As a parent, the last thing you want to worry about is your child’s bike being unsafe. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many families following the official woom recall. This major balance bike recall has made headlines after the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) flagged a serious safety concern with woom ORIGINAL Bicycles. While it’s good to see action being taken, many kids are still at risk. If your child has been affected by the woom bike recall, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need to know and the steps to take next.

Is Your Child’s woom Bike Part of the Recall?

The recall involves all sizes of woom ORIGINAL model bikes from 2018-2021, designed for children between 18 months and 14 years. These bicycles, which include both balance and pedal bikes, have been found to have a significant defect: the stem and handlebar can detach, causing riders to lose control and posing a substantial fall hazard. This applies to approximately 84,000 units in the U.S., with an additional 533 in Canada.

The bikes in question were sold in various colors and are identifiable by the “woom” branding on the downtube and headtube, as well as the size markings on the front fork. Consumers should immediately cease using these bicycles and contact woom Bikes USA for a free repair kit.

Details of the Handlebar Stem Recall

The primary issue revolves around the handlebar stem, a critical component that connects the handlebars to the bike’s frame. According to the CPSC, the stem on certain woom ORIGINAL bikes can loosen and even detach completely. When this happens, a child can lose all steering control, creating a serious risk of a fall. An unexpected crash can lead to significant harm, which is why understanding the specifics of this recall is so important for every parent with a woom bike at home. This isn’t just a minor defect; it’s a structural failure that can happen without warning, turning a fun ride into a dangerous situation in an instant.

How to Identify an Affected Bike

This recall covers all sizes of woom ORIGINAL bikes sold between 2018 and 2021, which were designed for kids from 18 months to 14 years old. The defect is severe, as the official notice states, “the stem and handlebar can detach, causing riders to lose control and posing a substantial fall hazard.” If your child’s bike is from this period, it’s crucial to check it immediately. A component failure like this can easily lead to a serious bicycle accident, and taking a few minutes to verify your bike’s model and year can prevent a painful injury and a trip to the emergency room.

Recall Statistics and Sales Information

The scale of this recall is quite large, affecting about “84,000 units in the U.S., with an additional 533 in Canada.” These popular bikes were sold directly through woom’s website, on Amazon, and at various local bicycle shops across the country between September 2018 and March 2022. Given the wide distribution and the sheer number of bikes involved, it’s likely that many families may still be unaware that their child’s bike poses a risk. If you’re unsure about the model or purchase date, it’s a good idea to check your email for receipts or credit card statements to confirm.

Steps to Secure Your Child’s Bike

If you’ve confirmed your child’s bike is part of the recall, the next steps are straightforward and aimed at getting the bike safely back in use. woom has established a clear process for parents to follow to resolve the issue without any cost. Your child’s safety is the top priority, so it’s best to address this as soon as possible. It’s essential that you don’t let your child ride the bike again until you’ve completed the necessary repairs and safety checks. Taking the bike out of commission temporarily is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Ordering and Using the Free Repair Kit

First and foremost, the CPSC advises that “Consumers should immediately cease using these bicycles and contact woom Bikes USA for a free repair kit.” This kit includes a new, more robust stem clamp bolt and a torque wrench to ensure it’s installed correctly and tightened to the proper specification. You can order this kit directly from woom’s website. The company also provides detailed instructions and a video tutorial to walk you through the replacement process, which is designed to be simple enough for anyone to do at home without needing a professional mechanic.

Long-Term Safety and Maintenance

Once you’ve installed the new part, your safety checks shouldn’t stop there. In its recall notice, woom advises, “After fixing the stem, keep the torque wrench. You should check the stem bolt once a year to make sure it’s still tight.” This is a fantastic piece of advice for any bike owner. Regular maintenance is key to preventing accidents and ensuring equipment longevity. Making a yearly habit of checking critical components like the stem bolt, brakes, and tire pressure can go a long way in keeping every ride a safe and enjoyable one for your child.

woom’s Contact Information for Safety Issues

If you have any questions or need help ordering your repair kit, you can reach out to the company directly for assistance. The CPSC notice states you can “Contact woom Bikes USA to get a free repair kit… Call: woom Bikes USA toll-free at 855-966-6872.” Having this direct line of communication makes it easier for parents to get the support they need to fix the problem. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re unsure about any step of the process; it’s always better to ask than to guess when it comes to safety.

