If your e-bike battery malfunctions and causes injury or property damage, California law gives you the right to pursue legal action. Under product liability statutes, manufacturers and other parties in the supply chain can be held accountable when a defective product leads to harm.
What makes an e-bike battery defective?
Defects in e-bike batteries often arise from flawed designs, substandard manufacturing processes, or insufficient safety warnings. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, pose significant risks if their internal components malfunction. When the battery management system fails, these units can overheat, ignite, or even explode. Several public safety bulletins have spotlighted incidents involving faulty batteries, including those manufactured by brands like Unit Pack Power, due to fire hazards and other dangers.
Who might be responsible?
California’s strict liability laws allow you to sue any party involved in the distribution of the battery, not just the manufacturer. Liability can extend to retailers, distributors, and even repair technicians if their involvement contributed to the defect. You do not need to demonstrate negligence; rather, you must establish that the battery was defective, that you used it as intended, and that the defect caused your injury or loss.
What compensation can you seek?
You may pursue compensation for medical expenses if the defective battery caused burns or other physical harm. If the malfunction resulted in property loss, such as damage to your home or other belongings, you can seek reimbursement for those damages as well. Lost income from missed workdays and the cost of long-term care also factor into potential recovery. Emotional distress caused by the event may be compensable, depending on the circumstances and supporting documentation.
Preserve the damaged battery and photograph all injuries and destruction it caused. Retain receipts, medical documentation, and any records related to time missed from work. Investigate whether the battery model has been subject to recalls or regulatory warnings. Keep in mind that California generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so timely action is necessary.