Senior woman stranded with Pedelec: Bus refuses help because of battery!

Senior woman stranded with Pedelec: Bus refuses help because of battery!

On Monday, August 11, 2025, an incident occurred in Gräfenhainichen that not only reignited the local police, but also the discussion about the safety of e-bikes and their batteries. An 89-year-old Pedelec driver was stranded at a gas station on Gadewitzer Weg with an empty battery and was in need of help. The senior citizen had previously set off from her home in the Möhlau district, but when the battery on her Pedelec failed, she was dependent on the support of others.

But the situation escalated when the bus driver she sought help from refused to let her take her. He pointed to safety regulations that address the fire hazard of lithium-ion batteries. In the face of the battery, the elderly woman called the police and asked for support. Luckily, the gas station staff were able to help quickly and offered to charge the battery on site, so that the lady was able to continue her journey soon afterwards.

Safety concerns with lithium-ion batteries

The bus driver's refusal to take them raises questions about the current regulations for the transport of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries, like those used in Pedelecs, are classified as UN 3171, which means they are considered battery-powered vehicles. According to information from Lithium battery service These vehicles are not classified as dangerous goods within the meaning of UN 3481. However, special precautions must be taken because lithium-ion batteries, despite their advantages, have a high energy density, which can be dangerous if damaged, as the new ADR 2025 regulation clearly shows.

The strict regulations regarding the transport conditions of lithium-ion batteries have been introduced to minimize fire-related risks. These batteries can catch fire if short-circuited or damaged, highlighting the need for appropriate safety measures. Current information on this topic can also be found at ProSafeCon, which explain the changes brought about by ADR 2025.

A call for conscience formation

The incident in Gräfenhainichen brings us once again into the discussion about the handling of e-bikes and their batteries. It is important that operators, both in public transport and in the private sector, are aware of the legal requirements to ensure safety for everyone. The new classification and associated regulations are intended not only to ensure safety in transport, but also to provide a sound basis for understanding the technology we drive with every day.

For many people, Pedelecs represent a welcome opportunity to travel in an environmentally conscious and healthy way. This remains important, but safety should not be left behind. It would be advisable for public transport drivers to also be better informed about the conditions and classifications in order to avoid misunderstandings and risks.