Batteries sold at retailers like Walmart and Costco have been recalled after it was discovered they could catch fire.
Sublue, which is known for its underwater scooters and drones, issued the battery recall on March 13 due to safety concerns.
‘We’ve recently discovered a safety issue in the Sublue Mix underwater scooter batteries manufactured between June 2018 and March 2024, involving the battery pack overheating and igniting,’ a recall notice from Sublue read.
‘Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively launching a recall program to upgrade all affected users to a new generation of safer batteries, completely free of charge.’
The company confirmed around 40,370 units of its Sublue Mix underwater scooters and replacement battery products were part of the recall.
The affected batteries are black and used for Sublue’s MIXAW01, MIXAB01, and MIXSB01 scooter models.
Sublue recalled batteries for multiple underwater scooter models due to a safety hazard on March 13
The recalled batteries are used in Sublue’s MIXAW01, MIXAB01, and MIXSB01 underwater scooter models
Sublue advised fans to stop using products with the affected batteries.
To get new batteries, customers are required to contact Sublue for a new gray-colored battery.
The company will mail affected owners a specialized recycling package with a pre-paid shipping label to safely return the batteries.
Customers with affected items were requested not to throw them in the trash or recycling bins.
According to a notice from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of in accordance with any local or state ordinances.
The company has received approximately 161 reports of thermal and swelling incidents involving the batteries.
Among them include eight reports of fire, one injury report, and two reports of property damage totaling $651,400.
As of now, there have been no reports of death from the batteries’ safety hazard.
‘We understand that product reliability is essential to earning your trust,’ Sublue said in a statement.
‘We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to protect your underwater adventures with the latest technological innovations.’
Sublue has advised all its fans to stop using underwater scooters with the affected batteries inside them
Sublue currently offers several underwater scooters on its website with prices ranging from $400 to $3,000
Sublue was founded in 2013 and pioneers ‘heavy current balance control, high-efficiency motor systems, and fluid engineering designs’ into products, according to its website.
One of its popular products is its underwater scooters, which are also known as Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPV).
The underwater scooters feature one or more motors and propellers and comes in various types.
All the items can be used for recreational activities or explorations made by expert divers.
Its scooter prices currently range between $400 and $3,000 on Sublue’s website.
Batteries for all of the DBV models are also available to purchase online and cost as much as $749.
Prior to March 13, Sublue had never issued recalls on any of its products.
