"Runt"™ brand mini-bicycles
CPSC Recall #02-012 — October 9, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-012 |
| Recall Date | October 9, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 95,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Bicycle |
| toy |
| discount department |
| convenience |
| and specialty stores nationwide |
| and mail order catalogs and websites sold these mini-bicycles from January 2001 through July 2001 for about $100. |
Product
"Runt"™ brand mini-bicycles
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wysco Inc., of Baldwin Park, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 95,000 "Runt"™ brand mini-bicycles. These bicycles do not have any brakes, which are required by the CPSC standard for bicycles of this type. The CPSC standard also requires these bicycles to have chain guards to prevent riders from getting fingers, toes and clothing caught in the gears.Wysco has not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these mini-bicycles. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.The "Runt"™ mini-bicycles are about 24 inches long and 26 inches high with 6-inch wheels. They have adjustable seats and handlebars with quick release levers. The bicycles are red, blue, black or chrome in color with black seats and handle grips. The word "RUNT" and the Runt logo of a dog's face are on the front of the steering column.Bicycle, toy, discount department, convenience, and specialty stores nationwide, and mail order catalogs and websites sold these mini-bicycles from January 2001 through July 2001 for about $100.Consumers should stop using these Runt bicycles immediately and get a free repair kit. To order a free repair kit and for more information, call Wysco toll-free at (866) 868-7868 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
Hazard
These bicycles do not have any brakes, which are required by the CPSC standard for bicycles of this type. The CPSC standard also requires these bicycles to have chain guards to prevent riders from getting fingers, toes and clothing caught in the gears.
Incidents & Injuries
Wysco has not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these mini-bicycles.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these Runt bicycles immediately and get a free repair kit. To order a free repair kit and for more information, call Wysco toll-free at (866) 868-7868 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair 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 (Repair) 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.