As iGO Electric Bikes Enters Bankruptcy, Riders Face Support Gaps — and Look Toward Reliable, U.S. Lithium Battery Alternatives

In late 2024, iGO Electric, the Montreal-based electric bicycle maker once lauded as a Canadian pioneer in the e-mobility space, quietly entered bankruptcy proceedings after years of financial strain and declining demand. espaces.ca The company — founded in 2006, expanded across North America, and sold through major outlets including big-box retailers — owed millions to secured and unsecured creditors when a major Canadian bank sought receivership in Quebec’s Superior Court. ebikes-international.com

For many riders, iGO’s collapse signals more than a shift in market share. It underscores a growing challenge in the e-bike industry: what happens when proprietary power systems lose manufacturer support? Integrated batteries — the heart of any electric bike — are not simple commodities. They are complex lithium-ion packs whose safety, performance, and serviceability depend on ongoing technical support and parts availability.

When an OEM exits the industry or ceases support, owners are often left with expensive, sometimes irreplaceable components that no longer have a clear path to safe maintenance or replacement. This scenario, already seen with other struggling e-mobility brands, highlights a real gap in long-term e-bike ownership support.

Looking Beyond Obsolescence

Amidst the uncertainty around iGO’s legacy support, a practical solution gaining traction among informed riders is the use of newly built U.S.-manufactured lithium battery packs from companies with a transparent supply chain and engineering focus. One example is AmericanElectric Energy, which builds fresh, high-quality packs from UL-listed 21700 cells sourced from trusted manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Molicel, and Panasonic, and assembles them with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) designed for stability and safety.

Unlike third-party “refurbished” units that rely on used cells and inconsistent quality, these packs are fresh builds engineered for long-term performance. They are also manufactured domestically — in Florida — which reduces dependence on volatile international logistics and foreign inventory shortages.

Why This Matters Now

The departure of brands like iGO from the market creates a ripple effect for owners: parts become scarce, technical support evaporates, and proprietary systems become harder — and sometimes unsafe — to maintain. Riders who once assumed their investment would last for years are now questioning how they will sustain their bikes’ utility.

Freshly built, U.S.-made replacement packs offer a clear alternative: one rooted in transparent manufacturing, traceable components, and ongoing support that does not hinge on the survival of a single overseas supplier or niche brand.

Conclusion: iGO’s bankruptcy is a stark reminder of the volatility in the electric bicycle market and the pitfalls of proprietary systems when OEM support disappears. For riders seeking a dependable path forward, high-quality, domestically manufactured battery packs represent more than an aftermarket option — they offer continuity, safety, and long-term ownership peace of mind.

Freshly manufactured to order with premium, UL-listed 21700 cells from Samsung, LG, Molicel, and Panasonic

Engineered with advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) for thermal safety and balanced performance

Assembled domestically in South Florida, with clear quality control and traceable components

In an era when overseas supply chains can be unpredictable, AmericanElectric Energy’s approach brings transparency and accountability closer to home — with predictable delivery timelines and a domestic 1-year warranty honored in the U.S.

A Greater Focus on Long-Term Serviceability
Beyond immediate safety considerations, the industry is waking up to a broader truth: e-bike ownership is sustainable only if batteries are serviceable, replaceable, and supportable over the long haul. AmericanElectric’s packs are built with a long lifecycle in mind, emphasizing:

• Thermal safety under varied environmental conditions
  
• Consistent output even under heavy use
  
• Balanced discharge to protect cell health
  
• Firmware and BMS built for reliability, not short-term fixes
  
  

For riders seeking peace of mind, this isn’t just an aftermarket alternative — it’s a long-term strategy for preserving the utility of their bikes.

Conclusion The CPSC’s recent safety warning about select Rad Power Batteries has underscored a fundamental reality of modern e-mobility: high-performance batteries demand high standards of manufacturing, oversight, and lifecycle support. As legacy OEM support falters and riders reevaluate their options, AmericanElectric Energy’s freshly built, U.S.-made battery packs offer a compelling, quality-driven path forward — rooted in safety, transparency, and long-term serviceability.