Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, CPSC NEWS—HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS—Pedego recalls lithium ion rechargeable batteries due to fire hazard, (Apr 29, 2015)

By John Dumoulin

Pedego Inc., of Irvine, California, has recalled approximately 5,000 lithium ion rechargeable batteries because the batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard (CPSC Recall Notice, No. 15-124, April 29, 2015).

Incidents and injuries. Pedego has received six reports of batteries overheating and catching fire, including one report of property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Product description. This recall involves 36-volt and 48-volt lithium ion rechargeable batteries sold separately and as original equipment with Pedego electric bikes. Recalled batteries of each voltage came in two styles. One style has a silver or black metal case that measures about 13 ½ inches long, 6 ½ inches wide, and 2 ½ inches high, with black plastic end caps and a handle. The other style has a black or white plastic case that measures about 14 inches long, 6 ½ inches wide, and 2 ½ inches high with a red indicator lamp on one end. The batteries have serial numbers that start with “DLG.” A label with the serial number is on one side of the metal batteries and on the underside of the plastic batteries.

These batteries, which were manufactured in China, were sold at bicycle stores and electric bike retailers and online at www.pedegoelectricbikes.com from January 2010 through September 2013. The batteries were sold separately for about $600 to $900 and on electric bicycles that sold for between $2,000 and $3,000.

Remedy. Consumers should remove the battery from the bike immediately and contact Pedego for a free replacement battery.

Customer contact. For more information, customers may contact Pedego Electric Bikes toll-free at (888) 870-9754 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, email [email protected], or online at www.pedegoelectricbikes.com and click on “Voluntary Battery Recall.”

Companies: Pedego Inc.

ProductRecalls: ProductRecallsNews HouseholdProductsNews