Table of contents
- Latest RadWagon Lawsuit Updates
- August 31, 2026: Dealer Dismissed from Stephens Case
- April 28, 2026: Stephens Files Wrongful Death Suit
- March 5, 2026: Life Electric Vehicles Completes Purchase
- January 26, 2026: Sale Deal Reported
- December 15, 2025: Rad Power Bikes Files for Chapter 11
- February 21, 2024: State Farm Settles E-Bike Fire Suit
- November 3, 2022: CPSC Recalls RadWagon 4 Cargo Bikes
- August 1, 2022: Steinsapir Family Sues Rad Power Bikes
- What Is the RadWagon 4?
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Recall and Regulatory Background
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do I Contact Rad Power Bikes About the RadWagon 4 Recall?
- Is There a Problem with Rad Power Bike Batteries?
- Where Were the Affected Rad Batteries Sold?
- Has Anyone Sued over a Rad E-Bike Fire?
- Does the RadWagon 4 Recall Include Spare Tires?
The RadWagon 4 electric cargo bike was recalled in 2022 because tire and rim-strip failures could cause falls. Lawsuits against Rad Power Bikes allege falls, battery fires and a fatal fire involving other Rad e-bike models.
In November 2025, the CPSC warned consumers to stop using certain Rad lithium-ion batteries. Only individual lawsuits exist so far, and no MDL has been formed.
Shannon Stephens filed a wrongful death suit in Alabama in April 2026 over a fatal e-bike battery fire. Rad Power Bikes went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was sold in March 2026 for $13.3 million.
Latest RadWagon Lawsuit Updates
August 31, 2026: Dealer Dismissed from Stephens Case
In the Stephens wrongful death case, the plaintiff filed a notice dismissing dealer The Cycle Joint Inc. without prejudice, Bicycle Retailer reported [1].
The notice was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama Northern Division. Rad Power Bikes is not part of the dismissal, which names only the dealer.
April 28, 2026: Stephens Files Wrongful Death Suit
Shannon Stephens filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the Middle District of Alabama over a January 3, 2025 e-bike fire in Andalusia, Alabama. The fire killed her husband, Dr. Keith Stephens, the complaint states [2].
The complaint alleges the e-bike had an unstable lithium-ion battery technology known to trigger thermal runaway events. Bicycle Retailer reported the filing on May 12, 2026.
March 5, 2026: Life Electric Vehicles Completes Purchase
Life Electric Vehicles Holdings completed its acquisition of Rad Power Bikes out of bankruptcy for $13.3 million, according to Bicycle Retailer [3].
The new owner said it would offer a 50% discount program on about 120,000 of the Rad batteries that the CPSC flagged. The business now sits in a subsidiary called Rad Life Mobility.
January 26, 2026: Sale Deal Reported
TechCrunch reported that Rad Power Bikes reached a deal to sell itself to Life Electric Vehicles Holdings for around $13.2 million [4].
Five entities took part in a January 22 auction, and the deal still needed approval from the bankruptcy judge in the case.
December 15, 2025: Rad Power Bikes Files for Chapter 11
Rad Power Bikes filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Washington [5].
The filing listed estimated assets of $32.1 million and estimated liabilities of $72.8 million. The company makes the RadWagon 4 and other Rad e-bikes.
February 21, 2024: State Farm Settles E-Bike Fire Suit
State Farm and Rad Power Bikes settled an e-bike fire property damage lawsuit, Endurance Sportswire reported [6].
State Farm had filed the suit on October 4, 2022 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The case was dismissed with prejudice.
November 3, 2022: CPSC Recalls RadWagon 4 Cargo Bikes
The CPSC announced recall 23-709 of about 29,300 RadWagon 4 electric cargo bikes. Misaligned rim strips and ribbed-sidewall tires can cause a flat tire and loss of control [7].
The CPSC notice reports 137 reports of tires blowing out and eight injuries. The remedy is a free repair that replaces both tires and rim strips.
August 1, 2022: Steinsapir Family Sues Rad Power Bikes
Jon and Kaye Steinsapir sued Rad Power Bikes over the January 2021 death of their 12-year-old daughter Molly in an e-bike crash [8].
The suit cites product negligence, breach of warranty, strict product liability and wrongful death. Rad filed an answer denying any responsibility or wrongdoing, Bicycling reported in January 2023.
What Is the RadWagon 4?
