Ridstar E-Bikes Posed Fire Risk, CPSC Issues Urgent Warning

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CPSC warns consumers to stop using Ridstar Q20/Q20 Pro e-bikes due to fire hazard. 11 fires reported, 1 burn injury. Manufacturer refuses recall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a critical warning to consumers to immediately cease using Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes due to a significant fire hazard. The commission has cited reports indicating that the e-bikes’ batteries and wiring can ignite, posing a substantial risk of serious injury or death.

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According to the CPSC’s announcement, there have been eleven reported incidents involving fires related to these e-bikes. These incidents have resulted in one burn injury, five instances of smoke inhalation, and two reports of property damage, with losses exceeding $40,000. The manufacturer, Huizhou Xingqishi Sporting Goods Co., Ltd., based in China, has reportedly declined to cooperate with the CPSC to enact an acceptable recall of the product.

Consumers who own the affected Ridstar Q20 or Q20 Pro e-bikes are strongly advised to remove the battery from the e-bike immediately. The commission emphasizes that these batteries should not be sold or given away due to their hazardous nature. Instead, consumers are instructed to dispose of the batteries in accordance with local hazardous waste disposal procedures. It is crucial to note that these lithium-ion batteries should not be discarded in regular trash, standard recycling bins, or general used battery recycling boxes found at retail locations, as defective lithium-ion batteries present a heightened fire risk. Consumers should contact their municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center to inquire about proper disposal methods for defective lithium-ion batteries, contacting them beforehand to confirm acceptance.

The Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes are described as black, with the brand name “Ridstar” printed on the battery. Consumers can identify the specific model number, Q20 or Q20 Pro, on their purchase receipts. These e-bikes were made available for purchase through online retailers including Amazon.com, Ridstar.net, and Walmart.com.

The CPSC’s directive highlights a growing concern over the safety of consumer electronics and battery-powered devices. The agency is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with a wide array of consumer products. The CPSC estimates that incidents related to consumer products result in substantial financial losses annually, underscoring the importance of product safety awareness and adherence to recall instructions.

Under federal law, individuals are prohibited from selling products that are subject to a Commission-ordered recall or a voluntary recall initiated in consultation with the CPSC. Consumers seeking further information or wishing to report a dangerous product or product-related injury can visit SaferProducts.gov. The CPSC also offers a hotline at 800-638-2772 for additional assistance.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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