The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning to stop using certain Ridstar e-bikes due to a serious risk of battery fires. The models named Q20 and Q20 Pro have been linked to several incidents where their batteries and wiring overheated and ignited, leading to injuries and property damage.

According to the CPSC, there have been multiple fire reports involving these e-bikes, including one case of burn injury and several instances of smoke inhalation. Property damage claims related to these fires have surpassed $40,000. The bikes in question are black with the Ridstar logo on the battery, and purchasers can identify the models from their receipts. These e-bikes were sold primarily through major online platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and Ridstar’s official website.

The e-bikes were manufactured by Huizhou Xingqishi Sporting Goods Co., Ltd., based in China. Despite the mounting safety concerns, the manufacturer has declined to initiate a voluntary recall or support the CPSC’s public safety announcement, complicating efforts to manage the risk.

Battery fires are particularly hazardous because they can flare up rapidly, generate extreme heat, and emit toxic smoke that poses dangers not only to the rider but also to households and neighbors. This amplifies the urgency of the recall notice, especially since many consumers likely trusted that products bought from prominent retailers complied with standard safety regulations.

Owners of Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro e-bikes are instructed to stop riding immediately and remove the battery from the bike. The CPSC advises against selling, giving away, or disposing of the batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling. Lithium-ion batteries involved in these incidents should only be taken to specialized household hazardous waste centers that accept defective batteries, after confirming that such locations can process them safely.

Consumers uncertain about local disposal options are urged to contact municipal authorities for specific instructions. Following this guidance is critical to preventing further fire hazards during disposal.

This recall highlights the risks linked to defective lithium-ion batteries rather than the e-bike category as a whole. The CPSC reassures that with proper safety measures and from reputable brands, e-bikes remain a viable and safe transportation alternative.