain bike battery packs because they could pose a fire hazard.
According to Consumer Affairs, water could penetrate the seal around the LED control pad on the bicycle’s lithium-ion battery pack and cause the battery to short circuit, posing fire and burn injury hazards. So far, no incidents or injuries have been reported.
The recall includes Specialized 1st Generation Turbo Levo and Kenevo battery packs.
Details of the Recall
This recall involves Specialized mountain bikes with the Specialized M1 battery packs that came as original equipment on the bikes, or Specialized M1 battery packs that were sold as aftermarket equipment for use with the bikes. Turbo Levo, Turbo Levo HT, or Turbo Kenevo FSR are printed on the bicycle’s top tube.
The battery packs, which were made in Taiwan, were sold at authorized Specialized retailers nationwide and online from November 2017 through May 2021 for between $3,400 and $10,000 for the bicycles with the battery packs. The battery pack in these bicycles must be removed using a 6 mm Allen key in order to read the label. For more information on how to remove the battery pack and determine if it is included in the recall, visit specialized.com/safety-notices.
Those who have these recalled bicycles at home are urged to stop using them right away and contact Specialized Bicycle for a free repair. Specialized is also contacting consumers directly about the recall. Consumers are asked not to charge the recalled battery pack or expose it to wet conditions until it has been repaired by an authorized Specialized dealer.
The Danger of Substandard or Defective Batteries
A majority of the devices we use contain lithium-ion batteries, which can be particularly dangerous when they contain manufacturing defects or are made with cheap or substandard parts. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for consumers. Battery fires have the potential to cause not only property damage but also severe burn injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of these or other products, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of surgeries, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced product defect lawyer will be able to advise you regarding your legal rights and options.
