Recall at Knog: These Blinder models are affected

The exclusive importer Cosmic Sports informs about a voluntary product recall of certain batches of Knog Blinder bicycle lights. The models affected are the Blinder 80 and 120 StVZO models and the more powerful Blinder 900 and 1300 variants. The reason for the recall is a potential defect in the battery, which can lead to the cell inside the lamp housing catching fire. The Australian manufacturer Knog has documented 14 cases worldwide in which this defect has occurred. With a total production of around 40,000 units, this corresponds to a probability of around 0.03 per cent. Although no personal injury or damage to property has occurred to date, the manufacturer and importer have decided to issue this precautionary recall. Consumers are urgently requested to stop using affected lamps and to participate in the recall procedure in order to rule out any risk.

Identify affected product batches

The recall does not affect all Knog Blinder lamps, but only specific production batches. For the Blinder 80 and 120 StVZO models, the batch codes are 0124-AA, 1023-AA and 0923-AA. For the more powerful Blinder 900 and 1300 models, batches with the batch codes 0423-AA, 0723-AA, 0923-AA and 1123-AA are affected. To check whether your lamp is affected by the recall, you must identify the batch code on the underside of the housing. All other batches and all other products from the manufacturer Knog are not affected and can continue to be used without hesitation. The StVZO variants of the Blinder series are models specially designed for the German market that meet the requirements of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations and are therefore legal for use on the road. The model designations 80, 120, 900 and 1300 refer to the maximum light output in lumens.

Return and replacement process

Knog has set up a special return and replacement process for affected customers. Both retailers and end users are asked to register their affected lamp exclusively via the central recall portal at www.knog.com/recall. On this platform, they will receive detailed instructions on how to register as well as comprehensive information on the replacement process. A special regulation concerns the disposal of defective lamps: this is carried out independently in accordance with local regulations on the disposal of waste electrical equipment. The lamps can be taken to a recognised collection point for electrical appliances or hazardous waste. Direct return to dealers, the importer Cosmic Sports or the manufacturer Knog is not necessary and is expressly not recommended. This process has been deliberately simplified to minimise the effort for all parties involved and at the same time ensure proper disposal of potentially hazardous batteries.

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Product improvements and safety measures

In response to the battery problems identified, Knog has taken extensive measures to increase the safety of its products. The manufacturer has switched battery production to a new, specialised cell manufacturer. According to Knog, the batteries now used have an improved chemistry and structure that has been specially developed for use in bicycle lights. These adjustments are intended to significantly increase the reliability and safety of the energy supply in the lamps. The change will affect all future production batches of the Blinder series. Bicycle lights are exposed to particularly high loads, as they have to withstand vibrations, changing temperatures and occasionally moisture. The new battery cells have been specially designed for these demanding conditions and are intended to offer greater resistance to external influences without compromising on performance.