Latest news with #VIVI
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
E-bikes, mobile chargers recalled over lithium-ion battery fires; what products to check
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries remain a fire-causing nuisance, leading to the recall of a popular ebike and mobile power bank. Additionally, there were nearly 100 airline incidences caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2024 alone, representing a 13% increase, according to Lion Technology. Here are the latest products recalled due to faulty lithium-ion batteries. VIVI ebikes recalled The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled VIVI ebikes with the 36-volt lithium-ion battery because there have been 14 reports of batteries overheating, including three fires. "Bikes with the recalled batteries were sold online at and from December 2020 through November 2023 for between $365 and $950," read the CSPC's recall alert. "Consumers should immediately stop using e-bikes with the recalled lithium-ion batteries and contact VIVI to receive a free replacement battery and battery charger." Send proof that you recycled the ebike's lithium-ion battery in an email to vivirecall@ to receive your replacement. You can start the replacement process online. Don't use this mobile charger on Android or iPhone The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also recalled magnetic wireless power banks manufactured by iStore, as they could overheat and catch fire while charging. This recall is only for model number IST-09991/W05 of iStore's magnetic wireless chargers. "The firm has received three reports of the wireless power banks overheating and exploding while they were charging, including one incident that resulted in a minor burn to the victim's arm," read the recall alert. "The firm received reports of property damage of about $15,000." You need to stop using the recalled magnetic wireless power bank immediately and recycle the product. The company is providing refunds to all users directly through its website and, alternatively, through Tomauri's website. How to recycle lithium-ion batteries in New Jersey You cannot simply toss lithium-ion batteries in the trash or mix them in with the products you normally recycle, due to their inherent fire-causing capabilities. Visit Avoid the Spark's website to find a Call2Recycle drop-off location nearest you to properly dispose of lithium-ion (and all other rechargeable batteries) in New Jersey. Call2Recycle is the only free rechargeable battery collection program in North America, according to Burlington County's battery recycling guide. Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region. This article originally appeared on Recycle these lithium-ion battery powered ebikes, chargers today
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
More than 20,000 budget e-bikes sold on Amazon and Walmart urgently recalled due to battery fires — these are the models effected
The electric bike manufacturer VIVI has issued a recall of over 24,000 e-bikes after reports that the battery can overheat and cause a fire. The urgent notice applies to all the brand's bikes sold between December 2020 and November 2023 at nationwide retailers like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Sears, Wayfair and AliExpress. Fortunately, there's nothing wrong with the bike itself, just battery, so the recall notice only applies to the battery and charger. If your bike is one of the models affected, you can call VIVI at 800-375-6103 or visit VIVI's recall page to request your free new battery. You don't have to ship back your faulty battery either, but it's important you don't throw this lithium-ion battery into the trash (as it may set fire), so find your nearest battery disposal or recycling site and drop it off there. Some states or municipalities offer their own battery recycling services, but Walmart also partners with MRM to recycle used electronics, and you can drop the batteries to the store (but check before you go, as not all stores offer this). You can also use MRM's Recycle Now location finder to spot your local drop off point. You've probably seen variations on reports like this before, with e-bike or other devices with large batteries catching fire or overheating. Although we've tested many of the best electric bikes, we haven't taken a ride on VIVI's, so I won't comment on the quality of the brand's bikes, or what could have led to these urgent battery issues. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. To keep costs down, the battery and other electronic components may not be tested to the same safety standards. But, this is commonly more of an issue with cheaper bikes. To keep costs down, the battery and other electronic components may not be tested to the same safety standards, or they don't have an effective Battery Management System (BMS) that prevents the battery overheating during charging. But that doesn't mean you always need to avoid budget-friendly brands. There are cheaper e-bikes out there that are worth your money and are generally more dependable. If you're in the market for an e-bike that won't break the bank (and hopefully won't start a fire), we've tested a load of the best budget electric bikes, which are a good place to start. Before you dive in and pick a new bike though, it's important to keep these e-bike safety tips in mind, like looking at the battery standard and making sure you store the bike securely. Plus, you're more likely to get prompt customer support if you choose a U.S. brand or a bike made in the U.S.A. This will also hopefully help keep the cost down, as Trump's tariffs are going to hit e-bikes hard, especially those on the cheaper end which are usually manufactured abroad. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Thousands of inexpensive e-bikes recalled for shocking reason
