Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard
Home product recall 08-364. Announced by CPSC on Aug 19, 2008.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Aug 19, 2008. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 11,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recall.
Which ones are recalled?
This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401” are printed on the battery.
About 11,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by Hobbico Inc., Champaign, Ill.
- Hobby Stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.