The products in question are the Haribo Mini Power Bank, available in both 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh capacities. They gained a dedicated following earlier this year for promising substantial portable power without the usual weight penalty, making them particularly appealing for long-distance hikers and travelers. However, that excitement has now turned to caution.
A Silent Recall and a Vague Explanation
The disappearance of the products was first noticed by customers whose existing orders were canceled without warning. When pressed for comment, Amazon stated that it had removed the listings due to “a potential safety or quality issue.” The company did not provide any specific details, leaving customers and industry watchers to speculate about the exact nature of the problem.
The manufacturer, DC Hong Kong Global, has not issued an official recall or public statement regarding the safety concerns flagged by Amazon. This silence has left owners of the devices uncertain about the safety of the power banks they currently possess.
CT Scan Reveals Internal Design Flaw
While the manufacturer remains quiet, an independent investigation has shed light on what the potential safety issue might be. Engineering firm Lumafield conducted a non-destructive CT scan of the 20,000mAh version of the Haribo Power Bank, and the internal images are concerning.
The scan clearly shows that the two internal battery cells were not aligned correctly within the casing. More critically, the report indicates that the electrodes—the essential components that manage the flow of electricity—were not properly stabilized during the manufacturing process.
This kind of internal flaw is not merely a cosmetic issue. It can lead to a host of serious problems, including:
- Premature Battery Failure: The power bank could stop holding a charge far sooner than expected.
- Overheating: Improperly stabilized electrodes can cause excessive heat buildup during charging or discharging.
- Fire Hazard: In a worst-case scenario, the combination of internal shorts and overheating can ultimately lead to a fire.
The discovery has sparked discussion among tech safety advocates online, with industry experts like Cabel on Bluesky highlighting the findings as a cautionary tale about the hidden risks in some ultra-cheap electronics.
What Should Consumers Do Now?
At the time of writing, the Haribo Mini Power Bank 20000mAh is still available for purchase on some European Amazon sites. However, given the identified safety risks, we strongly recommend against buying these models.
Your safety is more important than a low price point. Fortunately, there are reliable and rigorously tested alternatives on the market. For those in need of a high-capacity, lightweight power bank, a much safer and well-regarded option is the Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3.
This power bank offers the same 20,000mAh capacity but is built with quality components and robust safety features, making it a trusted choice for adventurers and everyday users alike.
You can find the Nitecore NB20000 Gen 3 20000mAh Power Bank on Amazon Marketplace.
If you already own a Haribo Power Bank, it is advisable to stop using it immediately and dispose of it responsibly at a designated e-waste recycling facility that handles lithium-ion batteries.
