Rad Power E-Bike Battery Fire & Explosion Lawsuit Lawyers

Consumers Urged to Stop Using Hazardous Rad Power Bike Lithium-Ion Batteries Linked to 31 Fires, Injuries, and $734K in Property Damage.

On November 24, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a national safety warning concerning lithium-ion batteries used in several Rad Power Bike electric bicycle models. The warning demands that all consumers immediately stop using certain Rad batteries due to a significant risk of fire and explosion.

The batteries have been linked to at least 31 fires and $734,500 in property damage, including fires that occurred while bikes were stored or not in use. The concern is especially serious in cases where water or debris exposure occurred, leading to combustion without warning.

These batteries were sold both as original equipment in Rad e-bikes and as standalone replacements. What makes this alert even more concerning is Rad Power’s refusal to recall the products or issue full refunds, citing financial limitations. For thousands of consumers across the United States, this means they may be left with dangerous equipment and no immediate recourse.

Which Batteries Are Affected by the CPSC Warning?

The warning applies to lithium-ion batteries sold with or for the following Rad Power Bike models:

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

These batteries are identified by model numbers HL-RP-S1304 and RP-1304, which are printed on a label on the back or rear of the battery. They were sold from RadPowerBikes.com, Best Buy, and various independent bike dealers nationwide.

Consumers may have paid $550 for replacement batteries and $1,500–$2,000 for complete bikes, including the hazardous battery. All affected batteries were manufactured in China.

What Is the Risk with These Batteries?

The core hazard lies in the batteries’ vulnerability to ignition and explosion, particularly when they have been exposed to water, debris, or corrosion. In several reported cases, batteries combusted even while the e-bike was turned off or stored, creating significant danger in garages, homes, and other confined spaces.

These incidents are not hypothetical. The CPSC has received 31 reports of battery fires, including events where the battery was not charging or even connected to power. At least 12 of these incidents resulted in property damage, sometimes with the potential for serious bodily injury or loss of life.

Why Rad Power Refused a Recall

Unlike many manufacturers that respond to CPSC warnings with a formal recall or compensation offer, Rad Power Bikes has told federal officials it cannot afford to replace or refund all affected batteries. According to communications with the CPSC, the company argued that replacing every battery would push them out of business entirely.

Instead, Rad Power Bikes made the following points in its statement:

• The company claims its Safe Shield and semi-integrated batteries are not part of this safety issue.
• It conducted third-party testing and claims the batteries passed.
• Rad proposed alternatives to the CPSC, but none were accepted.
• Rad encourages customers to inspect their batteries and stop using any that show signs of damage, water exposure, or corrosion.

Despite this, the CPSC has found the risk significant enough to warrant a national warning, even without the company’s cooperation.

Fire Risks from Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a compact space. When damaged or degraded, the risk of thermal runaway increases, a condition where the battery heats uncontrollably and catches fire or explodes.

In this case, potential causes include:

• Water intrusion into the battery or its harness
• Corrosion weakening the internal structure
• Improper disposal or storage, especially in high-heat environments

Once a fire begins, lithium-ion batteries are notoriously hard to extinguish and can reignite even after appearing to be put out. These fires also emit toxic fumes that can be harmful if inhaled indoors.

What Should Consumers Do Immediately?

According to the CPSC, consumers who own the affected Rad Power batteries should take the following steps:

1. Do not charge or use the battery.
2. Remove it from the e-bike immediately.
3. Dispose of the battery properly — but not in household trash or regular recycling.
4. Contact your local household hazardous waste (HHW) center to ask if they accept lithium-ion batteries.
5. Never attempt to resell or give away the battery, as this continues the risk to others.

Improper disposal could spark fires in landfills or recycling centers. Consumers must follow local guidelines for hazardous materials to prevent further damage.

Who Is at Risk?

Any owner of a Rad Power Bike listed in the CPSC alert is at risk if the battery is still in their possession. This includes:

• Individuals who purchased the bikes new from Rad or Best Buy
• Secondhand owners who received the bike through resale
• Individuals using replacement batteries bought online or at local bike shops

Importantly, the fire risk applies even when the battery is not in use, meaning storing it indoors or in a garage may be unsafe.

Legal Options for Injured Consumers or Property Owners

Those who suffered injury, burns, smoke inhalation, or property damage due to an exploding Rad battery may have valid legal claims. These could include:

• Product liability lawsuits: Holding the manufacturer responsible for selling a product known to carry a serious risk.
• Negligence claims: Based on Rad’s refusal to conduct a full recall or offer replacements.
• Wrongful death claims: If a fire resulting from one of these batteries causes fatal injuries.
• Property damage claims: Seeking compensation for homes, garages, vehicles, or personal property destroyed by fire.

Although Rad Power cited financial limitations as a reason for not replacing defective batteries, that defense may not shield the company from liability in civil court. Victims may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Funeral costs (in fatal cases)

Lawsuits may also help prevent future injuries by forcing transparency and accountability in the e-bike industry.

Lawsuit FAQs About Rad Power Battery Fires

What bikes are affected by the Rad Power battery warning?

The CPSC warning applies to RadWagon 4, RadCity High Step 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, RadRover Step Thru 1, RadRunner 1, RadRunner 2, RadRunner Plus, and RadExpand 5. The batteries have model numbers HL-RP-S1304 or RP-1304.

What’s the specific danger with these batteries?

The batteries can ignite or explode, even when not in use, especially if they’ve been exposed to moisture or debris. Some fires have occurred in storage or during transportation, making them highly unpredictable.

Can I still use my bike without the battery?

Yes, but only if the battery has been removed and disposed of according to hazardous waste guidelines. However, you must not attempt to charge or store the battery.

What should I do with the battery now?

Immediately remove it from your e-bike. Do not throw it in the trash. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility to ask if they accept lithium-ion batteries. Follow all local safety procedures.

Is Rad Power offering a refund or replacement?

No. Rad Power stated that they cannot afford to replace all batteries and have not initiated a full recall. This has raised concern among regulators and consumers alike.

Can I sue Rad Power if my battery caught fire or caused damage?

Yes. Victims may be able to file product liability lawsuits, especially if the battery caused injury or property loss. The refusal to recall may strengthen your case.

Can I still join a lawsuit if no injury occurred, but I had property damage?

Yes. You may be eligible to recover repair or replacement costs for damaged items, even if no physical injuries occurred.

Is this considered a class action lawsuit?

Individual and class action claims are being evaluated. An experienced product liability attorney can help determine which legal path is best based on your circumstances.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was injured or suffered property loss from a Rad Power Bike battery fire, you may be eligible for compensation. The product may be defective, and the company’s refusal to conduct a full recall puts others at risk.

Parker Waichman LLP is actively investigating claims nationwide on behalf of victims affected by these dangerous batteries. Our legal team is standing by to evaluate your case at no cost to you.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you. Time limits may apply, so don’t wait to protect your rights.