Rad Power Bikes, one of the most well-known electric bicycle companies in North America, appears to be headed for collapse as troubling signs have continued to stack up.
The Seattle, Washington-based company has long been suspected of operating on a skeleton crew after numerous rounds of layoffs have whittled away at its workforce, which once numbered over 1,000 employees. Its financial situation has been precarious for years, and the looming closure that many expected appears to be drawing near.
Now, a WARN notice has been issued in the state of Washington, notifying that the company’s main headquarters will be shutting down and that Rad Power Bikes will lay off 64 remaining positions there.
The job titles listed for termination include everything from bicycle mechanics to customer service representatives and even the CEO.
According to a statement provided to Electrek by a Rad Power Bikes spokesperson, the company appears to be attempting to forestall an imminent closure, but did not share any currently viable options to save it.
“As part of the company’s commitment to transparency and in compliance with the WARN Acts, Rad provided advance written notice of a potential cessation of operations that could occur as early as January 2026.
No final decisions have been made, and these notices are precautionary. Rad’s leadership is actively pursuing all viable options to keep the company operating.
At this time, Rad’s leadership is focused on supporting our employees, serving our Rad Riders, and giving Rad the best chance for longevity.”
Rad Power Bikes was once the largest electric bicycle company in the US, though it has experienced a fall from grace among increasing competition from other major value-focused brands.
Top comment by Steve
I wonder if they used any parts from China. My wife is closing down her shop in the US at end of the year. We already sold our 2 factories in China. She makes OEM stuff for American companies. It’s not worth the tariffs and other issues to stay in business. We laid off 1,000 employees in California already. Just 4 ppl now to maintain the US HQ to clean out then selling that too. Everything costs more and have to pay workers more. Lower margin. Rather just retire. Maybe RAD is doing the same.
Sales have fallen considerably over the last few years and the company has gone through repeated rounds of layoffs while also losing much of its executive leadership.
The writing has apparently been on the wall for some time, with the bartender of a brewery located next to Rad Power Bikes headquarters telling Electrek that the company’s parking lot has largely been vacant in the last few days, and is currently empty today.
Anecdotal evidence on social media suggests that some of Rad’s retail locations in other states have similarly gone quiet.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as they become available.
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