A fire broke out this week at a Rad Power Bikes retail store warehouse in Huntington Beach, California, in an incident that comes just weeks after federal safety regulators warned customers to stop using certain Rad e-bike batteries because of fire risks.
Fire Follows Battery Safety Warning
Electrek first reported that the two-alarm blaze hit a commercial complex housing multiple businesses. Footage from the scene showed e-bikes positioned outside the warehouse as firefighters worked to contain the fire. The extent of the damage and whether recalled battery models were involved has not been confirmed. Engadget has contacted Rad Power Bikes for comment.
The incident occurred less than two months after the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned consumers in November to “immediately stop” using and dispose of specific Rad lithium-ion battery models due to fire and explosion risks.
CPSC Raised Concerns Over Fire Risks
According to the CPSC, the warning followed 31 reports of fires linked to the batteries, including 12 incidents that caused property damage. In several cases, the batteries ignited while in storage and not actively charging or in use.
The agency said the batteries posed an increased risk of catching fire or exploding, particularly when exposed to moisture or debris, and issued detailed instructions for safe disposal.
Bankruptcy Complicates Recall Efforts
In December, Rad Power Bikes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying it could not afford to carry out a formal recall that would include replacements or refunds for affected customers.
At the time, the company said it had proposed alternative solutions, including offering customers discounted upgrades to its newer Safe Shield batteries. Rad said the CPSC rejected those proposals, arguing that the cost of a full recall would force the company to shut down operations entirely.
Company Disputes Defect Claims
Rad Power Bikes has disputed the CPSC’s characterization of the batteries as defective or unsafe. The company said the reported incident rate was below one percent and emphasized that lithium-ion batteries carry inherent risks, particularly when used improperly or exposed to excessive moisture, conditions it says customers are warned about.
It remains unclear whether this week’s fire was linked to the battery models cited by the CPSC or to other causes.
Featured image credits: Flickr
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