Life EV announced on 5 March 2026 that it had completed a court-approved acquisition of the Rad Power Bikes brand, intellectual property, inventory and certain operating assets. Rad published the announcement on its blog the following day. Life EV said it would continue US retail operations under the Rad Power Bikes name and intended to expand in selected markets. [1]
The announcement also outlined plans for US-based assembly through affiliated manufacturing operations. Customer support commitments included honoring certain warranties and gift cards under the asset purchase agreement. Those qualifications matter: the release did not promise identical treatment for every historical purchase, and its manufacturing expansion statements described plans rather than completed factory transitions. [1]
Industry perspective
For the e-bike industry, a change of ownership brings attention to the support that sits behind a product. Riders need a clear route to service and replacement parts. Retail partners need to understand how orders, stock and customer enquiries will be handled during a transition.
Suppliers evaluating a renewed relationship could focus on the operating details: approved components, quality checks, purchase schedules and the responsibilities of each business involved. These details provide a stronger foundation for cooperation than relying solely on a familiar brand name.
For customers, the practical next step is to check the current support arrangements for their specific bike and purchase date. The business lesson is straightforward: continuity has to become visible through working service channels and reliable delivery. The announced acquisition creates a platform; execution will determine the experience that riders and partners receive.