China-based INIU is recalling roughly 210,000 units of power banks after determining that the lithium-ion batteries in these products can overheat and ignite, “posing fire and burn hazards to consumers,” the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said in a Dec. 5 statement.

“This recall involves INIU 10,000mAh portable power banks, model BI-B41. The recalled power banks have a black or blue case and the INIU logo and a paw-print LED light are on the front,” CPSC stated.

“Only portable power banks with serial numbers 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, and 000L21 are included in this recall.

“INIU has received 15 reports of power banks overheating, including 11 reports of fires that resulted in three minor burn injuries and property damage totaling over $380,000.”

The Chinese-manufactured products, which are sold in North America via a Seattle distribution and marketing office, were sold online via Amazon for roughly $18 between August 2021 and April 2022, the agency said.

CPSC advised people not to throw away the batteries in the trash or in regular recycling bins, as they pose a fire risk.

The agency asked people to stop using the recalled power bank and get in touch with the company to secure a full refund.

On its recall webpage, INIU clarified that other power banks and models remain “completely unaffected and remain safe for regular use.”

“Once you submit the recall form, our team will review your case and notify you of the review result in about 15 business days,“ the company stated. ”If your product is confirmed to meet the recall criteria, we will promptly process your refund or gift card.”

INIU advised customers to apply for a recall even if the product still appears to be functional.

“The program aims to mitigate risks associated with a potential latent defect. Your safety is our priority,” it said.

The Epoch Times reached out to INIU for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

Multiple lithium-ion batteries have been recalled over the past months because of fire risks.

On Nov. 13, Tesla Inc. recalled about 10,500 units of Tesla Powerwall 2, fully integrated AC battery systems.

The company had received 22 reports that the batteries had overheated, including five reports of fire. No injuries were reported, but minor property damage was recorded, the CPSC said.

On July 12, about 1.15 million Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks were withdrawn from the market. The company received 19 reports of fires and explosions, resulting in two minor burn injuries.

In a November 2024 update, the U.S. Fire Administration highlighted multiple situations in which lithium-ion batteries can cause dangerous incidents.

When these batteries overcharge beyond their designed capacity, they can overheat.

“Lithium-ion batteries contain volatile electrolytes, and when exposed to high temperatures or physical damage, they can release flammable gases,” it said. “Batteries can be ejected from a battery pack or casing during an incident thereby spreading the fire or creating a cascading incident with secondary ignitions/fire origins.”

The agency said that there is a risk of reignition even after a lithium-ion battery is extinguished.

Lithium-ion batteries may also end up with thermal runaway, which refers to the chain reaction of uncontrolled heating leading to more explosions and fires, according to the fire agency.

Some of the listed signs of thermal runaway include mechanical damage, bulging, rising temperature, venting of visible gases, and hissing.

In an Aug. 1 statement, the National Bicycle Dealers Association called on stakeholders of the industry to voluntarily adopt three product certification standards—UL 2849, UL 2271, and UL 2272—for batteries, e-bikes, and personal e-mobility devices.

“This proactive industry-wide effort aims to protect consumers, reduce liability risks for retailers, and preserve the credibility of the rapidly growing cycling and e-mobility sector before regulatory mandates are imposed,” the association stated.

Multiple e-bike recalls were issued in previous months because of issues arising from their lithium-ion batteries.