Rad Power Bikes’ e-bike batteries are now under official warning by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with regulators stating they pose a severe risk of fire, injury, and even death. Owners are advised to immediately stop using the affected batteries.
Critical Safety Concerns
The CPSC has linked the batteries to 31 reported fires, 12 of which caused property damage. Disturbingly, some fires occurred even when the batteries were not actively charging, suggesting a spontaneous combustion risk. The CPSC specifically warns that exposure to water or debris can exacerbate the hazard, increasing the likelihood of ignition or explosion.
“The hazardous 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,” the CPSC writes.
Company Disputes, Financial Strain
The warning comes at a precarious time for Rad Power Bikes, which is facing a potential shutdown in January if it fails to secure additional funding. The CPSC alleges that Rad Power refused to agree to a full recall, citing financial constraints. According to the agency, the company claims it cannot offer replacements or refunds to all consumers.
Rad Power, however, disputes these claims. In a statement to TechCrunch, the company asserts its batteries meet industry standards and that the incident rate is minimal. Rad Power claims it proposed upgrading customers to newer, safer batteries, but the CPSC rejected this solution, which the company says would have forced immediate closure.
What This Means
The dispute highlights a growing tension between regulatory enforcement and the financial realities of struggling companies. For Rad Power, the CPSC’s stance could be fatal. For consumers, the warning is a stark reminder that even popular products can harbor hidden dangers. The incident rate may be low, but even a small risk is unacceptable when dealing with potentially explosive batteries.
The CPSC’s warning underscores the importance of battery safety standards and the need for manufacturers to prioritize consumer protection. Whether Rad Power can navigate this crisis remains uncertain, but the immediate priority for owners of affected batteries is to discontinue use until the situation is resolved.
