Rad Power Bikes is under fire after a federal watchdog urged consumers yesterday to stop using two kinds of lithium-ion batteries found in its e-bikes. The Seattle-based bike brand denies excess danger associated with these parts.
The batteries, model numbers RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304, have been referenced in 31 reports of fire. Twelve of those cases detailed property damage totaling around $734,500, according to a news release by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some of the incidents happened while the battery was in storage, not charging or being used.
The agency asked consumers to immediately remove the batteries and safely dispose of them. It said the batteries can “unexpectedly ignite and explode, posing a fire hazard to consumers, especially when the battery or the harness has been exposed to water and debris.”
Rad Pushes Back Against Designation
In a statement on its website, Rad Power Bikes said it takes significant water exposure to pose a hazard, which the company warns in its manuals. It also said the incident rate makes up a fraction of one percent of batteries distributed.
“Rad Power Bikes firmly stands behind our batteries and our reputation as leaders in the e-bike industry, and strongly disagrees with the C.P.S.C.’s characterization of certain Rad batteries as defective or unsafe,” the statement read.
Which Bikes Contain the Batteries?
The batteries were manufactured in China and sold on RadPowerBikes.com, and in Best Buy and independent bike stores. They were associated with several e-bike models, including RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, RadRover Step Thru 1, RadRunner 2, RadRunner 1, RadRunner Plus, and RadExpand 5.
The fire hazard comes two weeks after Rad Power Bikes reported that it may have to close due to a lack of funding. The company, once the largest e-bike brand in North America, has undergone several rounds of layoffs and faced prior lawsuits related to e-bike battery fires.
The CPSC said because of financial factors, Rad Power Bikes cannot offer a full recall or refund to customers.
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Ava Levinson
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