Ballard-based Rad Power Bikes has notified employees and local officials that the company may be forced to cease operations early next year.
According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter sent to staff and government offices, Rad could shut down as soon as January 9, 2026, or within 14 days after that date, if the company is unable to secure a path forward.
Rad has been headquartered in Ballard since its inception. Co-owners Mike Radenbaugh and Ty Collins first opened Rad in 2016 on NW Market St and then relocated to 1128 NW 52nd St in 2018. They experienced a massive boom in business during the pandemic and began selling internationally in 2021.
In the letter, leadership said Rad has been dealing with “economic challenges following the pandemic impacts,” including a sharp drop in consumer demand and ongoing financial pressures. The company described efforts over the past several months to find strategic partners or funding, noting that one deal that appeared likely to close “did not come to fruition.”
The WARN notice was distributed to employees assigned to the company’s Seattle headquarters on NW 52nd Street, as well as remote staff who report to that location. While only the Seattle site meets the employee threshold requiring formal WARN notification, Rad said it elected to inform all staff regardless of location.
If the closure proceeds, 64 jobs would be eliminated at their headquarters in Ballard. The letter adds that the potential shutdown is not related to relocation or contracting out operations.
Despite the notice, leaders emphasized that “the cessation of Rad’s operations is not a foregone conclusion” and said they are still pursuing ways to keep the company operating.
The notice was also sent to the offices of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and King County Executive Shannon Braddock, as required under federal and state WARN regulations.
Photo: Rad Power Bikes