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A safety warning has been issued for batteries used in a popular e-bike brand, which is sold in British Columbia.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning customers to immediately stop using lithium-ion batteries with model numbers RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304 that power e-bikes made by Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes.
In an alert issued Monday, the regulator said some of the company’s batteries could ignite or explode even when not being charged. The batteries were sold with several Rad Power e-bike models and as replacement batteries.
The agency says it’s aware of 31 reports of fires linked to the batteries in the United States, including cases where the battery was not charging, and the product was not in use and in storage. Twelve incidents resulted in property damage totalling more than $734,000 US, according to the CPSC.
The notice warns that the batteries can “unexpectedly ignite and explode,” particularly when exposed to water or debris, and that consumers should remove and dispose of the batteries following local hazardous waste procedures.
Regulators say the company has not agreed to a 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,” the commission said.
Rad Power Bikes disputes the characterization of some of its batteries as defective or unsafe, noting its products meet international safety standards.
“[We] firmly stand behind our batteries and our reputation as leaders in the e-bike industry,” it said in a statement Monday.
“Reputable, independent third-party labs tested Rad’s batteries, both as part of our typical product testing and again during the CPSC investigation, and confirmed compliance with the highest industry standards.”
The company says the incident rate is a “fraction of one per cent,” adding that any battery from e-bikes to laptops can be dangerous if exposed to “excess moisture” or improperly charged.
WATCH | B.C. e-bike rider’s battery bursts into flames:
E-bike rider warns of risks after battery bursts into flames
A Whistler, B.C., woman was recently on a ride with her new e-bike when the battery made a strange noise and burst into flames. She got off in time to avoid injury but says the incident is a cautionary tale for other e-bike users, who may not be aware of the fire risk.
“We know even one incident is one too many, and we are heartbroken by any report involving our products.”
The company, which operates a retail store and service centre in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, says it had offered multiple solutions, including discounted upgrades to newer “Safe Shield” batteries, but the regulator rejected them.
It’s unclear how many affected batteries were sold in B.C. and Canada, and CBC News has reached out to the company for more information on it.
Last year, a Whistler woman said her Rad Power e-bike battery made a loud noise before bursting into flames while she was riding. She jumped off moments before the bike ignited and described the experience as a warning for other users.
According to Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, llithium-ion battery fires have also resulted in deaths in the city, which often involve modified or third-party batteries.
Matthew Trudeau with the fire service says they don’t track e-bike fires separately, but said rechargeable battery fires can be extremely dangerous from the risk of thermal runaway, toxic products of combustion and explosion.
“Most of the fires associated with e-bikes are with stolen bikes containing modified charging systems, people changing the hardware/software or using aftermarket/non-OE batteries,” he said in a statement.
He urges riders not to charge or store e-bikes indoors, especially near exits or sleeping areas and to only use manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers.
