VIVI E-Bikes Lithium-ion Batteries Sold with VIVI E-Bikes Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Sold by VIVI

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant recall involving specific lithium-ion rechargeable batteries used in electric bikes manufactured and sold under the VIVI brand. This action, dated July 17, 2025, addresses a critical safety defect found in the power systems of certain e-bikes. The core issue lies not necessarily with the mechanical frame or motor of the bicycle itself, but with the energy source that powers it. These 36-volt lithium-ion batteries are known to overheat during use, creating a serious risk of fire and burn injuries to the consumer.

To help you determine if your specific e-bike is affected, it is important to look at both the bicycle model and the battery model number. The recall covers a wide range of VIVI e-bike models, including but not limited to the C26, MT20, Z3, M026SH, H6, H7, MT26H, 26LGB, M026TGB, MT26G, FM20, F20, S3, Z1, and Z2. You can find the e-bike model number printed on the bicycle’s downtube, where the brand name "VIVI" is also displayed, or by checking your original sales order documentation.

Equally important is the battery itself. The affected batteries have specific model identifiers that you will find printed directly on the battery unit. These include models such as WT0261, 36V-8AH-288WH, ZBL-36V8AH ZK, SKD015, EB3608C0B, SKD014, ZBL-36V10.4Ah LH, TCRFD111005YY, M026SH, 36V-8Ah-288Wh, ZBL-36V8Ah288Wh, EB360817E, SKD036008016A, EB3610D0B, ZBL-36V10Ah, SKD011, 36V-10.4AH-374.4Wh, SKD036010003A, EB3610C5B, ZBL-36V8Ah ZK, 26LGB, EB360808L, 36V-8AH-300WH, WT0260, SKD036008009A, ZBL-36V8AH, ZBL10SP36V8AH, WT0289, EB3608B2S, EB3608B4S, TCRFD021004006, TCRFD031004006, TTTT07F01, TCRFD181004JB, TCRFD011004JB, TC-TT011005B, and TT09F01. If your e-bike was sold with any of these battery models, it is part of this recall.

These products were sold directly by VIVI. While the exact number of units affected is not specified in the current recall notice, the scope is broad enough to impact many consumers across the country. The CPSC emphasizes that this is a proactive measure based on 14 reported incidents of battery overheating, three of which resulted in fires. Although no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is significant, making immediate verification and action essential.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a specific type of failure known as thermal runaway within lithium-ion batteries. To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at what is happening inside the battery cell when things go wrong. Lithium-ion batteries store energy by moving lithium ions between two materials. Under normal conditions, this movement is controlled and safe. However, if the internal structure of the battery becomes compromised—due to manufacturing defects, physical damage, or electrical faults—the separation between the positive and negative sides can break down. When this happens, the battery begins to generate heat far faster than it can dissipate it.

This rapid temperature increase is not just a minor inconvenience; it triggers a chain reaction. As the internal temperature rises, the materials inside the battery begin to decompose, releasing flammable gases. This creates high pressure within the sealed casing of the battery. Eventually, this pressure can cause the battery to vent hot gas, swell visibly, or in severe cases, rupture. The recalled VIVI e-bike batteries have been identified as having this potential for overheating, which is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued this urgent notice. The heat generated during this process can easily ignite surrounding materials, such as the bike frame, clothing, or nearby furniture, leading to a fire.

The risk extends beyond just fire. When these batteries fail catastrophically, they can eject hot debris and shrapnel at high speeds. This is what creates the burn hazard mentioned in the official report. If you are standing near the bike when it fails, or if your hand is on the battery during a malfunction, you could suffer significant thermal burns. While no injuries have been reported to date with this specific VIVI model, the nature of lithium-ion failures means that the outcome can be unpredictable and severe. The combination of intense heat, toxic fumes, and potential explosion makes these batteries uniquely dangerous compared to standard household batteries.

It is important to recognize the warning signs before a total failure occurs. Although the official report does not list every possible symptom, general safety guidelines for lithium-ion batteries suggest that you should be alert to any unusual warmth coming from the battery during charging or use. If the battery case appears swollen, cracked, or discolored, it is a clear sign that internal damage has occurred. Do not attempt to recharge a battery that feels hot to the touch or looks deformed. In the case of the VIVI e-bikes, the risk exists even if the battery appears normal from the outside, which is why immediate removal and replacement are critical steps for your safety.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing immediate danger in this recall consists of anyone who purchased a "VIVI" brand electric bike equipped with the specific 36-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries listed above. While the hazard stems from a manufacturing defect in the battery cells themselves, the people most at risk are not just defined by ownership, but by their physical proximity to the device during its most critical phases: charging and riding. Because these e-bikes are often used as daily transportation or for leisure in residential areas like driveways, garages, and apartment hallways, the potential victims include the riders themselves, their family members living in the same home, and even neighbors if a fire were to spread from a shared wall or common area.

