Rad Power Bikes’ batteries receive major fire risk warning

Rad Power Bikes is under scrutiny as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a stark warning regarding the batteries used in its electric bikes. These batteries are reported to pose a significant risk of severe injury or even death, leading the CPSC to advise owners to cease their usage immediately. The warning, released on Monday, stems from alarming evidence that the batteries can ignite or explode. In fact, the CPSC has documented 31 incidents of fires linked to these batteries, with twelve resulting in property damage. Disturbingly, some of these fires occurred even when the batteries were not in use or charging. The CPSC cautioned that these hazardous batteries can unexpectedly catch fire, especially when they have been exposed to water or debris. This warning could not have come at a worse time for Rad Power, as the company has informed its employees that it may shut down in January unless it secures new funding. Adding to the tension, the CPSC claims that Rad Power has not agreed to a suitable recall plan. The agency alleges that the company stated it is unable to provide replacements or refunds to all affected consumers due to its financial struggles. In a statement to TechCrunch, Rad Power firmly defended its products, asserting that it disagrees with the CPSC's description of its batteries as defective or unsafe. The company emphasized its commitment to consumer safety, noting that it has proposed several solutions to address the agency’s concerns, including offering upgrades to their latest battery models, which are not included in the warning. However, Rad Power argues that the CPSC's demands would impose significant financial burdens, potentially leading to immediate closure of the company. Despite the CPSC's alarming findings, Rad Power maintains that its batteries meet the highest industry standards and claims that the incident rate is less than one percent. They expressed deep regret for any incidents involving their products, acknowledging that even one occurrence is too many. For consumers concerned about their batteries, the CPSC has provided information on its warning page, advising them not to dispose of the lithium-ion batteries in regular garbage or traditional recycling. Instead, they should take them to designated municipal household hazardous waste collection centers.