Pacific Cycle Recalls Children's Trailer Bicycles Due to Coupler Weld Failure
Pacific Cycle is recalling InStep, Schwinn, and Mongoose trailer bicycles because the coupler welds can fail, causing the trailer to detach and injure children.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in a product used by children that poses a fall hazard. One injury report (abrasions) is noted, but no serious injuries or fatalities are reported, fitting the 'High' criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported as severe.
Plain-English summary
Pacific Cycle Inc. is recalling approximately 7,000 InStep "Pathfinder," Schwinn "Run About," and Mongoose "Alley Cat" children's trailer bicycles. These single-wheeled bicycles connect to an adult's bicycle via a coupler. The recall includes model numbers 12-PF250, 13-SC250, 13-SC350, and M5101, which can be found on the lower seat tube of the frame. The affected units have couplers with welded plates; bicycles with couplers featuring cast parts are not included in this recall.
The recall is due to a hazard where the welds on the coupler connecting the trailer bike to the adult's bicycle can fail. This failure can cause the trailer to detach, posing a fall hazard to the child rider. Pacific Cycle has received one report of the coupler failing, resulting in a fall and abrasions to the rider.
The bicycles were sold at bicycle stores and retailers nationwide from January 2007 through August 2007 for between $80 and $120. Consumers should stop using the trailer bicycle immediately and contact Pacific Cycle for a free repair kit. For additional information, consumers can contact Pacific Cycle toll-free at (877) 564-2261 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the websites for InStep, Schwinn, or Mongoose.
The recalled product
- Product
- InStep "Pathfinder," Schwinn "Run About," and Mongoose "Alley Cat" Trailer Bicycles
- Manufacturer
- Pacific Cycle Inc., of Madison, Wis.
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 7,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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