The Consumer Protection Agency warns that some Rad Power Bike batteries can catch fire

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission warns against the use of certain lithium-ion batteries in some e-bikes made by Rad Power Bikes. They pose a serious fire hazard Which may lead to injury or even death. The agency says the batteries, identified with model numbers RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304, can catch fire or explode unexpectedly, especially if the battery or its belt is exposed to water or debris.

The recall was flagged as a “public health and safety finding” because Rad Power Bikes refused to provide full replacements or refunds to all consumers, due to financial constraints.

The CPSC reported 31 fire incidents involving these batteries, including 12 where property damage totaled approximately $734,500. Some of these fires occurred even when the battery was not in use or charging, but was stored.

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The batteries were sold as original or replacement units for many Rad Power Bikes e-bike models and were available through RadPowerBikes.com, Best Buy, and independent bike stores nationwide.

“RAD has informed the agency that its request to replace all batteries, regardless of their condition, will result in RAD not being able to operate immediately, which will not be beneficial to our passengers,” the company said in a statement issued with the CPSC warning. “Rad is disappointed that it could not come up with a solution that better serves our riders and the industry. Rad reminds its customers to inspect batteries before use or charging, immediately stop using batteries that show signs of damage, water ingress, or corrosion, and to contact Rad so we can support our riders.”

The CPSC statement does not apply to all Rad batteries, nor does it apply to Safe Shield or semi-integrated batteries.

Consumers who have an affected battery are urged to stop using it immediately and dispose of it properly at a household hazardous waste collection center. Do not place batteries in trash cans or standard curbside recycling bins, and refrain from reselling them.