March 18th, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – California based company Sublue Technology, Inc. has initiated a recall Sublue Mix underwater scooter batteries (in black). The lithium-ion batteries that have been recalled can overheat and cause fires and burns. The company issued a voluntary recall on March 13th, 2025 that impacts around 40,370 scooters.
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If you suffered burns or other injuries because of a defective lithium-ion battery, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for your losses, even though these products were recalled. Ankin Law can help you understand your legal options and file a lawsuit against the product manufacturer. Contact us online or call 312-600-0000 for a free consult.
What Underwater Scooters Are Affected by the Recall?
The affected products are the Sublue Mix underwater scooters and their black replacement batteries. The scooters with these dangerous batteries come in arctic white, space blue, and aqua blue. The words “Whiteshark Mix Underwater Scooter” are printed on the side of the scooters, and Sublue is printed on the top. The battery compartment is located on the underside of the scooter.
Affected unit models include MIXAW01, MIXAB01, and MIXSB01, and the affected batteries have serial numbers starting with BA208, BA209, BA20A, BA211, BA212, BA213, BA214, BA215, BA216, BA217, BA218, BA219, BA21A, BA21B, BA21C, BA221, BA222, BA223, BA224, BA2306, BA2307, BA2308, BA2309, BA23A, BA23B, or BA23C. You can find the serial number printed on the battery housing.
The recalled Sublue scooters were sold through retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Sublue, WestMarine, and various other websites nationwide from June 2018 to February 2025 for about $550 for the scooters, and $150 for the replacement batteries.
To date, there have been 161 reports of thermal and swelling incidents involving these batteries. This includes around 8 reports of fires, 1 injury, and 2 reports of property damage.
What to Do if You Have a Recalled Scooter
If you have one of the Sublue scooters affected by the recall, it is important that you cease use of it immediately. Do not throw the battery in the trash or in typical battery disposal boxes. Contact Sublue for a replacement battery and a prepaid battery return box. You can fill out a recall application on Sublue’s recalls page. Sublue will send you a new, upgraded battery after they receive your old one. According to Sublue, these new batteries employ multiple anti-overheating and short-circuiting prevention technologies to ensure consumer safety.
If your battery shows signs of swelling, smells unusual, or is hot to the touch, you should store it in a ventilated area away from any flammable materials. Seek medical attention if you have suffered burns or inhaled smoke due to battery combustion.
What Causes Lithium-Ion Batteries to Catch Fire?
Lithium-Ion batteries combine flammable electrolytes with stored energy. When the battery creates more heat than it can safely disperse, it can lead to a rapid release of heat known as thermal runaway. This can result in fires and explosions.
There are many things that can cause thermal runaway. Internal short-circuiting, product defects, mechanical damage (dropping, piercing, etc.) and external heat exposure are just a few examples of what can cause thermal runaway.
When thermal runaway occurs, it causes the battery to release a range of flammable and toxic gasses, which often ignite immediately, however, it can also spread until it finds an ignition source, which can lead to an explosion.
How Long Do I Have to File a Product Liability Claim?
You typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a product liability claim in Illinois. In some instances, however, the deadline can increase or decrease depending on the nature of your case. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible so you can file your claim before time runs out. Your attorney will help you understand how your situation affects the statute of limitations.
How Can a Product Liability Attorney Help?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a defective Sublue Mix underwater scooter battery, a product liability attorney can help you recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Product liability cases can be complex, requiring in-depth knowledge of consumer protection laws, manufacturing defects, and negligence claims.
An experienced attorney can assist you by:
- Investigating the Defect: Your lawyer will gather evidence to determine whether the manufacturer knew about the defect and failed to take appropriate action. This may include reviewing prior complaints, recalls, and safety reports.
- Establishing Liability: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may all share responsibility for a dangerous product. Your attorney will identify the liable parties and build a case against them.
- Calculating Damages: A defective battery fire can result in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will assess the full extent of your losses to seek fair compensation.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A skilled attorney can handle communications with insurers and fight for a settlement that reflects your damages.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
Taking legal action helps you recover financially, and holds manufacturers accountable, potentially preventing similar incidents in the future. If you believe you have a claim, contact a product liability lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure you meet the filing deadlines.Call Ankin Law in Chicago at 312-600-0000 now to discuss your case. We offer free consultations, and you only pay attorney fees if we win your case.
