12" sidewalk bicycles

CPSC Recall #86-079 - December 18, 1986

Recall Summary

Recall Number86-079
Recall DateDecember 18, 1986
Remedy TypeReplace

Where It Was Sold

Both of the affected models were sold nationwide by Kmart retail stores.

Product

12" sidewalk bicycles

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, the Roadmaster Corporation of Olney, Illinois today announces a voluntary replacement program involving several thousand plastic "mag" wheels on boys and girls models 9693-KM & 7973-KM 12" sidewalk bicycles. The hazard involves a wheel breakage problem which may occur when the tire is inflated significantly beyond the recommended inflation pressure. Roadmaster and the Commission have been informed of two incidents where minor injuries occurred when plastic "mag" wheels broke during tire inflation. Since many air pumps are not metered, bicycle tires are frequently over inflated. Over inflation of the tires may cause these plastic wheels to fragment and pieces to be propelled striking the user and bystanders. This announcement is being issued in conjunction with Roadmaster's replacement program undertaken during the past six months. Roadmaster is replacing, free of charge, all affected sidewalk bicycle wheels. Only models 9693-KM & 7973-KM sidewalk bicycles are involved in this free replacement. Both of the affected models were sold nationwide by Kmart retail stores. Roadmaster's engineering analysis indicates that the problem wheels may break when over inflated. Roadmaster stopped shipment of the subject models immediately upon learning of the potential failure. Customers having one of these sidewalk bicycles should contact the Roadmaster Parts and Service Department at 800-626-2811. Replacement steel-spoked wheels will be provided in exchange for the returned plastic "mag" wheels.

Hazard

The hazard involves a wheel breakage problem which may occur when the tire is inflated significantly beyond the recommended inflation pressure.  

Incidents & Injuries

Roadmaster and the Commission have been informed of two incidents where minor injuries occurred when plastic "mag" wheels broke during tire inflation.

Remedy Instructions

Roadmaster is replacing, free of charge, all affected sidewalk bicycle wheels. Only models 9693-KM & 7973-KM sidewalk bicycles are involved in this free replacement.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.