Knog Recalls Bicycle Lights Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

What was recalled

In a recent safety announcement issued on October 30, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed that Knog is recalling specific models of front bicycle lights due to serious safety concerns. This recall targets the Knog Blinder 900 and Knog Blinder 1300 front bicycle lights. These are high-performance lighting units designed for cyclists, featuring a sleek black exterior with the brand name "knog" clearly visible on the body. The word "Blinder" is imprinted directly onto the handle of the device, serving as a key identifier for consumers trying to determine if their equipment is part of this specific safety notice.

The scope of this recall is defined strictly by batch codes printed on the underside of the light units. If your light does not have one of the following batch codes, it is not included in this recall: 0124AA, 0423AA, 0723AA, 0923AA, 1023AA, 1123AA, and 11A23AA. These codes are essential because they allow consumers to pinpoint exactly which manufacturing runs were affected by the battery issue. The recalled lights were sold both individually and as part of a set, and each unit came equipped with a mount for attachment to a bicycle frame or handlebar.

While the CPSC record does not specify the exact number of units involved in this recall, it is important for owners to check their devices against the batch codes listed above. These lights were distributed through various retail channels, and because they come with a mount, they are often sold as complete ready-to-use packages. The presence of the black exterior and the specific imprinting on the handle helps distinguish these models from other Knog products that may not be subject to this particular safety action.

If you purchased a Knog Blinder 900 or 1300 front bicycle light, especially one with a batch code matching the list provided, it is crucial to verify its status immediately. The recall applies specifically to these models due to the internal lithium-ion battery, which has been identified as the source of the hazard. By confirming your model and batch code, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and avoid potential risks associated with the recalled units.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a specific failure mode within the lithium-ion battery powering the Knog Blinder bicycle lights. To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at what is happening inside that small, sealed cell. Lithium-ion batteries store energy by moving lithium ions between two electrodes—an anode and a cathode—through a liquid electrolyte. Under normal conditions, a thin separator keeps these components apart until you press the button to complete the circuit. However, in this recalled batch, the battery can internally overheat. When a lithium-ion cell begins to overheat, it can trigger a chain reaction known as thermal runaway. This is not just a simple malfunction; it is a self-sustaining process where heat generates more heat.

As the temperature inside the battery rises uncontrollably, the internal pressure builds rapidly. The chemical reactions that are supposed to power your light instead begin to degrade the separator and the electrolyte itself. Once the separator fails, the anode and cathode can touch directly, causing a short circuit within the cell. This short circuit releases massive amounts of energy in a very short time. For the consumer, this manifests as the battery becoming extremely hot to the touch, potentially swelling or deforming the light’s casing, and in severe cases, catching fire or exploding. The recall notice confirms that five such incidents have already occurred, proving that this is a real physical threat, not just a theoretical risk.

The danger here is twofold: fire and burns. Because bicycle lights are often mounted on handlebars or helmets—areas in close proximity to your hands, face, or clothing—a thermal event can cause immediate injury. If the light ignites while attached to your bike, the flame can spread to nearby flammable materials like a backpack, jacket, or even the bike’s frame components if they are made of certain plastics or composites. The heat generated during thermal runaway is intense enough to cause second- or third-degree burns upon contact. Furthermore, if the battery ruptures while you are riding or handling the bike, hot debris or chemical leaks can be ejected, posing a risk of injury beyond just the fire itself.

It is important to distinguish this from a standard electrical short that might just stop the light from working. A lithium-ion thermal event is violent and unpredictable. The battery does not simply "die"; it actively becomes a source of energy release. This is why the remedy requires you to stop using the device immediately and seek a replacement rather than attempting to repair or reset it. The structural integrity of the battery cell has been compromised in these specific batches, meaning the risk of ignition remains present as long as the battery retains any charge. Understanding this mechanism underscores why standard troubleshooting steps like turning the light off and on again are insufficient and potentially dangerous.

Who is most at risk

While the recall from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) officially covers all owners of the affected Knog Blinder 900 and Blinder 1300 bicycle lights, the nature of the hazard means that certain individuals face a disproportionately higher level of danger. The core issue involves lithium-ion batteries overheating and catching fire. This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a rapid-onset physical threat that can cause severe burns or start a fire in moments. Therefore, the people most at risk are those who keep these lights in close proximity to their bodies for extended periods, particularly while sleeping or resting, as well as those who may have limited ability to react quickly to an emergency.

The primary group at heightened risk includes cyclists who charge their bicycle lights indoors, especially on nightstands, bedroom desks, or near bedding. Lithium-ion batteries, when they fail in the way described in this recall, can generate intense heat and flames before any smoke alarm might even trigger. If a light is charging next to a pillow, blanket, or wooden furniture while you are asleep, you are exposed to two distinct dangers: direct thermal burns upon waking and the risk of a structural fire spreading through flammable household materials. Because the recall notes that five incidents of fire or explosion have already been reported, it is clear that this failure mode is active and unpredictable. You cannot rely on the light to "warn" you before it ignites.

