Over the past decade, as electric devices have greatly improved the day-to-day operation of the once-humble mechanical bicycle, batteries have become an essential accessory.
Lights, GPS, pressure gauges, even electronic shifting, need to sip the electronic juice.
There has been a downside however: the button batteries used by some of these devices have ended up in the mouths of children.
Death and life-long serious injuries have resulted.
Now laws have changed, and although button batteries are still used, they must be inaccessible to children.
The problem is that that many of us who ride bikes still have various accessories and parts lying around that may not meet today’s expectations for inaccessible batteries.
Although the USB-rechargeable batteries have in many cases replaced the button battery they still lurk in older components and may be easy for children to obtain.
Have you been through that box of old lights and bike computers that you thought might come in useful one day to check for button batteries?
And there may be other old devices cluttering up the household that should also be checked.
The Australian bike industry has made a big effort to get manufacturers, distributors and retailers up to speed with the new standards.
If you have purchased a new bike or bike product lately you may have noticed new warning stickers and emergency advice for any included button batteries.
As consumers we don’t face the same legal obligations as the industry, but as bike riders we should be well aware of the importance of the safety of our friends and family.
Read the ACCC Button Battery Guide here.
And as for the batteries, thoughtfully dispose of them.
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