Product recalls happen so often that they can be difficult to keep track of. Between contaminated food, faulty household appliances, and cars, it seems like there is a new recall every day. When enough consumers report a problem, or a company realizes one of its products is faulty, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will step in and announce a recall. Sometimes the problem is a nuisance, but sometimes the recall happens because the product is downright dangerous, potentially deadly even. That's the case with the CPSC's latest recall, which is related to bargain-priced e-bikes. Related: Ford breaks an unfortunate General Motors recall record E-bikes have become popular around the world because they are fun to ride and have zero emissions. Over the past couple of years, they have also become much more affordable. When they first came out, an e-bike could cost as much as $5,000, but now you can find them for a fraction of that. And that is part of the problem: The less expensive bikes are more likely to miss essential safety standards. Image source: Taris Grebinets/Shutterstock The CPSC announced a recall of approximately 24,000 lithium-ion batteries used in VIVI brand electric bikes. The bikes were sold on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Wayfair, AliExpress and between December 2020 and November 2023. The e-bikes, priced from $365-$950, were very popular due to their price, but the CPSC says it has received more than a dozen reports of the lithium-ion powered bikes overheating, including three that caught fire. No injuries have been reported yet. This high-profile recall, announced on July 17, highlights the risks tied to uncertified, low-budget e‑bike batteries. Related: Trader Joe's shares recall on popular snack that can make you sick Many low-cost brands, including VIVI, bypass UL certification - a voluntary safety standard not federally mandated - which can lead to dangerous shortcuts in battery manufacturing. This gap stems from a "de minimis" import threshold of $800, which lets vendors avoid duties and safety inspections by keeping prices below the limit, according to a report on The Verge. The reporter also asserts the U.S. is unlikely to set a federal safety standard under President Donald Trump, which means there could be additional similar recalls. The recalled batteries are the 36-volt lithium-ion units that came bundled in several VIVI models: • C26 • MT20 • Z3 • M026SH • H6 • H7 • 26LGB • M026TGB • MT26G • FM20 • F20 • S3 • Z1 • Z2 The identifying labels are affixed to the bike frame or the battery casing. VIVI is urging owners to immediately stop using the affected batteries, contact the company for free replacement batteries and chargers, and dispose of the recalled units at household hazardous waste facilities. It is never safe to dispose of a lithium-ion battery in a regular trash can or recycling bin. Consumers can confirm affected battery serial numbers and take action by calling VIVI's toll-free number at 800-375-6103 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or online at or and click on "Important Recall Information" for more information. If you own a VIVI e‑bike purchased during the stated timeframe, stop using it now and arrange a replacement. If you plan to purchase an e-bike, it is safer to choose one with a UL-certified battery. Until federal safety measures are in place, strong certifications remain the best defense against fire hazards. Related: Walmart recalls essential summer product due to risk of serious injury The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
That bargain e-bike you bought online? It might burn your house down
If you bought an e-bike on Amazon for a price that seemed too good to be true, there's a fair chance you might've been right. A federal consumer watchdog just issued a recall for about 24,000 e-bikes in the sub-$1,000 price range, all of which were sold at popular retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Sears, and Wayfair. This new tax deduction in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' lets people cash in on charitable donations up to $2,000. Here's what to know These are the 3 best questions to ask at the end of your job interview Ikea is launching new smart home products, and they're designed to be extra easy to use According to the recall notice, issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 17, the affected bikes were sold under the brand name 'VIVI.' The recall comes due to a potential fire and burn risk posed by the bikes' 36-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which have already resulted in 14 reports of overheating and three reports of fires, though, thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Full details of the recall—including affected models and retailers—are listed in the notice. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time that the next-to-non-existent e-bike and e-bike battery regulations in the U.S. have resulted in fire concerns. Why are e-bikes catching fire? According to a 2022 article by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the first UL Standards & Engagement safety standards (a voluntary safety certification) for personal electric micromobility devices were created back in 2016, after more than half a million electric hoverboards were recalled due to overheating and, in some cases, explosions. 'The truth is battery-powered electric micromobility devices, including the e-bikes and e-scooters that have become immensely popular in recent years, do catch fire,' the NFPA wrote. 'Specifically, it's their batteries, which are often lithium-ion, that pose a risk.' Today, UL Standards & Engagement has two separate safety standards for both e-bikes (UL 2849) and e-bike batteries (UL 2271). These standards require a one-time certification test to confirm that a product is safe, which typically cost between $30,000 and $100,000. However, in most U.S. jurisdictions, these certifications are not required—and there is currently no federally mandated safety standard. Of the VIVI brand e-bikes involved in the recent recall, all of the affected models that are currently available on VIVI's website claim to be certified with UL 2849, but not with the battery specific UL 2271. Several of the affected models appear to be either unavailable or no longer sold. A 2022 investigation by Consumer Reports found that loose regulations have resulted in many companies skirting around adequate safety precautions for both e-bikes and their lithium-ion batteries to avoid added costs. This trend was made even worse by the fact that, before May 2 of this year, Chinese importers (which account for the majority of the U.S. e-bike market) were incentivized to keep prices low by the de minimis exception, which allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. tax-free. 