Rad Power Bikes Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged E-Bike Defects

Rad Power Bikes, a leading manufacturer of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, is facing a lawsuit filed by plaintiff Gary E. Mason. The lawsuit alleges that the bikes, which have surged in popularity recently, were designed with serious defects, resulting in unsafe conditions for riders.

The lawsuit focuses on two key design elements of the e-bikes: the disc brakes and the quick-release front wheels. According to the complaint, these components were designed and manufactured in a way that can cause the bikes to stop suddenly and without warning. The lawsuit alleges this has resulted in numerous injuries to riders and passengers.

"Defendants designed, manufactured, sold, and marketed e-bikes with disc brakes and a quick-release axle mechanism on the front wheel that are defective and unsafe," the complaint reads. "The e-bikes were promoted for use by children and passengers on the rear seat, despite known safety issues."

Despite these alleged safety issues, the lawsuit claims that Rad Power Bikes continued to market their e-bikes as safe for consumer use. The complaint alleges that the company was aware of the defects in their bikes but failed to disclose this information to consumers or provide adequate warnings.

"Defendants knew or should have known of the dangerous nature of the e-bikes and the defective designs," the complaint states. "Despite this knowledge, Defendants continued to market the e-bikes as safe for children and passengers on the rear seat."

The lawsuit alleges that Rad Power Bikes has violated several laws, including the Washington Products Liability Act, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

Under the Washington Products Liability Act, a manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by a product defect. The lawsuit alleges that Rad Power Bikes is strictly responsible for the injuries caused by the alleged defects in their e-bikes.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a federal law, protects consumers from deceptive warranty practices. The lawsuit alleges that Rad Power Bikes breached the implied warranty that their e-bikes were of merchantable quality and fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used.

The Washington Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce. The lawsuit alleges that Rad Power Bikes violated this act by failing to disclose the alleged defects in their e-bikes and marketing the bikes as safe.

In addition to these specific laws, the lawsuit also alleges that Rad Power Bikes has been unjustly enriched at the expense of consumers.

"Defendants have been unjustly enriched as a result of their unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices," the complaint states.

The lawsuit seeks a range of damages, including the cost of repair, replacement, or refund of the e-bikes, an extended warranty, reimbursement of expenses, and attorney fees and costs. The lawsuit also seeks injunctive relief, which could require Rad Power Bikes to change its business practices.

This case illustrates that while e-bikes may be part of the future of transportation, they are comprised of components that can fail or be dangerous to consumers. While Mason's claims are just allegations, consumers and e-bike enthusiasts will watch this case closely.