SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20190820-2F65D-2147379156. Severity: Unspecified. Product: GigaByke Groove GigaByke Groove 750 Watt Motorized E-Bike (TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS GigaByke Groove E-Bike 750 Watt Motor Dimensions � Wheel base: 45 inches � Dimensions: 64.7"(L) x 24.4"(W) x 39.7"(H) � Tire: 16" (diameter) x 3" (width) Weight � Total with Battery: 180 LBS � Weight without Battery: 143 LBS Maximum Speed � Max Speed: 20 MPH � Max Pedal Speed: 4 MPH Motor Specifications � Motor Power: 750 Watt Capacity � Maximum Load: 250 LBS � Occupancy: 2 Persons Battery Information � Type: Silicon Lead-Acid � Battery Life: 25 miles* � Capacity: 14 Ah � Voltage: 48 V � Charge Cycles: 400 � � Optional Upgrade: Lithium-Ion � Battery Life: 30 miles* � Capacity: 20 Ah � Voltage: 48 V � Charge Cycles: 800). Incident: While charging the battery GigaByke Groove 48V 14Ah Silicone Battery I noticed that it was becoming extremely hot, so I disconnected the charger and let it cool. I then attempted to charge it again from another outlet and the same situation occurred. I removed the batter from the bike and attempted to charge is separately and again the same situation occurred, very hot. I noticed bulging at the seams of the battery and now feel it is unsafe and a possible fire hazard. I have contacted the distributor and asked for support, there recommendation is replaced a lightly used battery with a replacement from the same manufacturer for $399.00. This does not seem like a responsible type of support for an expensive product. If I did not disconnect the battery from the charger, it could catch fire or explode.