Model ST-81 Exercise Cycles

CPSC Recall #91-064 — May 7, 1991

Recall Summary

Recall Number91-064
Recall DateMay 7, 1991
Remedy TypeNo Remedy Available
Units Affected68,383

Product

Model ST-81 Exercise Cycles

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers today of the danger of finger amputation associated with 68,383 units of the Merchant's Corporation of America (MCA) model ST-81 exercise cycles without chain guards. Sold nationwide between 1981 and 1987 for up to $150 each, the exercise cycles have been involved in at least six finger crushing injuries and amputations to small children caused by contact with wheels, gears and pedal sprockets. Consumers with MCA Model ST-81 exercise cycles, and especially those consumers with small children are urged either to have a chain guard installed that will prevent fingers from contacting moving parts or to discard the product. Also, parents are reminded to keep small children away from exercise bicycles while in use or while unattended. Merchant's Corporation of America has been out of business since the end of 1987, and therefore, is unable to assist with corrective action. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. It is issuing this warning as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. Some 15,000 types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 29 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.

Hazard

The bikes pose a risk of finger amputation due to no chain guard installed.

Incidents & Injuries

The exercise cycles have been involved in at least six finger crushing injuries and amputations to small children caused by contact with wheels, gears and pedal sprockets.

Remedy Instructions

Merchant's Corporation of America has been out of business since the end of 1987, and therefore, is unable to assist with corrective action.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a No Remedy Available 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 (No Remedy Available) 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.