Furthermore, households with children or elderly members are in a particularly vulnerable position. Children may not recognize the signs of a battery malfunction—such as unusual heat, swelling, or burning smells—and might touch a hot device, leading to serious contact burns. They also lack the immediate cognitive response to safely disconnect a power source or flee a growing fire. Similarly, elderly individuals may have slower reaction times or reduced mobility, making it harder to escape a sudden fire that starts near their charging station. If a recalled light fails while plugged in overnight, the person sleeping in the same room is at the greatest risk of injury.

It is also important to recognize that anyone who uses these lights for commuting or recreational riding faces a secondary risk if they fail to follow the remedy steps. While the fire hazard is most acute during charging or storage, keeping a defective battery in your home or garage increases the likelihood of it being accidentally dropped, punctured, or exposed to extreme temperatures, which can further destabilize the lithium-ion cell. Therefore, the "most at risk" category extends beyond just the moment of ignition to include anyone who delays removing the device from their living space. Immediate action is the only way to mitigate these risks for yourself and your family.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is essential to confirm that your specific bicycle light is part of this recall. Because Knog produces several different models and batches, not every Blinder light is affected. You need to look for very specific physical markers on your device to determine if yours is included in this safety notice. The recall applies exclusively to the Knog Blinder 900 and Blinder 1300 Front Bicycle Lights. If you have a different model number, such as a Blinder Mini or a rear-facing light, it is not part of this specific issue.

The first thing to check is the exterior design. All affected units have a distinct black exterior finish. More importantly, look for branding details that are integrated into the body of the light. The brand name "knog" should be clearly marked on the device. Additionally, the word "Blinder" is imprinted directly onto the handle of the light. These textual markers are your primary visual indicators that you own one of the potentially hazardous units.

However, visual identification alone is not enough. The critical factor that determines whether your light is recalled is the batch code printed on the underside of the unit. You must turn the light over and look closely at the bottom surface for a printed alphanumeric code. Your light is only subject to this recall if it bears one of the following specific batch codes: 0124AA, 0423AA, 0723AA, 0923AA, 1023AA, 1123AA, or 11A23AA. If your light has a different code, it is not part of this batch and does not need to be returned.

If you find one of these codes on the underside of your black Knog Blinder 900 or 1300, please do not dispose of the item yet. The recall instructions explicitly state that you should not discard the light until you receive confirmation from Knog that your specific unit qualifies for the remedy. It is also helpful to remember how these lights were typically sold; they were available both individually and in sets, and each came with a mount. Checking your original packaging or purchase records might help you verify the model if the markings on the device itself are worn or difficult to read.

Once you have confirmed that your light matches the model names (Blinder 900 or 1300), has the black exterior with "knog" and "Blinder" markings, and displays one of the listed batch codes on the underside, you can proceed with confidence knowing you have the correct item. Keep this information handy as you visit the recall website to register your product.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the affected Knog bicycle lights, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and free remedy to resolve the issue. You do not need to pay for shipping, return postage, or a new unit. The core of the remedy is simple: Knog will provide you with a free replacement bicycle light. However, this process requires your active participation to ensure safety and proper handling of the recalled item.

To initiate this process, you must first register for the recall. Please visit http://www.knog.com/recall to begin. During registration, you will receive specific instructions on how to proceed. It is crucial that you follow these online instructions carefully, as they are tailored to confirm that your specific unit qualifies for the replacement based on the batch codes listed in the recall details.

Important: Do not dispose of the recalled light yet. One of the most critical steps in this remedy is timing. You must wait until you receive explicit confirmation from Knog that your unit qualifies for the recall before taking any action to discard the old device. Throwing it away prematurely could prevent you from receiving your free replacement or complicate the safety investigation into why the batteries are overheating.

How to dispose of the recalled battery safely:

• Do not throw the recalled lithium-ion battery or device in the household trash, general curbside recycling bins, or standard used battery recycling boxes found at retail stores. These items present a significant fire risk and must be handled differently.
• The correct disposal method depends on your local regulations. Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center may accept the recalled device for safe disposal.
• Before taking the device to an HHW center, contact that office ahead of time. Ask specifically whether they accept recalled lithium-ion batteries, as policies vary by location and safety protocol.
• If your local HHW center does not accept recalled units, contact your municipality for further guidance on safe disposal options in your area.

Contacting Knog for Support:

If you have questions about the replacement process, eligibility, or need further assistance, you can reach out to Knog directly through several channels:

• Email: recall@knog.com
• Online: Visit http://www.knog.com/recall
• Website Support: Go to https://us.knog.com/ and click on "Blinder Recall" at the bottom of the page under the Support column.

