E-bike Battery Dangers
Plenty of people have taken to riding e-bikes in recent years, excited by the ability to go longer or more difficult routes than possible with traditional bicycles. Whether using them as commuters, tourists, or just plain old fun, there has been a huge surge of e-bike sales. Unfortunately, there have been problems with some lithium-ion batteries on certain bikes that have been linked to fires across the country.
Tragedy in Recent Memory
It was only two years ago that four individuals were killed in a fire that started in an e-bike store in New York’s Chinatown. Another dozen were killed in unrelated lithium-ion battery incidents throughout NYC that same year.
Fires Galore
A 2019 fire in a Seattle warehouse was full of Lime dockless e-bikes and battery packs.
A Bay Wheels hybrid e-bike activated by Lyft burst into flame while resting on a bike rack at Berkeley. Another went up in flames in San Francisco, one more in San Jose, and still another in San Francisco that same month.
Rad Power Bikes
Rad Power Bikes, a popular brand, uses lithium-ion batteries that have been connected to over 30 instances of fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC), a dozen of those fires have led to nearly $750,000 in property damage. The batteries involved include the models labeled HL-RP-S1304 and RP-1304.
It’s Alarming
You may be thinking that you can manage the problem by supervising the area while your bike is charging, but in some instances, fires occurred when the batteries were neither being charged or in use. Out of the blue and for no observable reason, these batteries have unexpectedly ignited and exploded. Bikes that are stored in a shed or garage, then, can cause significant damage to structures and materials.
Rad Power’s Response
In its own defense, Rad Power said that the number of fires involving their batteries is minimal compared to the number sold — over 100,000. They claim their batteries meet all industry standards, and are anything but unsafe or defective. Nevertheless, the CPSE has urged consumers to get rid of the batteries immediately by contacting a waste collection center or contacting their municipality to get information on how to dispose of them safely. Rad Power Bikes is not offering replacements or refunds, citing cost as a negating factor.
Getting a Quality Battery
Experts agree that battery design is critical, the battery should comprise about half the cost of a new e-bike. Any battery under $500 may not be designed with safety in mind, putting you at risk.
After a Fire
Were negligent design or safety precautions a factor in an e-bike fire? If so, you may be entitled to money to address injuries, damage, and more. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury lawyer at Salazar & Kelly Law Group today.
Source:
nytimes.com/2025/11/24/us/cpsc-rad-power-bikes-batteries.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
