Lithium Batteries in Electric Bikes

CPSC Recall #02-251 — September 16, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-251
Recall DateSeptember 16, 2002
Remedy TypeNo Remedy Available
Units AffectedAbout 2,000

Product

Lithium Batteries in Electric Bikes

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), EV Global Motors Co., of North Hills, Calif., voluntarily recalled about 2,000 lithium batteries in Mini E-Bike electric bicycles. The lithium ion batteries in these bicycles can overheat and pose a fire hazard.EV Global Motors has received five reports of the batteries overheating, three of which caught fire, though no injuries have been reported. The recalled lithium ion batteries are used to power EV Global's folding Mini E-Bike. The battery, which is located in the battery compartment just in front of the seat, is supplied with most models of the Mini E-Bike. The words "mini e-bike" are printed on the side of the bicycle near the steering column. These bicycles are manufactured in Taiwan and the battery packs are assembled in the U.S. Bicycle, automobile and Internet retailers nationwide sold the electric bikes from February 2001 through July 2002 for between $1,400 and $1,700.Consumers should stop using these bicycles immediately. The firm is no longer in business and a remedy is no longer available. 

Hazard

The lithium-ion batteries in these bicycles can overheat and pose a fire hazard.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these bicycles immediately. The firm is no longer in business and a remedy is no longer available.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a No Remedy Available at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (No Remedy Available) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.