Own a Rad Power RP-1304 or RAD-S1304Y Battery? Here’s What to Do Before You Charge It Again
The recalled Rad Power RP-1304 / RAD-S1304Y / HL-RP-S1304 battery pack. Photo: CPSC.
Model number label is on the underside of the pack -- check it against RP-1304, RAD-S1304Y, or HL-RP-S1304. Photo: CPSC.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned owners to immediately stop using three specific Rad Power Bikes battery models. CPSC is aware of 31 fire reports -- including cases where the battery wasn't even charging or in use at the time. Rad Power Bikes has refused to agree to a recall, so there's no automatic replacement coming. Here's exactly how to check your bike and what to do next.
The three battery model numbers to check
Look at the label on the back or rear of your battery for one of these model numbers:
RP-1304 · RAD-S1304Y · HL-RP-S1304
These batteries were sold both installed on new bikes and as standalone replacement batteries, for about $550 (replacement) or between $1,500 and $2,000 when sold with a complete e-bike.
Which bikes they were sold with
CPSC's warning lists these Rad Power Bikes models as shipping with the affected batteries: RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4, RadRover High Step 5, RadCity Step Thru 3, RadRover Step Thru 1, RadRunner 2, RadRunner 1, RadRunner Plus, and RadExpand 5. If you bought a replacement battery separately for any Rad Power model, check the label regardless of which bike you own -- the affected batteries were sold as standalone replacements too.
What actually happened
CPSC is aware of 31 reports of fire, including 12 reports of property damage totaling approximately $734,500. Some of these incidents occurred when the battery was not charging and the e-bike was not in use -- it was simply in storage. The batteries can unexpectedly ignite and explode, especially when the battery or its wiring harness has been exposed to water or debris.
Why there's no recall -- and what Rad Power Bikes says
Normally a CPSC warning like this leads to a recall with a replacement or refund process. Here, it doesn't. According to CPSC, Rad Power Bikes "has refused to agree to an acceptable recall," and told the agency that, given its financial situation, it's unable to offer replacement batteries or refunds to all affected consumers.
Rad Power Bikes' statement, as included by CPSC: "Rad's Safe Shield batteries and semi-integrated batteries are not subject to the agency's statement. Rad had the batteries re-tested by third-party labs as part of this investigation; the batteries passed these tests again... Rad reminds its customers to inspect batteries before use or charging and immediately stop using batteries that show signs of damage, water ingress, or corrosion, and to contact Rad so we can support our riders."
In plain terms: Rad disputes the scope of the warning but isn't offering a company-wide replacement program. That means the burden of checking your specific battery and deciding what to do falls on you.
What to actually do right now
1. Check the model number on the back of your battery against RP-1304, RAD-S1304Y, or HL-RP-S1304.
2. Remove the battery from the bike and stop charging or using it, per CPSC's warning.
3. Do not throw it in the trash, curbside recycling, or a retail battery-recycling box. Lithium-ion batteries need hazardous-waste handling. Contact your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center first to confirm they accept lithium-ion batteries before dropping it off.
4. Don't sell it or give it away. CPSC explicitly warns against passing a hazardous battery on to someone else.
5. Report an incident if you've experienced a problem, at SaferProducts.gov.
Storing an affected bike safely in the meantime
If you're not ready to dispose of the battery yet, don't leave it charging unattended, and don't store it in a space that blocks an exit -- an attached garage next to your only exterior door is a worse spot than a detached shed. Keep it away from anything flammable, and consider a smoke detector nearby if you're storing it indoors. This is general lithium-battery fire safety practice, not Rad-specific guidance -- treat it as a baseline while you sort out disposal.
Source: CPSC Product Safety Warning 26-118, November 24, 2025 →
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