CPSC Urges Immediate Discontinuation of Use for Potentially Dangerous UPP Lithium-Ion Batteries
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding the significant fire and burn hazards associated with Unit Pack Power (UPP) e-bike batteries, specifically those with model numbers “U004” or “U004-1.” This public safety notice is critical, as these lithium-ion batteries have been implicated in multiple incidents of overheating, leading to fires, substantial property damage, and even threats to life. The CPSC’s directive follows 13 reported incidents in the United States alone, where seven involved fires that caused extensive property damage. Moreover, these batteries have also been linked to several fires in the United Kingdom.
Manufactured by Shenzhen Unit Pack Power Technology Co. Ltd., operating under the name Unit Pack Power or UPP, these batteries have not been certified by any accredited laboratory to meet the required UL safety standards. This lack of certification means that they have not undergone the necessary testing to ensure that they can be safely used by consumers. Despite the clear danger these batteries pose, UPP has refused to conduct an acceptable recall, prompting the CPSC to take this unprecedented step to warn the public directly.
These batteries are commonly sold online under the brand names “Unit Pack Power” or “UPP” and are designed to convert standard pedal bicycles into e-bikes. They are black and triangular, with the model number printed on a separate label on the battery pack. The batteries were sold from 2018 through April 2024 on major online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and AliExpress, ranging in price from $280 to $730.
Given the serious nature of these hazards, the CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using these batteries and dispose of them according to local and state regulations for hazardous materials. It is crucial to handle these batteries differently than other types of batteries due to their potential for severe danger. Consumers are also reminded never to throw these batteries in the trash or deposit them in recycling boxes commonly found in retail stores. Instead, they should be disposed of at designated municipal recycling centers that can safely handle damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries.
Furthermore, the CPSC strongly encourages consumers to only purchase and use e-bike batteries and other micromobility products that have been tested and certified by accredited laboratories. Proper certification ensures that the products meet essential safety standards, reducing the risk of hazardous incidents. Additionally, consumers should always charge these products using the charger provided by the e-bike manufacturer and should never charge them while sleeping or unattended.
Injuries and Damages Resulting from Defective E-Bike Batteries
The dangers associated with defective lithium-ion batteries like those from UPP are profound. These batteries can overheat, leading to fires that can quickly spread and cause significant property damage, personal injury, or even death. Victims of such incidents often suffer severe burns, smoke inhalation, and trauma from the fire. The emotional and financial toll of such an event can be overwhelming, leaving individuals and families devastated.
In addition to the physical injuries, victims may also face the loss of their homes or personal property, leading to immense financial strain. Medical expenses for treating burns and other injuries can be exorbitant, and the recovery process may require ongoing care and rehabilitation. Moreover, the psychological impact of surviving a fire or dealing with the aftermath can be long-lasting and debilitating.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Defective Battery Injuries
Victims who have been harmed by defective products like the UPP e-bike batteries may be entitled to seek compensation through a product liability lawsuit. This legal process allows individuals to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the harm caused by dangerous and defective products.
The lawsuit process generally begins with the filing of a claim against the responsible parties. This claim will outline the injuries and damages suffered by the victim and will argue that the product in question was defectively designed, manufactured, or sold without adequate warnings. In the case of UPP batteries, the lack of certification and the manufacturer’s refusal to recall the product despite known hazards could be key points in establishing liability.
An attorney will guide the victim through each step of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the defendants. This evidence might include medical records, witness testimonies, and expert analyses of the defective product. Given the complexity of product liability cases, particularly those involving technical products like lithium-ion batteries, it is crucial to have an attorney who understands the intricacies of the law and has experience in handling such claims.
Victims may be entitled to recover various types of damages through their lawsuit. These can include compensation for medical expenses, both past and future, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages might also be awarded to deter similar conduct in the future.
.svg){kind=small}
.avif)
.avif)