E-Bike Battery Recall: Rad Power, FENGQS, VIVI & More

In December 2024, Rad Power Bikes announced a recall affecting approximately 29,000 e-bikes sold in the United States between 2019 and 2023. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the formal recall notice after reports of batteries catching fire while charging or in storage. The lithium-ion battery packs in certain Rad Power models had a manufacturing defect that caused internal short circuits. The numbers: 31 reported fires (12 while charging, 19 in storage), $734,000 in property damage, no reported injuries but several close calls. Models affected: RadRunner (2019-2022), RadRunner Plus (2019-2023), RadWagon 4 (select production batches), RadRover 5 and 6 (manufactured between January 2020 and August 2022). Not all Rad Power bikes are recalled — only specific production batches with the defective battery cells.

FENGQS E-Bike Recall (72,000 Units): In November 2024, FENGQS recalled approximately 72,000 electric bikes sold exclusively on Amazon between 2021 and 2024. The batteries could overheat and ignite during use or charging. Models affected: FENGQS 26" Electric Bike (Model FB26), FENGQS 20" Folding Electric Bike (Model FBF20), FENGQS Mountain Electric Bike (Model FBM26). VIVI Electric Bike Recall (32,000 Units): VIVI recalled 32,000 e-bikes in September 2024 for similar battery fire hazards. Models affected: VIVI 26" Electric Bike for Adults (Model VIVI-26), VIVI 27.5" Electric Mountain Bike (Model VIVI-27), VIVI 20" Folding Electric Bike (Model VIVI-20F). Santa Cruz Bicycles Motor/Battery Recall: In March 2024, Santa Cruz Bicycles recalled approximately 2,500 e-bikes for battery and motor issues. Models affected: Heckler MX (2022-2023 models), Bullit MX (2023 models).

E-bike batteries store significantly more energy than the batteries in your phone or laptop. A typical smartphone battery is about 15 watt-hours (Wh). A MacBook Pro battery is around 80Wh. An e-bike battery? 350-700Wh — roughly 25-50 times more energy than a phone battery. When a phone battery goes into thermal runaway, it's a small, contained fire. When a 500Wh e-bike battery goes into thermal runaway, it's more like a sustained flamethrower — extremely difficult to extinguish, and it can quickly spread to nearby objects. Lithium-ion fires burn at 1,000-1,500°F (hot enough to ignite wood, fabric, and drywall). Water doesn't fully extinguish lithium fires — it can even make them worse by reacting with the battery chemicals.

Most e-bike recalls are announced via the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). Step 1: Find your model and serial numbers. Frame model number: Look on the down tube near the motor, near the bottom bracket, or on the head tube. You're looking for a sticker with brand name and model code. Battery model number: Check the battery pack itself. Most have a label on the side or bottom with battery model/part number, serial number, and voltage/capacity. Take a photo of both labels. Step 2: Search the CPSC database. Visit cpsc.gov/Recalls and use the search bar. Search "[your brand] electric bike". Filter by date: check the past 2 years. Step 3: Contact the manufacturer directly. Even if you don't see a recall on CPSC, check the manufacturer's website.

Immediate steps: (1) Stop riding and stop charging. Don't use the bike until you've completed the recall process. (2) Move the battery to a safe location. If possible, store it outdoors or in a detached garage — away from your home's living spaces. Place it on a non-flammable surface (concrete, tile) away from anything combustible. (3) Contact the manufacturer. Use the recall notice's contact information. Have your serial numbers and proof of purchase ready. (4) Follow return instructions carefully. Lithium-ion batteries require special packaging for shipping. The manufacturer will provide a prepaid shipping label, packaging materials rated for lithium batteries, and instructions for safe packing. Never ship a lithium battery in packaging that's not rated for it.

E-bike sales in the US grew from 450,000 units in 2020 to over 1.1 million in 2023. More bikes equals more recalls. The problem: Unlike cars (which have VIN-based recall tracking through NHTSA) or phones (which manufacturers can push OTA updates to), e-bikes have no standardized monitoring system. You have to manually check CPSC every few months, hope the manufacturer has your email, and watch for news articles about your brand. The Rad Power recall affected 29,000 bikes sold between 2019 and 2023 — some owners had no idea for months because they never received an email. By the time they found out, 31 fires had already occurred.

If your battery is recalled and you need to dispose of it, never throw it in the trash. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires in garbage trucks and landfills. Call2Recycle: This nonprofit runs a network of battery drop-off locations across the US and Canada. Visit call2recycle.org and enter your ZIP code. They accept e-bike batteries up to a certain size. Local hazardous waste facility: Most cities have hazardous waste drop-off days or permanent facilities. Google "[your city] hazardous waste disposal" to find yours. E-bike batteries are always accepted. Bike shops: Some independent bike shops accept old e-bike batteries for recycling. Call ahead to confirm. If the battery is swelling or smoking: This is an emergency. Move it outdoors immediately, place it on concrete away from structures, and call your local fire department non-emergency line for guidance.