Rad Power Bikes’ e-bike batteries pose a serious fire risk and shouldn’t be used, agency warns
Some e-bike batteries from a popular brand have been deemed a fire hazard by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), posing a risk of serious injury or death. The CPSC issued a notice on Monday advising consumers to immediately stop using lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes manufactured by Rad Power Bikes, based in Seattle, Washington.
The commission has identified two model numbers of batteries, RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304, as being particularly prone to igniting and exploding when exposed to water or debris. According to the CPSC, there have been 31 reports of these batteries causing fires, resulting in 12 incidents of property damage totaling approximately $734,500. Some of these fires occurred when the batteries were neither charging nor in use.
Despite the CPSC warning, Rad Power Bikes has defended the safety of their batteries, stating that they meet or exceed international safety standards. The company has conducted tests at independent third-party labs, which confirmed the batteries’ compliance with industry regulations. Rad emphasized that all lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk if mishandled or improperly charged, and they caution against misuse in their customer safety guides.
While Rad Power Bikes has not agreed to recall the batteries, the CPSC is urging consumers to discontinue use immediately and dispose of the batteries following local guidelines. Rad had hoped to offer customers an upgrade to their “Safe Shield” batteries at a discounted rate to address safety concerns. However, the CPSC’s demand for replacement batteries or refunds for all consumers could potentially jeopardize the company’s operations.
The affected batteries were sold with various Rad Power Bikes e-bike models, including RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, and RadRover High Step 5, among others. These batteries are priced at $550 individually or between $1,500 and $2,000 when bundled with e-bikes.
Rad Power Bikes did not disclose the number of products impacted by the CPSC notice when questioned by CBS News. The company’s statement highlights their commitment to customer safety and their efforts to adhere to industry safety standards.
