Electric bike batteries typically cost between $600 to $1,000, depending on the brand and capacity.
What Should You Do If Your E-Bike is Recalled?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 2, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
When an e-Bike lands on a recall list, that daily ride can turn into a safety scramble. Here’s how to stay one pedal ahead and ride safely.
More about the Author: Rémy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Cycling safety isn’t only about wearing a helmet— there are important safety standards that e-Bikes must meet before they take their first pedal strokes. When electric bikes or their components aren’t up to snuff, however, it can trigger a product recall to keep riders safe. The CPSC recently issued a warning for Rad Power Bikes, bringing the topic back into the foreground. In this blog, I’ll explain the news and what to do if your model is on an electric bike recall list.
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E-Bike recalls aren’t common, but they do happen
Product recalls have affected certain electric bike brands over the past few years, while safety standards and regulations have tightened. Governments and consumers alike have demanded stricter safety certifications as e-Bikes become more and more popular.
But when there’s a serious problem with a product, the affected brand itself or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may issue a recall. For example, there have been recalls for Momentum Vida E+ e-Bikes (fork), Specialized Vado and Como internal gear hub e-Bikes (belt drive), and VIVI e-Bikes (battery fire hazard).
Safety and product quality of electric bikes are especially important because of the added speed and weight (and therefore risk) of pedal-assist bikes. The most crucial component, however, is an e-Bike’s lithium-ion battery. Electrical malfunctions or fires caused by a battery of that type are dangerous and difficult to extinguish, posing a serious safety risk to people and buildings. New York City, for example, has taken steps toward safer charging and battery certification standards.
But when there’s a serious problem with a product, the affected brand itself or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may issue a recall. For example, there have been recalls for Momentum Vida E+ e-Bikes (fork), Specialized Vado and Como internal gear hub e-Bikes (belt drive), and VIVI e-Bikes (battery fire hazard).
Safety and product quality of electric bikes are especially important because of the added speed and weight (and therefore risk) of pedal-assist bikes. The most crucial component, however, is an e-Bike’s lithium-ion battery. Electrical malfunctions or fires caused by a battery of that type are dangerous and difficult to extinguish, posing a serious safety risk to people and buildings. New York City, for example, has taken steps toward safer charging and battery certification standards.
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CPSC issues a warning for Rad Power Bikes
Last week, the CPSC issued a warning about the lithium-ion batteries of certain Rad Power Bikes electric bikes. The listed risk is that “the hazardous batteries can unexpectedly ignite and explode, posing a fire hazard to consumers, especially when the battery or the harness has been exposed to water and debris.” The agency advises affected consumers to immediately remove the battery from the e-Bike and dispose of it properly. The warning only applies to the brand’s lithium-ion battery model numbers RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304.
The affected electric bike models are:
The affected electric bike models are:
- 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
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The CPSC states that Rad Power Bikes refused to agree to an acceptable recall— that’s why the recent announcement is technically a product safety warning. Rad Power has been navigating financial circumstances and an uncertain future, indicating to CPSC that it is unable to offer replacement batteries or refunds to all consumers.
Rad Power Bikes has been one of the most popular e-Bike brands in North America, but is currently facing several challenges that may spell the end of the road come 2026. Rad Power notified Washington state of a potential “cessation of operations” as early as January 2026, if it cannot find additional funding or investors by then.
What should you do if your e-Bike is recalled?
If your e-Bike is recalled, the most important step is to stop using it immediately. A recall means the product may pose a safety risk— such as fire hazards, brake issues, or structural failures— so continuing to ride it could put you or others in danger.
Once you stop using the bike, carefully review the official recall notice. These notices typically explain the specific defect, the potential risks, and the steps the manufacturer is supposed to take to fix the problem. Check the details of the recall announcement to ensure your bike or part is affected— newer models may have different components without the listed issue.
You’ll usually find instructions on the manufacturer’s website, the retailer’s site, or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall page.
Follow the recall guidance exactly as provided. This may involve contacting the manufacturer to arrange a repair, receiving a replacement part, sending the bike back for service, or requesting a refund. Keep any relevant documentation—serial numbers, purchase receipts, and emails—because you may need them to verify eligibility.
If the company is unresponsive or unable to fulfill the recall remedy, the CPSC notice will often provide alternative instructions or contact information. In all cases, avoid attempting your own repair unless the recall explicitly provides a do-it-yourself remedy, since improper fixes can void coverage or create new hazards. By acting quickly and following the official process, you help ensure your safety and protect your rights under the recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new e-Bike battery cost?
Can I repair my e-Bike battery myself?
It's not recommended to repair or recondition your electric bike's battery yourself. It requires electrical expertise and any damage can be dangerous because of the stored energy and fire risk.
Is it better to have a removable battery on an electric bike?
I’m a big fan of removable batteries since they offer more options for charging, along with the advantage of swapping in a spare battery to extend the range. Most electric bikes have a removable battery so a majority of bike manufacturers and riders must agree with me. However, a non-removable battery is definitely not a deal breaker.
Should I remove my e-Bike battery when not in use?
For short-term storage, it’s encouraged to leave the battery on the bike where it’s designed to be. For long-term storage, take it out and keep it at room temperature. Modern chargers are designed to prevent overcharging, but keeping it at 100% charge levels still puts extra stress on the battery.
Key Takeaways
- Stop riding immediately if your e-Bike or battery is part of a recall or safety warning.
- Follow the official CPSC or manufacturer instructions to get repairs, replacements, or refunds.
- Keep documentation handy: Serial numbers and receipts help confirm eligibility and speed up the process.
