This week, discussions surrounding the storage of e-bike batteries gained momentum after a Rad Power Bikes rider shared a homemade containment solution on Reddit. Eric Stahl, who owns a Rad Runner Plus e-bike, posted a photo of his setup, which utilizes capped cinder blocks to potentially mitigate fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Stahl, based in San Francisco, has been involved in debates regarding the effectiveness and safety of his DIY approach. He emphasized that while his solution is inexpensive and practical, it has not been professionally tested. This dialogue comes amid increasing concerns over battery safety, particularly following a warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission last November regarding specific Rad Power Bikes lithium-ion batteries, which were reported to pose fire hazards.
Rad Power Bikes, headquartered in Seattle, has faced significant scrutiny and recently entered bankruptcy protection, raising questions about its future. Despite the warnings, the company has contested the characterization of its products and declined to initiate a recall. Seattle Fire Department officials have highlighted the inherent dangers of lithium-ion batteries, pointing out their potential to ignite rapidly and cause severe damage.