(Gray News) – Officials are asking people to stop using the lithium-ion batteries for Rad Power Bikes’ e-bikes after receiving 31 reports of fires.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the batteries can unexpectedly ignite and explode, posing a fire hazard.
Officials are asking people to stop using the lithium-ion batteries for some e-bikes after reports of fire.(Consumer Product Safety Commission)
The CPSC has received 31 reports of fires, which include 12 reports of property damage totaling about $734,500.
Some of the fires happened when the battery was not charging, the e-bike was not being used and was in storage.
Consumers are being asked to remove the battery from the e-bike and dispose of it.
Rad Power Bikes Inc. refused to agree to a recall and told the CPSC that it cannot offer replacement batteries or refunds to customers.
The company said it retested the batteries by third-party labs and the batteries passed the tests.
“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,” the company said in a statement. “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.”
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. Battery model numbers HL-RP-S1304 and RP-1304 are printed on a label on the back of the battery.
The batteries were sold on RadPowerBikes.com and at Best Buy and independent bike shops nationwide. The replacement batteries sold for about $550, while the e-bikes with the batteries sold for between $1,500 and $2,000.
The batteries were made in China.
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