Rad Powerbokes sold to Life Electric Vehicles for 13.2 million

Rad Power Bikes Sold to Life Electric Vehicles for $13.2M - What This Means for Owners

By the Editorial Staff @ ebiking.us | Last Updated: February 2, 2026

If you own a Rad Power bike or were considering buying one, you've probably heard the news by now:

Rad Power Bikes has been acquired by Life Electric Vehicles Holdings (Life EV) for $13.2 million following the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in December 2025.

For a company that was once valued at $1.65 billion in October 2021 and has sold bikes to over 550,000 riders worldwide, this sale price represents a dramatic fall.

But what does this actually mean for current Rad Power owners and the future of the brand?

What Happened?

On January 22, 2026, five companies participated in a bankruptcy auction for Rad Power's assets. The bidding started at $8 million and climbed from there, with Florida-based Life Electric Vehicles emerging as the winning bidder at $13.2 million ($14.9M including liabilities). The sale still requires final court approval at a hearing scheduled for January 30, 2026.

Retrospec was the backup bidder at $13 million, meaning if the Life EV deal falls through, they would step in.

Who is Life EV?

Life Electric Vehicles bills itself as a "developer, manufacturer, and distributor in the light electric vehicle industry." They offer electric bikes on their website, though most models were listed as "sold out" when the acquisition was announced.

The company's CEO, Robert Provost, has been tight-lipped about specific plans, only saying: "There is still a process underway and there is an exciting future being planned for Rad Power."

What Led to This?

Rad Power's decline mirrors the broader eBike industry's post-pandemic struggles:

Pandemic boom, post-pandemic bust: Like many eBike companies, Rad Power saw explosive growth during COVID-19 but struggled as that momentum dried up
Multiple layoffs in recent years as the company tried to cut costs
Four CEOs in three years: Founder Mike Radenbaugh (2007-2022), Phil Molyneaux (2022-25), Kathi Lentzsch (March-Dec 2025), and most recently Angelina Smith (Dec 2025-present)
Battery fire issues: The Consumer Product Safety Commission identified 31 reported fires tied to older Rad Power batteries, though the company disputed the CPSC's characterization.

Rad Power isn't alone—competitors like VanMoof, Cake, and Bird have all gone through bankruptcy and restructuring in recent years.

What This Means for Rad Power Owners:

The big questions everyone's asking:

Will my warranty still be honored?
Will I still be able to get parts and service?
Will Rad Power continue as a brand?
What about software updates and app support?

Historical Context: What Happened to Other Acquired eBike Brands?

VanMoof (went bankrupt in 2023): Acquired by Lavoie, which committed to honoring warranties and continuing the brand
Cake (restructured in 2023): Found new ownership and continues operating
Bird (scooters, went bankrupt): Assets sold, brand discontinued

The track record is mixed, but there's reason for cautious optimism if Life EV is serious about continuing the Rad Power brand.

What Should Rad Power Owners Do Now?

Document your bike's condition and warranty status - Take photos, save receipts, and record your serial number
Join the conversation - Connect with other Rad Power owners in online communities to share information as it emerges
Stock up on essentials - If you're worried about parts availability during the transition, grab spare tubes, brake pads, and other consumables
Monitor official channels - Watch for announcements from Life EV and Rad Power about the transition plan
Don't panic - Rad Power bikes are well-built and relatively simple mechanically. Even if official support disappears, independent bike shops can handle most maintenance

The Silver Lining

Despite the dramatic price drop, the fact that multiple companies bid on Rad Power shows there's still value in the brand and its customer base. Life EV isn't buying a failing product—they're buying a proven eBike platform with over half a million satisfied riders.

The real question is whether they'll invest in customer service, parts availability, and product development, or simply milk the brand for short-term profit.

What Do You Think?

For Rad Power owners:

Are you concerned about parts availability and warranty support?

What's your plan going forward?

For prospective buyers:

Does this news change your opinion about buying a Rad Power bike?

For the industry:

Is this consolidation healthy for the eBike market, or a warning sign of deeper problems?

Let's discuss what this means for the eBike community and how we can support each other through this transition.

Sources: [1] TechCrunch: Rad Power Bikes reaches deal to sell itself for $13.2M [2] GeekWire: Rad Power Bikes asset auction attracts two successful bidders

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