U.S. safety regulators have issued a striking warning to consumers to immediately stop using certain lithium-ion batteries for Rad Power Bikes e-bikes after dozens of reported fires, citing a significant fire and explosion risk that could lead to serious injury or death.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Nov. 24, 2025, published a public safety advisory urging owners to remove affected batteries from their bikes and dispose of them at hazardous waste facilities rather than in household trash or standard recycling streams.
The warning covers lithium-ion battery packs with model numbers RP-1304, RAD-S1304Y, and HL-RP-S1304, sold with several Rad Power e-bike models, including RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, and others. The batteries were also sold as replacement units for older bikes.
According to the CPSC notice, the batteries can “unexpectedly ignite and explode,” especially if the battery or harness has been exposed to water or debris, posing a heightened fire risk even when the e-bike is not in use or charging.
So far, the commission has received 31 reports of fire incidents involving these batteries, including 12 that caused property damage totaling about $734,500, though no fatalities have been officially reported in the document.
Consumer safety advocates warn that the public alert highlights lingering issues with lithium-ion technology, which, while widely used for its high energy density, can be prone to thermal runaway, spontaneous ignition, and explosion if manufacturing defects, water damage, or other stresses compromise the cells.
In an unusual move, Rad Power Bikes has declined to conduct a formal recall, saying it cannot afford to replace all affected batteries or offer refunds, given its financial position, and has disputed the CPSC’s conclusion. The company has said it stands behind batteries that pass third-party testing and continues to offer safety guidance to customers.
The CPSC warning serves as a stark reminder that lithium-ion battery hazards are not confined to consumer gadgets, such as smartphones and laptops, but also extend to larger battery systems in e-mobility products. Experts recommend that owners halt use of at-risk batteries, regularly inspect battery packs for signs of damage, and always follow the manufacturer’s and local hazardous-waste disposal guidance.
For owners of affected Rad Power e-bikes, safety specialists advise parking and storing the bikes outdoors, away from structures, until the batteries are removed and properly disposed of. Officials emphasize that any warning about lithium battery risks should be taken seriously to prevent potentially catastrophic fires.
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