Federal safety regulators have issued an urgent warning for owners of certain Rad Power Bikes e-bike batteries to immediately cease using their devices following reports of deadly fires and explosions that have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the critical safety alert on November 24, citing serious concerns about lithium-ion batteries that can spontaneously ignite without warning, creating potentially fatal hazards for users and their families.
“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 stated in its official warning.
The safety notice specifically targets two battery models: RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304, both lithium-ion units manufactured for Rad Power Bikes, one of the nation’s leading e-bike companies.
According to federal data, the CPSC has documented 31 separate fire incidents linked to these batteries, with 12 cases resulting in significant property damage totaling more than $734,000. The financial toll represents just a fraction of the safety risks posed by these defective units, which officials warn can cause severe injuries or death.
The warning comes as e-bike popularity has surged across the United States, with millions of Americans adopting electric bicycles for commuting, recreation, and delivery services. However, the rapid growth of the industry has also highlighted potential safety vulnerabilities in battery technology.
Safety experts emphasize that exposure to moisture and debris significantly increases the risk of battery malfunction, making proper storage and maintenance crucial for e-bike owners. The CPSC’s alert underscores the importance of keeping batteries dry and clean to prevent catastrophic failures.
For consumers who own the affected battery models, federal officials stress that immediate action is necessary. Users should stop charging and using these batteries until further guidance is provided by either the manufacturer or regulatory authorities.
This latest safety concern adds to growing scrutiny of lithium-ion battery technology in consumer products, as regulators work to balance innovation with public safety in the rapidly evolving electric transportation sector.
The CPSC continues to investigate the full scope of the safety issues and is working with Rad Power Bikes to determine appropriate remedial actions for affected consumers.
