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rad power bikes batteries are a fire The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a serious warning regarding certain e-bike batteries manufactured by Rad Power Bikes, indicating they pose a significant fire risk that could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

rad power bikes batteries are a fire

Details of the Warning

On Monday, the CPSC announced that Rad Power Bikes’ batteries have been linked to at least 31 reported fires, including 12 incidents that resulted in property damage totaling approximately $734,500. Alarmingly, some of these fires occurred even when the e-bikes were not in use or charging, raising concerns about the safety of these batteries while in storage. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries associated with these incidents.

Specific Models Affected

The CPSC warning specifically targets several models of Rad Power Bikes, including:

RadWagon 4
RadCity HS 4
RadRover High Step 5
RadCity Step Thru 3
RadRover Step Thru 1
RadRunner 2
RadRunner 1
RadRunner Plus
RadExpand 5

Consumers can identify the affected batteries by checking for the model numbers HL-RP-S1304 or RP-1304, which are printed on a label located on the back or rear of the battery. All of these batteries were manufactured in China.

Rad Power Bikes’ Response

In response to the CPSC’s warning, Rad Power Bikes has reportedly “refused to agree to an acceptable recall.” The CPSC’s statement indicates that the company has expressed its inability to provide replacement batteries or refunds to all consumers due to its current financial struggles. This situation has raised concerns about the company’s commitment to consumer safety.

Financial Challenges

Rad Power Bikes, based in Seattle, has been one of North America’s leading e-bike sellers. However, the company is currently facing significant financial challenges, which have been exacerbated by the post-COVID bike boom. Reports from GeekWire suggest that without a cash infusion, the company could be on the brink of closure.

Broader Context of E-Bike Battery Safety

The issue of battery safety is not unique to Rad Power Bikes. Poorly manufactured e-bike batteries have been implicated in numerous fires across the United States and the United Kingdom in recent years. In New York City, for instance, where many delivery workers rely on e-bikes, there have been multiple fatalities linked to faulty lithium-ion batteries. This troubling trend has prompted increased scrutiny of battery safety standards across the industry.

Rad Power Bikes’ Safety Initiatives

While Rad Power Bikes has not been directly implicated in any fires resulting in injuries or fatalities, the company is acutely aware that public perception regarding battery safety could adversely affect its business. In an effort to mitigate these concerns, Rad Power Bikes introduced a new line of “Safe Shield” batteries last year. These batteries incorporate thermal-resistant technology designed to prevent fires by injecting an epoxy resin into the battery cells. This resin helps to prevent chemical reactions that can lead to overheating and potential explosions, a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.

Despite these efforts, none of the models listed in the CPSC warning include the Safe Shield batteries. Kelsey Wolf, the director of brand marketing and communications for Rad Power Bikes, confirmed this in an email, emphasizing that the company is committed to safety.

Safety Standards and Compliance

In addition to the introduction of Safe Shield batteries, Rad Power Bikes has taken other measures to enhance the safety of its products. The company has transitioned from using 18,650 cells to 21,700 cells for its batteries. The new cells are larger, measuring 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length, which may contribute to improved safety and performance. Furthermore, Rad Power Bikes has complied with UL safety certification for both its bikes and batteries, a standard that is recognized in the industry as a benchmark for safety.

Company’s Stance on CPSC’s Claims

Wolf has publicly expressed the company’s strong disagreement with the CPSC’s characterization of its batteries as defective or unsafe. She stated that independent tests have confirmed that Rad’s batteries meet industry safety standards, and she noted that the CPSC does not dispute these findings. “The incident rate associated with the batteries in the CPSC’s notice is a fraction of one percent,” Wolf asserted. “While that number is low, we know even one incident is one too many, and we are heartbroken by any report involving our products.”

Proposed Solutions and CPSC’s Rejection

In light of the CPSC’s concerns, Rad Power Bikes has proposed several solutions aimed at addressing the safety issues. One of the suggestions included offering customers the opportunity to upgrade to the new thermal-resistant batteries at a discounted price. However, the CPSC rejected this proposal, citing the need for a more comprehensive solution.

Wolf explained that the financial burden of an all-or-nothing recall would be devastating for the company. “The significant cost of the all-or-nothing demand would force Rad to shut its doors immediately, leaving no way to support our riders or our employees,” she stated. This highlights the precarious position in which Rad Power Bikes currently finds itself, balancing the need for consumer safety with its financial viability.

Implications for Consumers and the Industry

The CPSC’s warning serves as a critical reminder for consumers to remain vigilant when it comes to the safety of e-bike batteries. As the popularity of e-bikes continues to grow, so too does the importance of adhering to safety standards and ensuring that manufacturers are held accountable for their products. For consumers who own the affected models, it is advisable to refrain from using the bikes until further guidance is provided by Rad Power Bikes or the CPSC.

Moreover, the situation raises broader questions about the regulatory landscape for e-bike manufacturers. As incidents involving faulty batteries become more common, there may be increased pressure on regulatory bodies to implement stricter safety standards and oversight. This could lead to a more rigorous examination of manufacturing practices and quality control measures within the industry.

Future Outlook

As Rad Power Bikes navigates this challenging period, the company’s ability to address safety concerns while managing its financial difficulties will be crucial. The introduction of new safety technologies, such as the Safe Shield batteries, may help restore consumer confidence, but the ongoing scrutiny from the CPSC and the public will likely continue to pose challenges. The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications not only for Rad Power Bikes but also for the broader e-bike industry.

In conclusion, the CPSC’s warning about Rad Power Bikes’ batteries underscores the critical importance of safety in the rapidly evolving e-bike market. As consumers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies work together to address these challenges, the hope is that incidents like these can be minimized in the future.

Source: Original report