The vulnerability is particularly acute for children and elderly individuals. Lithium-ion battery fires can escalate with terrifying speed, often within seconds of the initial thermal runaway event. For older adults, who may have slower reaction times or mobility challenges, escaping a rapidly developing fire in a confined space like a garage or entryway can be exponentially more difficult than for a younger, able-bodied person. Children, who may not recognize the signs of battery distress—such as unusual heat, swelling, or a chemical smell—are at risk because they might inadvertently touch a hot battery casing or attempt to charge the device under adult supervision that lapses during the critical early stages of failure.

Furthermore, the location where these e-bikes are stored plays a significant role in who is at risk. Many consumers charge their e-bikes overnight while sleeping. In this scenario, the entire household is vulnerable because they may be unconscious when the battery begins to overheat. The recall notice highlights that VIVI has received reports of actual fires, meaning this is not merely a theoretical risk. People living in multi-unit housing are also at heightened risk, as a fire originating in an e-bike battery can compromise structural integrity or spread smoke and flames to adjacent units far more quickly than a standard household fire, endangering residents who had no part in owning the defective product.

We must also consider individuals with limited mobility or sensory impairments. Those who rely on these e-bikes for independence may be less able to evacuate quickly if the battery fails while they are away from home, leading to potential entrapment. Additionally, anyone with respiratory conditions is at greater risk of harm from the toxic fumes that lithium-ion batteries can release when burning, even if they manage to escape the immediate flames. The combination of rapid fire spread, toxic smoke, and the likelihood of these devices being charged in sleeping quarters creates a perfect storm of risk for all occupants of the home, not just the rider.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own an electric bike branded with "VIVI," there is a significant chance your device is part of this recall. The primary issue lies not necessarily with the frame itself, but specifically with the 36-volt lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that were sold bundled with certain models. Because these batteries are integral to the operation of the e-bike, they may be integrated into the frame or attached as a removable unit. To determine if your specific bike is affected, you need to look in two distinct places: on the bicycle frame and directly on the battery unit itself.

First, check the bicycle frame for identification marks. Look closely at the downtube, which is the main tube running diagonally from the handlebars down to the pedals. The word "VIVI" should be printed clearly on this surface. If you do not see this branding, your bike may not be part of this specific recall, but it is still worth verifying with the manufacturer. However, if you do see the VIVI logo, the next step is to locate your specific model number. This information is often stamped or engraved on the frame near the downtube or bottom bracket area. You can also find your exact e-bike model number by reviewing your original sales order documentation from when you purchased the bike.

The most critical verification step involves inspecting the battery itself. The recalled batteries carry specific model numbers that you must match against the list provided below. These numbers are physically printed or etched onto the casing of the battery unit. If your battery bears any of the following model identifiers, it is part of this recall and poses a fire hazard:

• WT0261
• 36V-8AH-288WH
• ZBL-36V8AH ZK
• SKD015
• EB3608C0B
• SKD014
• ZBL-36V10.4Ah LH
• Z3 TCRFD111005YY
• M026SH
• 36V-8Ah-288Wh
• ZBL-36V8Ah288Wh
• EB360817E
• SKD036008016A
• EB3610D0B
• ZBL-36V10Ah
• SKD011
• 36V-10.4AH-374.4Wh
• SKD036010003A
• EB3610C5B
• ZBL-36V8Ah ZK
• 26LGB
• EB360808L
• 36V-8AH-300WH
• WT0260
• SKD036008009A
• ZBL-36V8AH
• ZBL10SP36V8AH
• M026TGB
• MT26G
• FM20
• WT0289
• EB3608B2S
• F20
• EB3608B4S
• S3
• TCRFD021004006
• TCRFD031004006
• TTTT07F01
• TCRFD181004JB
• TCRFD011004JB
• TC-TT011005B
• Z1
• TT09F01
• Z2

If you cannot find these numbers on the battery or if your records are missing, do not guess. Contact VIVI directly using the toll-free number 800-375-6103 (available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET) or visit their website at https://viviebikes.com and click on "Important Recall Information" to confirm your specific unit's status before taking any further action.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled VIVI e-bikes, your immediate and most important step is to stop using the bike entirely. The recall remedy does not involve a simple return for cash; instead, it focuses on replacing the dangerous component with a safe one. VIVI has committed to providing a free replacement battery and a free replacement battery charger to all affected consumers. This means you do not need to pay for any parts or shipping costs associated with getting your bike back in working order. The company’s goal is to ensure that once you receive the new equipment, your e-bike can be used safely again without posing the fire and burn hazards identified in this recall.

To initiate this process, you must contact VIVI directly. You have two convenient options for reaching them: call their toll-free number at 800-375-6103 or visit their website. If you choose to go online, navigate to https://viviebikes.com/pages/recall or go to the main site at https://viviebikes.com and click on the link labeled "Important Recall Information." These channels are staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, so plan your contact attempts within those hours for the best assistance. When you reach out, be prepared to provide specific details about your bike, such as the model number found on your sales order or bicycle frame, and the battery model number located on the battery itself. This information helps VIVI verify that your specific unit is part of this recall batch.

