CAKE’s American branch, Cake 0 Emission, is recalling certain Kalk&, Kalk :work, Kalk Ink& models due to a battery safety issue. It is estimated that a total of 264 from model years 2018-2023 are affected by the recall filed with the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall was triggered after CAKE received a report from an independent dealer in South Korea that a Kalk unit caught fire while charging in their facilities. An investigation by the manufacturer found that lithium-ion cells in certain Kalk battery packs have slightly different chemical composition and can be pushed outside their operating range. This potential failure will happen during charging and can lead to smoke or fire.

CAKE states that owners should be wary of warning signs such as abnormal battery behavior, including failed charging, significantly reduced range, and power cut-off while driving.

How To Get It Fixed

According to CAKE, the recall will consist of a repair program that will replace the current lithium-ion battery in affected models with one that contains cells with a different chemical composition. The manufacturer currently estimates that replacement batteries will be available from March 2024. 

CAKE expects to send notifications of the recall on or by January 12, 2024. As part of that notification, the manufacturer will facilitate customer instructions on how to charge the vehicle until replacement battery packs are available.

Owners are asked to check the battery serial number on their KALK units against a list of affected battery pack serial numbers that will be available on CAKE’s website or by contacting CAKE’s Service team. Once replacement battery packs have been made available, a second letter will be sent with instructions on how to replace the existing battery pack and what to do with the original battery pack. Future production of KALK motorcycles will use the remedy battery pack. 

Owners may contact CAKE customer service at service@ridecake.com or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to www.nhtsa.gov.