'Lack of regulation or industry-wide acceptance of safety standards may leave lower-income users at greater risk than those able to afford high-end devices that are likelier to be UL-certified,' Consumer Reports noted. As of 2023, New York City began requiring UL certification on all e-bikes. A UL Standards & Engagement study published in 2024 found that the rate of deaths and injuries in the city began to slow significantly after the law was put into place. And, this coming January, California is set to follow New York City's example with its own UL requirements. However, as the Consumer Reports' investigation noted, until a federal standard for e-bike safety is set, it's likely that other states will continue to encounter problems caused by faulty batteries. 'Despite the mounting toll of fires, injuries, and deaths tied to e-bike batteries, manufacturers and sellers have failed to take vital steps that would protect people's safety,' said Gabe Knight, policy advocate for Consumer Reports, in a press release. 'When an industry isn't putting safety first, people rightly expect the Consumer Product Safety Commission to step in. CR's investigation shows that the CPSC can't do its job as quickly or effectively as it needs to as long as Congress forces the agency to fight with one hand tied behind its back.' This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter:
Fast Company
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Fast Company
That bargain e-bike you bought online? It might burn your house down
If you bought an e-bike on Amazon for a price that seemed too good to be true, there's a fair chance you might've been right. A federal consumer watchdog just issued a recall for about 24,000 e-bikes in the sub-$1,000 price range, all of which were sold at popular retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Sears, and Wayfair. According to the recall notice, issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 17, the affected bikes were sold under the brand name 'VIVI.' The recall comes due to a potential fire and burn risk posed by the bikes' 36-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which have already resulted in 14 reports of overheating and three reports of fires, though, thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Full details of the recall—including affected models and retailers—are listed in the notice. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time that the next-to-non-existent e-bike and e-bike battery regulations in the U.S. have resulted in fire concerns. Why are e-bikes catching fire? According to a 2022 article by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the first UL Standards & Engagement safety standards (a voluntary safety certification) for personal electric micromobility devices were created back in 2016, after more than half a million electric hoverboards were recalled due to overheating and, in some cases, explosions. 'The truth is battery-powered electric micromobility devices, including the e-bikes and e-scooters that have become immensely popular in recent years, do catch fire,' the NFPA wrote. 'Specifically, it's their batteries, which are often lithium-ion, that pose a risk.' Today, UL Standards & Engagement has two separate safety standards for both e-bikes (UL 2849) and e-bike batteries (UL 2271). These standards require a one-time certification test to confirm that a product is safe, which typically cost between $30,000 and $100,000. However, in most U.S. jurisdictions, these certifications are not required—and there is currently no federally mandated safety standard. Of the VIVI brand e-bikes involved in the recent recall, all of the affected models that are currently available on VIVI's website claim to be certified with UL 2849, but not with the battery specific UL 2271. Several of the affected models appear to be either unavailable or no longer sol d. A 2022 investigation by Consumer Reports found that loose regulations have resulted in many companies skirting around adequate safety precautions for both e-bikes and their lithium-ion batteries to avoid added costs. This trend was made even worse by the fact that, before May 2 of this year, Chinese importers (which account for the majority of the U.S. e-bike market) were incentivized to keep prices low by the de minimis exception, which allowed goods under $800 to enter the U.S. tax-free. 'Lack of regulation or industry-wide acceptance of safety standards may leave lower-income users at greater risk than those able to afford high-end devices that are likelier to be UL-certified,' Consumer Reports noted. As of 2023, New York City began requiring UL certification on all e-bikes. A UL Standards & Engagement study published in 2024 found that the rate of deaths and injuries in the city began to slow significantly after the law was put into place. And, this coming January, California is set to follow New York City's example with its own UL requirements. However, as the Consumer Reports' investigation noted, until a federal standard for e-bike safety is set, it's likely that other states will continue to encounter problems caused by faulty batteries. 'Despite the mounting toll of fires, injuries, and deaths tied to e-bike batteries, manufacturers and sellers have failed to take vital steps that would protect people's safety,' said Gabe Knight, policy advocate for Consumer Reports, in a press release. 'When an industry isn't putting safety first, people rightly expect the Consumer Product Safety Commission to step in. CR's investigation shows that the CPSC can't do its job as quickly or effectively as it needs to as long as Congress forces the agency to fight with one hand tied behind its back.'
