Rad Power Bikes Lawsuit
Stephens’ lawsuit indicates that the subject bike was purchased in December 2024 and professionally assembled by The Cycle Joint Inc., an authorized Rad Power Bikes dealer. She reports that her husband, Dr. Keith Stephens, used the bike as intended and instructed, including storing and charging it indoors in a dry garage using an outlet with no history of malfunction.
However, only days after the e-bike was assembled, its battery ignited overnight on January 3, 2025, sparking a fire that injured Shannon Stephens and killed Dr. Stephens.
A formal investigation confirmed that the fire originated from the e-bike battery and determined that a defective design caused the incident. The investigation cited multiple engineering and safety failures, including the use of a lower-cost, higher energy-density battery chemistry and the absence of adequate thermal protection and containment.
The lawsuit alleges that Rad Power Bikes marketed its electric bikes as UL certified despite knowing that the lithium-ion battery had never been UL listed. UL certification is a third-party verification system that confirms batteries have undergone testing required to meet safety standards designed to help prevent fires, explosions and ruptures.
Instead, after numerous fires involving e-bikes, Stephens claims the company quietly began incorporating a new battery feature branded “Safe Shield” as a routine improvement, claiming enhanced thermal protection and internal safeguards. However, it never acknowledged that the original battery design posed a risk of thermal runaway and fire.
“Had Rad Power Bikes incorporated appropriate and available design features, the fire—which originated from the e-bike battery pack—would more likely than not have been contained within the battery pack and prevented from spreading. This event was foreseeable. More importantly, it was preventable.”
— Shannon Stephens v. New Summit Collective Inc. et al
Stephens raises allegations of strict product liability under the Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine, fraud, breach of implied warranty, failure to provide sufficient warnings and loss of consortium.
She seeks punitive damages for the wrongful death of her husband, as well as compensatory damages and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
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