As e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices grow in popularity across California, reports of lithium-ion battery fires have raised serious safety concerns. In July 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled thousands of VIVI e-bike batteries due to fire and burn hazards that could cause serious injury or death.
This recall highlights a larger question many riders are asking: Does California’s Lemon Law apply when your e-bike or battery fails repeatedly or poses a safety risk? The answer is complex. While the state’s Lemon Law doesn’t typically cover e-bikes, you may still have rights under other consumer protection and warranty laws.
What the VIVI Battery Recall Tells Us
On July 17, 2025, the CPSC announced a recall of lithium-ion batteries sold with VIVI e-bikes, warning that the batteries can overheat and catch fire. Consumers were urged to stop using the bikes immediately and contact the manufacturer for a replacement battery pack.
This case underscores a broader issue: many micromobility devices are mass-produced and sold online, often without the same warranty or oversight required for motor vehicles. When safety problems occur, such as repeated electrical failures or fire risks, consumers are left wondering what protections apply.
Does California’s Lemon Law Cover E-Bikes and Micromobility Devices?
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, known as the Lemon Law, was designed primarily for motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and similar vehicles that are registered and covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Because e-bikes are classified as bicycles under the California Vehicle Code and not motor vehicles, they generally do not fall under the state’s Lemon Law protections.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re without options. E-bikes and micromobility devices are still considered consumer goods, which means they’re covered by other state and federal warranty and consumer protection statutes. If your e-bike or battery fails repeatedly or poses a serious safety risk, you may be able to pursue a claim for refund, replacement, or compensation under these broader laws.
Alternative Consumer Protections That May Apply
If you’re dealing with repeated e-bike defects, safety risks, or a manufacturer’s refusal to act, the following legal avenues may apply:
- Manufacturer’s Written Warranty: Most e-bikes are sold with limited warranties that require the manufacturer to repair or replace defective parts, including the battery or motor.
- California Consumer Goods Warranty Laws: Even outside the Lemon Law, California requires products sold for personal use to meet basic standards of quality and safety.
- Product Liability Claims: If a defective battery or electrical system causes a fire or injury, you may be entitled to compensation under product liability laws.
- Recall and Safety Remedies: Consumers are protected under federal recall programs through the CPSC, which can require manufacturers to provide free repairs or replacements for unsafe products.
What to Do If Your E-Bike Battery Has Been Recalled
If you own a VIVI e-bike or another brand affected by a battery recall:
- Stop using it immediately to avoid the risk of fire or injury.
- Check the recall notice on the CPSC website.
- Contact the manufacturer or retailer for repair or replacement instructions.
- Document all communications, receipts, and repair attempts in case you pursue a claim later.
- Consult with an attorney if the manufacturer refuses to replace or refund your purchase.
Proper documentation is critical if you need to show that the manufacturer failed to fix a known defect or ignored recall responsibilities.
Why These Cases Still Matter Beyond Cars
E-bike battery fires show how quickly transportation technology can outpace consumer protection laws. California’s Lemon Law hasn’t yet been expanded to cover micromobility devices, but the same safety and accountability principles still apply. When a product poses a fire risk or fails to perform as promised, consumers have the right to demand repairs, replacements, or refunds.
Although the Lemon Law doesn’t currently include e-bikes, ongoing conversations among consumer advocates and lawmakers suggest that future updates may better address these emerging technologies. Until then, California riders can rely on existing warranty and consumer protection statutes to pursue remedies against manufacturers of defective or dangerous products.
Protect Yourself from Dangerous E-Bike Defects
Defective e-bike batteries aren’t just an inconvenience—they can cause serious injuries, fires, and property damage. If you’ve experienced repeated failures, a dangerous malfunction, or a recall issue that hasn’t been resolved, you have options.
Contact The Lemon Firm today to learn your rights under California’s warranty and consumer protection laws. Our attorneys will evaluate your situation, review your warranty, and help you pursue the compensation or replacement you deserve.