Cheap e-bike maker refuses recall as CPSC tells riders to get rid of it immediately

[Dave Rocks]

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a stark warning to riders of the Ridstar Q20 and Q20 Pro electric bikes, urging owners to stop using them immediately due to a serious fire risk. But in a troubling twist, the manufacturer has refused to cooperate with a recall.

According to the CPSC, the issue stems from the bikes’ lithium-ion battery systems and associated wiring, which can ignite and pose a significant fire hazard. The agency says it is aware of at least 11 incidents involving fires linked to the e-bikes. Those incidents include one reported burn injury, five cases of smoke inhalation, and two instances of property damage totaling more than $40,000.

The bikes included a 48V20Ah battery, and advertisements even included a UL logo, though we’ve seen previous cases of cheap e-bikes fraudulently displaying the UL logo in their advertisements despite lacking any official certifications from UL. While there has not been any statement from Underwrite Laboratories about Ridstar specifically being one of these companies, it is exceedingly rare for such low-cost e-bike manufacturers to have actually obtained UL safety certifications.

The CPSC warning was issued on March 19, 2026.

https://electrek.co/2026/03/23/chea...sc-tells-riders-to-stop-using-it-immediately/

 

[stompandgo]

We just took one of these in for repair today. I have notified the shop owner.

 

[Dave Rocks]

We just took one of these in for repair today. I have notified the shop owner.

WOW Get that thing out of the shop.

 

[Max Black]

Man, that is absolutely terrifying. 11 incidents and the manufacturer refuses to recall? That’s criminal.

The fake UL logo is the worst part—you really can't trust what you see on the listing for these budget bikes. Stories like this are exactly why I don't trust charging cheap lithium batteries inside my house anymore.

 

[stompandgo]

WOW Get that thing out of the shop.

They brought it in for an electrical problem. Mom bought the bike for her kid, who bought a controller off of Aliexpress and tried to get it working again. They usually buy a new controller because they want to defeat the assist limit. There's a story for every one of these bikes, but they are all remarkably similar.

 

[Cycologist]

I store all of my batteries in fireproof battery bags, even if they're from a reputable manufacturer and UL listed. This includes not only bike batteries, but I have yard equipment that uses some big batteries (like for a lawnmower and leaf blower).

I also cover them while charging with a fireproof battery cover (it has vents for heat but will contain a fire).

Better safe than sorry.

 

[mschwett]

Man, that is absolutely terrifying. 11 incidents and the manufacturer refuses to recall? That’s criminal.

The fake UL logo is the worst part—you really can't trust what you see on the listing for these budget bikes. Stories like this are exactly why I don't trust charging cheap lithium batteries inside my house anymore.

i don’t have all that much sympathy for someone who thinks that a $500 electric bike is legit. yes, they shouldn’t be using fake logos and selling an unsafe product but does anyone really think an entire vehicle like this - battery, motor, tires, frame, etc for $500 could possibly be anything other than junk?

 

[harryS]

If you put in a good battery and check the wiring to see why it was shorting out the original battery, the bike should be OK, but for liability reasons, your shop can't do either.

I am guessing all these hubmotor ebikes cost a minimum of $200-300 to manufacture without the battery, Analysis of Giant bikes has been done, and a consumer grade no electric bike that sells for $300-700 retail has a cost of goods of $80-200, I bet the price of a hub motor plus electronics is down around $100. The cheapest batteries on alibaba sell for a hundred bucks, but those are firebombs,

Still a $500 ebike is probably an importer trying to recoup some of his failed investment, You probably need to be at $800 to make any money,

 

[RunForTheHills]

i don’t have all that much sympathy for someone who thinks that a $500 electric bike is legit. yes, they shouldn’t be using fake logos and selling an unsafe product but does anyone really think an entire vehicle like this - battery, motor, tires, frame, etc for $500 could possibly be anything other than junk?

 

[gromike]

For some of us, a $500 ebike is high end.