Rad Power Bikes’ Batteries Face Significant Fire Risk Warning

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a grave warning regarding Rad Power Bikes’ batteries. The agency stated that these batteries could pose serious risks, including potential fires and explosions. Consumers are advised to stop using the affected batteries immediately.

Details of the Warning

The CPSC received 31 reports of fire connected to Rad Power bikes’ batteries. Out of these incidents, twelve led to property damage. Alarmingly, some of these fires occurred even when the batteries were not charging.

Hazardous Conditions

According to the CPSC, the batteries can “unexpectedly ignite and explode.” This risk is heightened when batteries or their harnesses come into contact with water or debris. This revelation has intensified concerns surrounding the safety of Rad Power’s products.

Company’s Response

Rad Power’s situation is further complicated by financial difficulties. Earlier this month, the company warned employees it might close down in January if funding is not secured. The CPSC indicated that Rad Power “refused to agree to an acceptable recall.” They also noted that the company reported a lack of funds to offer replacements or refunds for affected batteries.

Disagreement with CPSC

In a statement, Rad Power strongly disagreed with the CPSC’s findings regarding battery safety. They asserted their commitment to high industry standards and expressed regret over any incidents involving their batteries. The company highlighted that the reported incident rate is less than one percent.

• Rad Power maintains that it has offered solutions, such as upgrading customers to newer batteries.
• The CPSC rejected these proposals, creating a challenging situation for the company.

Recommendations for Battery Disposal

The CPSC has provided crucial guidelines for consumers regarding the disposal of these lithium-ion batteries. Owners are urged not to discard the batteries in regular trash or traditional recycling centers. Instead, they should take them to municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection centers.

Consumers can check whether their batteries are affected by visiting the CPSC warning page. In light of these safety issues, it remains essential for Rad Power and its customers to navigate this crisis carefully.