CPSC Warns: Rad Power Bikes’ Batteries Pose Fire Risk
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning regarding Rad Power Bikes’ e-bike batteries, citing a significant fire risk linked to multiple incidents. The agency emphasized that the batteries could ignite or even explode due to water or debris infiltrating the cells.
CPSC Warning Details
The CPSC’s alert comes after reports of 31 confirmed fires involving Rad Power Bikes’ batteries. Notably, these include 12 incidents that resulted in property damage amounting to $734,500. Alarmingly, some of these fires occurred when the bikes were not in use or were stored.
- No injuries have been reported from these fires.
- The affected models include:
- RadWagon 4
- RadCity HS 4
- RadRover High Step 5
- RadCity Step Thru 3
- RadRover Step Thru 1
- RadRunner 2
- RadRunner 1
- RadRunner Plus
- RadExpand 5
- The battery model numbers in question are HL-RP-S1304 and RP-1304.
- All affected batteries were manufactured in China.
Company Response and Financial Challenges
Rad Power Bikes, based in Seattle, has not agreed to the proposed recall. Due to financial difficulties, the company has indicated it cannot offer refunds or battery replacements to all customers. The firm has faced severe challenges, exacerbated by the post-COVID decline in the e-bike market.
A troubling trend has emerged, as such faulty batteries have been implicated in several fires across both the U.S. and the U.K. New York City has experienced numerous fatalities linked to defective lithium-ion batteries.
Product Safety Improvements
In response to these concerns, Rad Power Bikes had previously introduced advanced batteries featuring thermal-resistant technology. This design incorporates an epoxy resin that mitigates the risk of dangerous thermal runaway incidents.
The company has transitioned to utilizing 21,700 cells instead of the smaller 18,650 cells. Additionally, it adheres to UL safety certification standards for its products.
Controversy Over Battery Safety
Kelsey Wolf, the director of brand marketing and communications for Rad Power Bikes, expressed disagreement with the CPSC’s claims of defectiveness. She stated that independent testing confirms their batteries meet industry safety standards.
Wolf acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents but highlighted that they constitute a very low incident rate. The company had previously suggested solutions to improve safety, such as offering discounted upgrades to new battery models, but these were not accepted by the CPSC.
“The cost imposed on us by CPSC would jeopardize our sustainability and the livelihoods of our employees,” Wolf concluded. Rad Power Bikes remains committed to collaborating with CPSC to remedy the situation.
