"TH!NK bike traveler" electric bicycles

CPSC Recall #01-525 — September 17, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-525
Recall DateSeptember 17, 2001
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 200

Where It Was Sold

The bikes were distributed nationwide from July 2000 through May 2001 by retailers and through TH!NK Mobility's website.

Product

"TH!NK bike traveler" electric bicycles

Description

PRODUCT: Bicycle - TH!NK Mobility, LLC, of Carlsbad, Calif. is voluntarily recalling about 200 of its "TH!NK bike traveler" electric bicycles. The TH!NK traveler is an electric, power assisted bike with 20" wheels and a folding frame. The bikes were distributed nationwide from July 2000 through May 2001 by retailers and through TH!NK Mobility's website. The serial number is stamped into the inside of the left rear "dropout" of the frame (the dropout is the piece of frame that holds the left-side axle of the rear wheel). The TH!NK bike traveler comes in red (TT20001), blue (TT20002), silver (TT20003), and white (TT20004) and sold for about $995.00.PROBLEM: The top of the handlebar stem binder bolt may twist off while being tightened.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: There is no incidence of the bolt breaking during bike use. No injuries have been reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should be aware of this possible condition while tightening the stem binder bolt and contact TH!NK Mobility to receive a free repair kit. For more information, call TH!NK Mobility toll-free at (800) 252-4221 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CT 7 days a week, or visit their website at www.thinkmobility.comPurchasers were sent direct mail notification of this recall.

Hazard

The top of the handlebar stem binder bolt may twist off while being tightened.

Incidents & Injuries

There is no incidence of the bolt breaking during bike use. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should be aware of this possible condition while tightening the stem binder bolt and contact TH!NK Mobility to receive a free repair kit.

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.