A critical part of the remedy involves proper disposal of your current, recalled lithium-ion battery. VIVI explicitly instructs consumers not to throw the old battery in the regular trash, nor should you place it in general curbside recycling bins or used battery recycling boxes at retail stores. These standard disposal methods present a significant fire risk because recalled lithium-ion batteries require special handling. Instead, you must take the battery to a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center. However, before you drive there, it is essential to call your local HHW center ahead of time. Not all centers accept recalled lithium-ion batteries or entire devices, so confirming their acceptance policy first will save you a wasted trip.

Once you have successfully disposed of the old battery at an approved HHW facility, you must confirm this action to complete the remedy process. You are required to send an email to vivirecall@163.com to confirm that you have properly discarded the recalled battery. This step is mandatory for your safety record and ensures that the dangerous item has been removed from circulation. After VIVI receives your contact request and confirms your disposal of the old battery, they will arrange for the free replacement battery and charger to be sent to you. Following these steps carefully ensures you get a safe, fully functional e-bike without incurring any costs or risking further safety incidents.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable to feel reluctant to stop using a beloved piece of equipment, especially one that has become part of your daily routine or weekend adventures. You might tell yourself that the e-bike is just sitting in the garage for now, or that you will only ride it occasionally, so the risk must be minimal. However, with the VIVI e-bikes subject to this recall, ignoring the issue is not a harmless delay—it is an active gamble with your safety and the safety of those around you. The core problem lies within the lithium-ion batteries included with these specific models. These batteries have been identified as capable of overheating, a condition that can escalate rapidly and unpredictably into a fire or burn hazard.

The consequences of continuing to use or charge these defective batteries are serious and well-documented in the reports received by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). VIVI has already acknowledged 14 separate incidents where the batteries overheated. Among these reports, there were three confirmed instances of fires. While it is reassuring that no injuries have been reported so far, this statistic should not be interpreted as a guarantee of safety. The absence of injury in past reports does not mean future incidents will be benign; lithium-ion battery fires can generate intense heat and toxic fumes in seconds, leaving little time for reaction.

If you ignore the recall notice, you are essentially keeping an unstable power source inside your home or garage. When a lithium-ion battery fails thermally, it does not just stop working; it can rupture, vent flammable gases, and ignite spontaneously. This risk is heightened if you continue to charge the recalled battery, as charging puts electrical stress on the cells. A fire in a residential setting can spread quickly, damaging your property and endangering your family, pets, and neighbors. The heat from such a fire can also cause severe burns to anyone nearby.

Furthermore, improper disposal of these batteries adds another layer of danger if you eventually decide to get rid of them but do so incorrectly. If you ignore the specific disposal instructions and throw the recalled battery in regular trash or curbside recycling, it can be crushed by garbage trucks or sorting machines. This physical damage can trigger a short circuit, leading to fires that endanger sanitation workers and compromise waste management facilities. The risk is not just theoretical; it is a direct result of the battery’s compromised internal structure.

Ultimately, the remedy offered is straightforward: a free replacement battery and charger. There is no financial penalty for acting promptly, only potential catastrophic loss by waiting. By ignoring the recall, you are choosing to keep a known hazard in your life rather than accepting a simple, cost-free solution that eliminates the risk entirely. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your e-bike is safe is worth far more than the inconvenience of swapping out a battery.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical issue with VIVI e-bike batteries, the underlying principles of lithium-ion battery safety apply to nearly every modern device we carry in our pockets and homes. Understanding how these power sources behave can prevent accidents before they happen. Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly efficient, but they are also sensitive to physical damage, extreme temperatures, and improper charging habits. When you treat your electronics with a bit more respect, you significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway—the process where a battery overheats uncontrollably.

First, always use the charger that came with your device or a certified replacement from the manufacturer. Third-party chargers may not have the same voltage regulation or safety protocols, which can cause the battery to overcharge and heat up. Never leave devices charging unattended for long periods, especially overnight, and avoid charging them on soft surfaces like beds or couches where heat cannot dissipate properly. If your device feels unusually hot while charging or in use, stop using it immediately and let it cool down in a safe, open area.

Regularly inspect your batteries and cables for any signs of wear. Look for swelling, which is a clear sign that the battery is failing and should not be charged further. Check for frayed wires, cracked casings, or exposed metal parts. If you notice any damage, discontinue use right away. Do not attempt to repair a damaged lithium-ion battery yourself; these components are complex and dangerous if mishandled.

Additionally, stay informed about product safety by signing up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other relevant agencies. Many recalls happen because manufacturers identify potential issues before serious harm occurs. By checking your devices against recall lists periodically, you ensure that any latent defects are addressed promptly. Finally, always dispose of old or damaged batteries at designated household hazardous waste facilities. Proper disposal not only protects the environment but also prevents accidental fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers where batteries might be crushed or punctured.

• Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and cables.
• Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces in well-ventilated areas.
• Inspect batteries regularly for swelling, leaks, or damage.
• Sign up for CPSC recall alerts to stay informed.
• Dispose of lithium-ion batteries at certified hazardous waste facilities only.