What’s Going On With SAFETY AT Rad Power Bikes?
- Josh W
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve been planning to buy, or are already riding an e-bike, you’ve definitely seen a Rad Power Bike or two. For years, Rad was the big name in the consumer e-bike world. Affordable, accessible, everywhere.
But being the first big player in a category doesn’t always guarantee long-term stability, and right now Rad Power Bikes is facing some serious challenges. Between battery safety issues, financial strain, and unresolved recalls, the outlook for the brand isn’t great.
If you own one of these bikes — or know someone who does — here’s what you need to know.
Battery Safety Concerns
Over the past few years, Rad Power Bikes has been hit with mounting legal, business, and safety concerns. The most urgent issue involves battery safety. Certain Rad batteries have been identified as potential fire hazards — capable of igniting violently and without warning.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a public warning urging owners to stop using the affected batteries immediately.
Recently, the CPSC has requested a Nationwide Voluntary Safety Recall of 2 specific battery models, listed below. One of the more troubling parts of the situation is that Rad has not agreed to a voluntary recall, citing the financial burden it would place on the company. As a result, the next action was to put out a Consumer Warning Due to Fire Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death | CPSC.gov
With bankruptcy already looming, a full recall would likely push Rad over the edge.
The damage tied to these uncertified batteries (no UL/Underwriters Labs certification) has already added up to nearly $750,000 in settlements, with additional lawsuits pending. If you have one of these batteries at home, this is not something to ignore.
How to Safely Handle and Dispose of a Faulty Battery
If you think your battery may be affected, the first and most important step is to handle it safely.
Do NOT throw it in the trash.
Lithium-ion batteries — especially damaged ones — are a fire hazard.
Here’s what you should do:
Remove the battery from the bike immediately.
Tape over the terminals with clear packing tape or standard office tape.
Store it outside on a nonflammable surface (dirt, brick, concrete). Keep it away from anything overhead or nearby that could ignite.
Have a fire extinguisher nearby, or at least know where yours is.
Treat it as hazardous waste.
All lithium-ion batteries (not just Rad’s) must be disposed of properly.
Drop-off bins at hardware stores, smoke shops, or by-the-door convenience bins are not safe or legal places to dispose of a large lithium-ion battery. And curbside recycling won’t take it either — your handler will simply set it aside.
If you’re lucky enough to be our Portland Oregon neighbor, contact a local hazardous waste disposal center to confirm they accept lithium-ion e-bike batteries before taking it in. Do not show up unannounced — call ahead.
If you’re outside the Portland area, the EPA has resources here:
These batteries need to be treated seriously. Protect yourself, your property, and the people around you.
Which Rad Models Are Affected?
The most concerning batteries are labeled:
HL-RP-S1304
RP-1304
These batteries were sold through RadPowerBikes.com and Best Buy.
Affected bike models include:
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
Many of these are no longer shown on Rad’s website, but thousands are still in circulation.
How to Request a Replacement Battery
Since Rad has not issued a formal recall, the responsibility is on the owner to contact Rad Power Bikes directly.
And timing matters — there is real concern the company may not make it past early 2026 without new funding or a buyout. If you own one of these models, reach out sooner rather than later.
Rad is offering a UL-listed Safe Shield battery "at a substantial discount" off the suggested retail $550. It’s not a free replacement, and it doesn’t align with standard recall practices, but the company is in a tight financial position, and the customer-service agents you speak with are not at fault for the situation.
It’s worth staying patient and kind during the process — friendliness goes a long way when companies are in damage-control mode.
Summary and Call to Action
Rad Power Bikes is dealing with serious financial instability, unresolved safety concerns, and noncompliance with CPSC recommendations. Things are not trending in a positive direction, and this “non-recall” may accelerate the company’s decline.
If you own one of the affected bikes or batteries, take action now:
Verify your battery model: HL-RP-S1304, RP-1304
Store it safely outside
Begin the replacement process
And above all, be cautious. This is a real safety issue.
Chainrings and Cheers!
Comments