Rad Power Bikes May Shut Down by 2026 – What Riders Should Know
Rad Power Bikes, one of the biggest names in U.S. e-bikes, has warned of a possible shutdown as early as January 2026.
The company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) in Washington state. The notice lists 64 potential layoffs at its Seattle headquarters.
Leadership says the filing is precautionary, not final. A company spokesperson told state regulators they are still exploring options to continue operations. These include new funding, partnerships, or a potential sale.
For now, the future remains uncertain.
What is Happening
Rad Power Bikes filed a WARN notice on November 7, 2025, warning of a possible closure as early as January 2026.
The notice includes 64 potential layoffs at its Seattle office.
Company leadership says they are still evaluating multiple paths forward. But filing the notice formally alerts employees and state agencies that a shutdown is possible.
At the same time, Rad Power Bikes is facing a serious safety challenge.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a fire hazard warning for certain lithium-ion batteries used in many Rad bikes built in recent years.
The battery models named in the warning are RP 1304 and HL RP S1304.
According to the CPSC, there have been 31 reported fires, including 12 involving property damage. Some fires occurred when bikes were not in use or charging.
CPSC is asking riders with these batteries to stop using them immediately.
Rad says newer batteries, including Safe Shield and semi-integrated packs, are not part of the warning.
Update: Bankruptcy Filing Adds New Risk (December 2025)
In December 2025, Rad Power Bikes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing roughly $73 million in liabilities.
The company says it plans to continue operating while it restructures debt and looks for a buyer. Stores and online sales remain active for now.
This filing adds real weight to earlier concerns about Rad’s long-term stability. While bankruptcy does not guarantee shutdown, it significantly narrows the company’s options heading into 2026.
Why It Matters
Rad Power Bikes helped make e-bikes mainstream in North America.
Models like the RadRover, RadRunner, and RadCity brought electric bikes to everyday riders, delivery workers, and weekend explorers. They helped shift e-bikes from niche products to practical transportation.
But the last two years have been difficult.
Rad has faced:
- Multiple rounds of layoffs and leadership changes
- Legal challenges, including product liability cases
- Rising logistics, tariff, and battery sourcing costs
- Higher safety expectations, including UL certification
- Stronger competition from brands like Aventon, Ride1Up, Lectric, and Velotric
Industry analysts say mid-priced e-bike companies are under pressure. Budget imports undercut pricing. Premium brands have stronger funding and dealer networks.
Rad sits in the middle. That is a hard place to be right now.
What This Means for Rad Owners
If you already own a Rad bike, you can keep riding. But it is smart to plan ahead.
Battery safety comes first.
Check your battery model number against the CPSC notice. If it matches one of the affected models, stop using it and follow proper lithium-ion disposal guidance.
The next concern is long-term support if the company does close or changes ownership.
Here are practical steps you can take now:
- Download manuals and guides from Rad’s website
- Save purchase receipts and warranty documentation
- Order wear items early like tubes, tires, brake pads, and chargers
- Look for compatible parts from established suppliers
- Use local e-bike repair shops familiar with Rad bikes
- Join Rad owner groups on Facebook and Reddit for shared knowledge
Most Rad components – motors, brakes, displays, throttles – are made by large third-party suppliers. That means parts should remain available even if Rad Power Bikes no longer operates as a company.
Alternatives To Consider
If you are shopping for a new e bike, several U.S. brands offer similar pricing and strong support:
Ride1Up
Value focused commuter and touring bikes with responsive support and good components for the price.
👉 Shop Ride1Up Deals
👉 Read Ride1Up Reviews
Lectric
Folding bikes, all terrain models, and reliable shipping with huge community support.
👉 Shop Lectric Bikes
👉 Lectric Reviews
Tenways
Lightweight, commuter- and city-oriented e-bikes that emphasize simplicity, ease of maintenance, and everyday usability — good for errands, flat-ground riding, or casual commutes.
👉 Shop Tenways E Bikes
👉 Tenways Reviews
Aventon
A strong U.S. service network, mobile app, and good quality frames with a wide dealer presence.
👉 Shop Aventon Bikes
👉 Aventon Reviews
If you want a deeper comparison, you can look at what to look for when buying an e bike and take the which e bike should I buy quiz to narrow your options
If you want a deeper comparison, you can look at best electric bikes for beginners and which e bike should I buy quiz to narrow your options.
What’s Next
Rad Power Bikes says it is still evaluating strategic options.
That could mean a sale, new investment, restructuring debt, or further downsizing.
Right now the online store is still live and some models are available.
But the warning means riders should stay informed and make thoughtful choices.
Here is a helpful breakdown and timeline if you want to watch more:
My Take
As someone who writes about e bikes every day, this news hits hard.
Rad helped launch the American e bike boom.
They made electric bikes simple, fun, and affordable for everyday riders.
Their situation is a reminder that the market is changing fast.
It is not just about motor watts or range numbers.
It is about safety certification, after sales support, and a business that can survive in a competitive market.
E bikes are not going away.
This is a correction and a shift toward safer products and stronger companies.
If you own a Rad, take care of your bike and stay informed.
If you are shopping, do your research and support brands building long term solutions for riders.
For more news on electric bikes click here
For a different view of “If you own a Rad, keep riding”, search for this notice: “CPSC Warns Consumers to Immediately Stop Using Batteries for E-Bikes from Rad Power Bikes Due to Fire Hazard; Risk of Serious Injury or Death”
Thanks for mentioning that. The CPSC warning about certain Rad batteries is definitely important for owners to know about. I went ahead and updated my article to include the details from that notice so readers are aware of the fire risk associated with those specific battery models. The warning doesn’t affect every Rad bike, but it’s still something current owners should check and monitor. My goal with the article is to keep people informed about both the company’s situation and any safety issues that could impact riders, so I appreciate you bringing it up.