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Feb 21, 2025

Walmart recalls 18K electric scooters that can catch fire, offers full refund - mlive.com

Walmart has recalled nearly 18,000 Swagtron electric scooters because the batteries can overheat and catch fire. (Photo provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.)Photo provided by the

Walmart has recalled nearly 18,000 Swagtron electric scooters because the batteries can overheat and catch fire. (Photo provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.)Photo provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Walmart has recalled 17,970 electric scooters and is offering a full refund due to a battery issue that can cause the scooters to overheat and catch fire.

The recall involves several models of the SG-5 Swagger 5 Boost Commuter Electric Scooters that were sold at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores nationwide and online. The scooters were sold from May 2018 through October 2024 for between $175 and $450.

The scooters come in black or silver and have “SWAGGER 5” is printed in large lettering on the stem of the handlebars, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recalled model numbers are: SWGR5-V2-SLV, SWGR5-V2-2, SG5 Boost, SG-5S, 96262-2, 96262-9, SG-5S, and 96560-2.

To locate the model number, look on the side of the scooter deck.

The CPSC says the recall comes after seven complaints were made regarding the lithium-ion batteries having problems. The battery issues led to overheating, smoking, melting or igniting of the batteries. One ignition caused a burn injury and substantial property damage to a residential apartment building, the CPSC said.

Anyone who owns one of the recalled scooters should stop using it immediately and refrain from charging the scooter further. You are asked to cut the throttle cord and dispose of the scooter by following local and state hazardous waste disposal procedures.

Because the scooters use lithium-ion batteries, some municipalities may have different ordinances on how to safely dispose of the batteries.

Those who purchased the scooters are entitled to a full refund. Walmart says it will contact customers known to have purchased a recalled scooter with instructions on how to receive a full refund.

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