According to Rad Power Bikes’ recall page, the RadWagon 4 is an electric cargo bike sold in black, white and orange [9]. The name RADWAGON is printed on the side of the upper downtube.
The bike has a front and a rear tire. Rad Power Bikes Inc. of Seattle, Washington is the importer. The same company is the defendant in lawsuits over other Rad e-bike models covered on this page.
Who May Be Affected?
You may be affected if you own or rode a RadWagon 4 sold from September 2020 through August 2022. The recall involves a misaligned rim strip or tires with a ribbed sidewall.
You may also be affected if you own a Rad e-bike or replacement battery with model number RP-1304, RAD-S1304Y or HL-RP-S1304. The model number is printed on a label on the back or rear of the battery.
These batteries were sold with the following Rad e-bike models:
- RadWagon 4, RadCity HS 4 and RadCity Step Thru 3
- RadRover High Step 5 and RadRover Step Thru 1
- RadRunner 2, RadRunner 1 and RadRunner Plus
- RadExpand 5
The lawsuits described on this page concern Rad e-bike models other than the RadWagon 4. Each person needs an individual legal review. Readers hurt on other brands can see our page on the Ridstar e-bike lawsuit.
Reported Injuries or Damages
The RadWagon 4 recall record lists five reports of road rash, cuts or bruises. It also lists one broken wrist and one broken arm.
The CPSC battery warning cites 31 reports of fire [10]. Twelve reports involved property damage totaling approximately $734,500. Some fires happened while the battery was not charging or in storage. The warning states no injuries.
The Stephens complaint alleges a battery fire killed Dr. Keith Stephens and hurt Shannon Stephens. It says a fire investigator traced the blaze to the battery pack. It also says a battery expert found the pack defectively designed.
Rad Power Bikes says it strongly disagrees with the CPSC’s view that certain Rad batteries are defective or unsafe [11].
Anthony Reyna alleged his Rad Runner Plus caused him to fall and get hurt. He reached a settlement in 2025. Reports and allegations are not proof that a product caused each incident.
Recall and Regulatory Background
The recalled RadWagon 4 bikes sold for about $2,000, and a spare tire costs about $40. Rad Power Bikes repairs the bikes for free.
In November 2025, CPSC warned that the batteries can unexpectedly ignite and explode, especially after water exposure. It urges owners to remove the battery and dispose of it under local hazardous waste rules. A recall does not prove liability.
Evidence to Preserve
After a Rad e-bike crash, fall or fire, keep the battery pack, do not charge it and hold off on disposing of it, even though CPSC’s notice urges disposal. Keep these items:
- The bike and its battery pack
- The battery model number label and the bike serial number
- Purchase receipts or order emails
- Photographs of the bike, the damage and the scene
- The condition of the tires and rim strips
- Repair and service records
- Medical records and bills
- Fire or police reports
- Messages with Rad Power Bikes or the dealer
Filing Deadlines
Filing deadlines come from state law and vary with where you live and when the injury, fire or death happened. Waiting too long to file can end a claim, no matter how strong the facts are.
Rad Power Bikes Inc. also went through Chapter 11, so claims against the company may follow the bankruptcy court’s own procedures. Talk to a lawyer promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Contact Rad Power Bikes About the RadWagon 4 Recall?
To contact Rad Power Bikes about the RadWagon 4 recall, call 844-406-2703 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Sunday. You can also email RadFix@radpowerbikes.com for the free repair.
Is There a Problem with Rad Power Bike Batteries?
Yes, there is a problem with Rad Power bike batteries according to CPSC, which says certain batteries can ignite and explode. Rad Power Bikes says its batteries passed re-testing by third-party labs and that replacing them all would immediately put Rad out of business.
Where Were the Affected Rad Batteries Sold?
The affected Rad batteries were sold on RadPowerBikes.com and at Best Buy and independent bike shops. CPSC says a replacement battery cost about $550, and batteries sold with an e-bike came with a $1,500 to $2,000 price.
Has Anyone Sued over a Rad E-Bike Fire?
Yes, Shannon Stephens sued over a fatal e-bike fire. Her complaint cites two other suits against Rad Power, by Anthony Reyna and State Farm Insurance Company. Those are allegations in a court filing.
Does the RadWagon 4 Recall Include Spare Tires?
The RadWagon 4 recall also includes spare tires sold separately under the product name Rad Power Bikes by VEE Tire Co. The spare tires measure 22 inches by 3 inches. The CPSC notice lists them with the bikes.