A federal safety agency has issued a warning about a brand of e-bike batteries that can ignite and explode.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the lithium-ion batteries for Rad Power Bikes e-bikes “can unexpectedly ignite and explode, posing a fire hazard to consumers, especially when the battery or the harness has been exposed to water and debris.”
The batteries in question have the model numbers RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304.
The CPSC said it is aware of 31 reports of fire, including 12 reports of property damage totaling approximately $734,500. Some of these incidents occurred when the battery was not charging, not in use and in storage.
The commission said owners should remove the batteries from the bikes and dispose of them according to local hazardous waste procedures. Owners should not sell the batteries or give them away.
The importer, Rad Power Bikes of Seattle, Washington, “has refused to agree to an acceptable recall. Given its financial situation, Rad Power Bikes has indicated to CPSC that it is unable to offer replacement batteries or refunds to all consumers,” CPSC said.
The batteries were sold with the following Rad Power Bikes e-bike models and as replacement batteries: RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, RadRover Step Thru 1, RadRunner 2, RadRunner 1, RadRunner Plus and RadExpand 5.
The battery model number (HL-RP-S1304 or RP-1304) is printed on a label on the back or rear of the battery.
The batteries were sold on RadPowerBikes.com and at Best Buy stores and independent bike shops nationwide for about $550 as replacement batteries or between $1,500 and $2,000 when sold with e-bikes.
The batteries were manufactured in China.
Rad Power Bikes included a statement with the CPSC’s warning.
“Rad’s Safe Shield batteries and semi-integrated batteries are not subject to the agency’s statement. Rad had the batteries re-tested by third-party labs as part of this investigation; the batteries passed these tests again.
“Nonetheless, in an effort to partner with the CPSC, Rad proposed multiple solutions to the agency in good faith. Rad informed the agency that its demand to replace all batteries, regardless of condition, would immediately put Rad out of business, which would be of no benefit to our riders.
“Rad is disappointed that it could not reach a resolution that best serves our riders and the industry at large. Rad reminds its customers to inspect batteries before use or charging and immediately stop using batteries that show signs of damage, water ingress, or corrosion, and to contact Rad so we can support our riders.”