By following these steps, you ensure that you receive a safe, fully functional replacement light while allowing authorities to properly handle the hazardous materials from the recalled units. Please act promptly to register and secure your free replacement.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable that the thought of replacing a functional piece of equipment feels like an inconvenience. You may have checked your bike light, found the batch code, and decided to wait until you have more time to deal with the paperwork or shipping logistics. However, ignoring this recall is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is taking a calculated risk with your physical safety and your property. The core issue here is not that the light will simply stop working one day, but that the lithium-ion battery inside has a known tendency to fail catastrophically. When you continue to use the recalled Knog Blinder 900 or Blinder 1300 lights, you are leaving a potential thermal runaway event in your home, your garage, or on your bicycle without any safeguards.

The specific hazard identified by the CPSC is that the battery can overheat and catch fire. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful energy sources, but when their internal chemistry becomes unstable due to manufacturing defects or material failures, they can enter a state of thermal runaway. In this state, the battery generates heat faster than it can dissipate it. This creates a self-sustaining cycle where temperatures skyrocket in a matter of seconds. For a device housed in a compact bicycle light, there is very little space for heat to escape and no built-in circuitry designed to stop the reaction once it starts. The result is often a sudden, intense flame that can ignite nearby materials such as bicycle frames, clothing, curtains, or stored items in a garage.

The severity of this risk is underscored by the fact that Knog has already received five separate reports of these specific batteries catching fire or exploding. While no injuries have been reported to date, the absence of harm so far is a matter of luck, not safety. An explosion from a lithium-ion battery is not just a spark; it can eject hot debris and toxic gases at high speeds. If this were to happen while the light was charging indoors, attached to your bike in an enclosed space, or even simply resting on a nightstand, the consequences could range from minor burns and smoke inhalation to significant property damage and structural fire. The five incidents already reported are clear warnings that the defect is active and dangerous, not theoretical.

Furthermore, there is a secondary danger related to improper disposal if you decide to just throw the unit away without following the recall instructions. Because these recalled lithium-ion batteries present a greater risk of fire than standard household batteries, discarding them in regular trash or curbside recycling can trigger fires in waste collection trucks and processing facilities. If you ignore the remedy, you are not only risking your own home but also endangering sanitation workers and public infrastructure. The path forward is simple and free: stop using the light, register for a replacement, and dispose of the old battery safely through the proper hazardous waste channels. There is no benefit to waiting, only unnecessary risk.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in Knog’s lithium-ion bicycle lights, the underlying safety principle applies to nearly every consumer product that relies on rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion technology has become ubiquitous because it offers high energy density and long life, but it also carries unique risks if mishandled or damaged. The most critical step you can take to prevent fire and burn hazards is to treat these batteries with respect. Never leave charging devices unattended for long periods, especially overnight or while you are away from home. Many modern smart plugs and chargers have built-in safeguards, but older or generic third-party chargers may not cut off power once the battery is full, leading to overheating. Always use the charger that came with the device or one certified by a recognized laboratory for that specific voltage and amperage.

Regular inspection is another vital habit. Check your bicycle lights, power tools, and other battery-operated gear for signs of swelling, leakage, or discoloration. If a battery ever feels hot to the touch during use or charging, stop immediately. Do not attempt to puncture or disassemble a swollen battery, as this can release toxic chemicals and ignite flammable gases. Instead, place the device in a non-flammable container away from combustible materials until you can arrange for proper disposal. Understanding how to read batch codes and manufacturing dates also empowers you to stay ahead of potential issues. Manufacturers often issue voluntary recalls before incidents occur, so checking the CPSC website periodically for updates on products you own is a simple but effective way to ensure your safety.

Proper storage and disposal are equally important components of long-term safety. Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and metal objects that could cause short circuits. When it is time to get rid of old or recalled lithium-ion batteries, never toss them in household trash or curbside recycling bins. The crushing force of garbage trucks can damage the battery casing, leading to internal short circuits and fires in waste management facilities. Instead, take them to a designated household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center or an electronics recycling drop-off point that explicitly accepts lithium-ion cells. Call ahead to confirm they accept recalled units, as regulations vary by municipality. By adopting these general safety habits, you protect not only your home but also the workers who handle waste and repair services who might encounter damaged batteries.

• Always use certified chargers and avoid cheap, uncertified accessories.
• Inspect batteries regularly for swelling, heat, or physical damage.
• Never charge devices unattended or overnight without supervision.
• Dispose of lithium-ion batteries at designated HHW or electronics recycling centers only.
• Monitor official recall lists from the CPSC and other regulatory bodies regularly.