Why UL Certified Systems Matter More Than Ever
E bikes make daily travel easier, healthier, and far more fun. They also carry real responsibility because every e bike is built around a high energy battery. When these systems are designed and tested with care, they are very safe. When they are not, they can pose serious risks. The recent recall notice for Rad Power Bikes in the United States is an important reminder of why safety standards matter.
Recall in United States
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for a group of Rad Power Bikes lithium ion batteries. The affected batteries are labelled HL RP S1304 or RP 1304. The commission advises riders to stop using the batteries right away and dispose of them through local hazardous waste programs.
At this time, Rad Power Bikes has not offered replacements and disputes the warning. The recall only applies in the United States. Health Canada has not issued its own notice.
The models listed in the recall include:
• RadWagon 4
• RadCity HS 4
• RadRover High Step 5
• RadCity Step Thru 3
• RadRover Step Thru 1
• RadRunner 1 and 2
• RadRunner Plus
• RadExpand 5
This situation has been confusing for many riders because Rad Power Bikes has shared mixed information about certifications. Some models are listed as compliant with UL standards, yet some of those same models appear in the recall notice. To add to the uncertainty, Act Lab, one of the testing groups cited by Rad, is not listed as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory for UL 2849. Riders looking for clear answers have been left with questions.
Why UL 2849 Matters
Different safety standards do different jobs. UL 2271 focuses mainly on the battery. UL 2849 takes a wider view and looks at the entire electrical system. That includes the battery, motor, display, wiring, controller, and charger. It checks for fire risks, electrical faults, and mechanical failures. In short, it protects riders by testing how all parts work together.
Tern Bicycles explains this clearly. UL 2849 reviews the whole system rather than a few parts. That is the level of safety an e bike rider should expect.
Similarily, Gazelle’s North American ebike fleet is predominanty Bosch eBike Systems-powered. Bosch batteries are tested to meet the highest consumer certification standards, more specifically, UL 2849 and UL2271. (UL 2849 is a standard covering the electrical system of ebikes powered by a lithium-based, rechargeable battery.) UL 2849 has strict requirements for electrical shock, mechanical, and fire hazards. Additionally, the high-quality, lithium-ion batteries have a Battery Management System (BMS) that detects significant potential sources of error and effectively protects cells against overheating.
Our Commitment at Bicycle Café
Every e bike we sell meets the UL 2849 safety standard.
We work directly with brands that put safety first, including Tern Bicycles and Gazelle, along with the trusted electrical systems from Bosch and Shimano. These companies build e bikes that are designed for real daily use and supported for many years.
We also invest in annual Bosch training that covers features, safe use, and tips to extend battery life. This helps us support riders long after the bike leaves the shop. It also shows in real life. One of our riders has already passed forty thousand kilometres on their bike. It still runs strong because the system is built to last.
Help With Recalled Batteries
We cannot accept faulty or recalled batteries at the café because safe handling requires specialized equipment. The City of London operates EnviroDepots that can manage hazardous waste, including damaged lithium ion batteries.
Riders should take recalled Rad Power batteries to one of the following locations:
Oxford Street EnviroDepot
1450 Oxford Street West
Wadsworth EnviroDepot
28 Wadsworth Crescent
Clark Road EnviroDepot
6330 Clarke Road
For updated hours and full details, visit the City of London EnviroDepot page:
https://london.ca/living-london/garbage-recycling/envirodepots
If you need advice about choosing a safe and certified e bike system, or want help planning your next steps, we are always glad to support you.
Safety Gives You Freedom
E bikes give people new choices for local travel. They support cleaner air and healthier communities. Strong safety standards protect that progress and protect riders at the same time. We encourage everyone to learn about UL 2849 and choose bikes that meet it. It is one of the simplest ways to ride with confidence.
If you have questions about your e bike or want to learn more about certified systems, please reach out or visit us at the café. We are always happy to help.