SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an important warning for some e-bikes.
They’re telling people to immediately remove and dispose of batteries from Rad Power Bikes, as they could unexpectedly ignite and explode.
The CPSC said it’s aware of 31 reports of fires caused by the batteries. In some of these cases, the batteries weren’t even being charged or in use — they were simply sitting there when they combusted.
These are the e-bike models they were sold with:
Radwagon 4Radcity hs 4Radrover high step 5Radcity step thru 3Radrover step thru 1Radrunner 2Radrunner 1Radrunner plusRadexpand 5
According to the CPSC, the company said it can’t offer replacement batteries or refunds because of its financial situation.
Along with its warning, the CPSC published this comment from Rad:
“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.”
You can read more about the warning at cpsc.gov.
Lithium-ion batteries are known to be a hazard, and they’re not something you can just throw in the trash.
MORE | Lithium-ion batteries:
“Lithium-ion batteries need to be recycled properly and disposed of in the right way,” said Jon Smith from North Tooele Fire District. “That way they’re not causing fires in trash cans, dumpsters, and landfills.”
Smith can’t speak to the CPSC’s warning specifically, but he knows all about lithium-ion batteries in general — including how to dispose of them safely.
“You want to make sure you’re either taking it to a proper recycling facility, or you’re contacting somebody to come pick it up for you,” he said.
Smith said if you notice a battery is warm or bulging, don’t store it near anything that can catch fire easily.
He said it’s important for everyone to be aware of that because there have been several fires caused by lithium-ion batteries this year, and because of the sheer number of batteries that are around everyone every day.
“You’ve got at least a dozen lithium-ion products probably within a hundred yards of you at any given moment of the day,” Smith said.
Smith said they see more fires caused by batteries this time of year because with Black Friday and the holidays coming up, many people are buying new products with lithium-ion batteries and don’t dispose of the old batteries properly.
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