Over the past few years, electric bikes or “e-bikes” have become extremely popular. These battery-powered bikes offer pedal assist, meaning they assist the rider in pedaling, making it easier to move the bike over the road. According to market research firm NPD Group, e-bike sales are up nearly 60 percent year-over-year through June 2019, and there’s been no sign of stopping, with the COVID-19 pandemic making the battery-powered cycles even more enticing.
Recently, e-bike manufacturer Pedego recalled about 11,600 e-bikes because of a defect that can cause them to suddenly accelerate, increasing the risk of a fall and/or crash.
Pedego E-Bikes May Accelerate Unexpectedly
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on September 23, 2020. The problem is that an improperly manufactured electrical cable can cause the bike to accelerate unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard. At the time of the recall, the company had received five reports of this cable malfunctioning. No injuries had been reported.
The bikes were sold nationwide and online at www.pedego.com from January 2018 through August 2020 for between $3,000 and $4,700. Affected bicycles reportedly include the following:
- Interceptor (including the Platinum edition)
- City Commuter (including the Mid Drive edition and Black edition)
- Boomerang Plus
- Ridge Rider
- Trail Tracker (including the Gorilla edition)
- Stretch (including the Dual Drive edition)
Owners should be able to find the model name printed on the chain guard or chain stay of the bike. Pedego is printed on the bike frame.
The company advises consumers to stop using the bikes immediately and contact a local Pedego dealer to arrange for a free repair. Owners may also call the company toll-free at 888-871-7115 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET Sunday through Saturday, or check the company’s online recall site.
Trek Recalls E-bikes for Fall Hazard
Other e-bikes have been affected by recent recalls. On December 6, 2019, Trek recalled its super commuter and e-bikes due to a potential fall hazard. According to the CPSC, about 2,840 bikes were affected.
The problem was that the front fender could fall onto the front wheel and stop the bike suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash. At the time of the recall, the company had received two reports of the wrong bolt being installed to secure the front fender to the fork crown. One injury was also reported, resulting in a vertebrae fracture.
The recall affected all model years 2017, 2018, and 2019 Trek Super Commuter+ 8S e-bikes. Consumers should be able to find the word “Trek” printed on the bike’s downtube. The company advised owners to stop using the bikes and take them to a Trek retailer for a free inspection and repair. Consumers can also call Trek at 800-373-4594 from 8:oo a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or check the company’s online recall site.
Exclusively focused on representing plaintiffs, especially in mass tort litigation, Eric Chaffin prides himself on providing unsurpassed professional legal services in pursuit of the specific goals of his clients and their families. Both his work and his cases have been featured in the national press, including on ABC’s Good Morning America.
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