Rad Power Bike Battery Fires Result in CPSC Warning, After Manufacturer Refuses to Recall E-Bikes

Manufacturer claims it cannot afford to issue a Rad Power Bike recall or offer replacement batteries, without the risk of financial collapse.

Consumers are being urged to immediately stop using lithium-ion batteries provided with Rad Power e-bikes, due to a risk that defects may cause them to overheat or ignite, causing a fire.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the Rad Power e-Bike battery warning on November 24, after documenting more than 30 fires, including at least 12 incidents that caused an estimated $734,500 in property damage.

Rad Power Bikes feature a small battery-powered motor that assists with pedaling, helping riders tackle hills, travel longer distances and carry extra weight more easily. Although these e-bikes rely on lightweight lithium-ion batteries, the same technology can overheat, ignite or explode when damaged, overcharged or exposed to high heat.

Officials are warning this danger is even greater when water or debris gets into the Rad Power e-bikes battery or wiring harness, with some reported fires occurring while the battery was not charging or in use.

The affected batteries have model numbers HL-RP-S1304 or RP-1304, which can be found on a label on the back. They were sold with or as replacement batteries for the following products:

• RadWagon 4
• RadCity HS 4
• RadRover High Step 5
• RadCity Step Thru 1 and 3
• RadRunner 1 and 2
• RadRunner Plus
• RadExpand 5

Consumers may have purchased the products on RadPowerBikes.com, at Best Buy stores or at independent bike shops nationwide for about $550 as replacement batteries, or between $1,500 and $2,000 when sold with e-bikes.

According to the CPSC release, Rad Power Bikes Inc. has refused to recall the batteries, claiming it cannot afford to offer replacements or refunds without jeopardizing the company and its existing customers.

However, the CPSC is still urging consumers to immediately remove the batteries from their e-bikes and dispose of them by following local hazardous waste disposal procedures.

These vary by jurisdiction, but often prohibit individuals from placing the battery in household trash, curbside recycling bins or drop-off boxes commonly found in retail or home-improvement stores.

Federal regulators are reminding consumers that lithium-ion batteries require special handling due to their higher fire risk. Many communities direct residents to dispose of them through a household hazardous waste (HHW) facility, so customers should check with their local center for acceptance and follow municipal instructions if the battery cannot be dropped off there.

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