Other Important woom Recalls

While the handlebar stem recall is the most recent and widespread, it’s not the only safety issue woom has addressed over the years. The company has issued other recalls for different components, highlighting the need for parents to stay informed about the products their children use. Checking for recalls should be a regular part of your family’s safety routine, especially for items that carry inherent risks, like bikes, helmets, and car seats. Staying aware helps you catch potential problems before they can cause harm.

Crank Recall on Specific Models

Previously, “woom bikes USA is recalling certain kids’ bikes because a part called the crank can break.” This particular recall affected the woom OFF, OFF AIR, and ORIGINAL 6 models. The crank arm is the part your child’s pedal is attached to, and if it breaks during a ride, it can cause a sudden loss of balance and a serious crash. This type of sudden equipment failure can result in catastrophic injuries, depending on the speed and circumstances of the fall, making it another critical issue for parents to be aware of.

2022 Small Helmet Recall

In 2022, woom also recalled its small-sized helmets because they failed to meet federal safety standards for impact resistance. While the medium and large helmets were unaffected, this recall is a stark reminder of how crucial proper safety gear is. A defective helmet offers a false sense of security and can fail to protect a child during a fall, potentially leading to severe brain injuries. Always ensure your child’s helmet is not only certified by the CPSC but also free from any recalls before they ride.

What to Do If You No Longer Own the Bike

What if you’ve already sold the bike or passed it down to a friend or family member? You still have an important role to play in keeping another child safe from harm. woom’s official notice specifically asks that “If you sold or gave your woom bike to someone, please tell them about this recall.” A quick text, email, or phone call can make all the difference. Spreading the word ensures the new owner is aware of the potential danger and can take the necessary steps to repair the bike, preventing a potential accident.

Your Legal Rights in California After the Recall

Under California State Law, product manufacturers must ensure their products are safe for consumer use. In the event of a defect, manufacturers must take immediate action, such as issuing a recall. If your child suffers an injury due to this defect, you may have grounds for a product liability claim.

Injuries from bike accidents can range from minor to severe, and the law entitles victims to seek compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and other expenses. Documenting the incident thoroughly and seeking immediate medical attention for your child is crucial.

Steps to Take After a woom Bike Accident

If your child was injured due to the recalled woom bike, here are steps you should consider:

Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your child’s health and document all injuries and medical treatments.
Report the Incident: Notify woom Bikes USA and report the injury.
Preserve Evidence: Keep the bike as is without attempting any repairs or alterations.
Document Everything: Gather evidence such as medical records, photos of the injury, and the bike itself.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and options.

How Our Team Can Support Your Family

Deldar Legal has substantial experience handling personal injury claims. More specifically, claims involving children and product recalls like the woom bike recall. We can navigate the complexities of personal injury law and help secure the compensation your family deserves.

Take the Next Step for Your Family

If your child has been injured due to the woom ORIGINAL Bicycle recall, you may feel the need to seek legal help. It’s essential to act promptly to protect your child’s rights and well-being. Contact Deldar Legal at (844) 335-3271 for guidance and support throughout this challenging time. Our team is ready to stand by your side and ensure your family receives the justice and compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be absolutely sure my child’s woom bike is part of this recall? The recall specifically targets woom ORIGINAL models sold between 2018 and 2021. The simplest way to confirm is to check your purchase records for the date. If you can’t find them or are still unsure, the safest course of action is to stop using the bike and contact woom directly with your bike’s details. It’s always better to take a few minutes to verify than to risk your child’s safety.

I bought our woom bike secondhand. Can I still get the free repair kit? Yes, you absolutely can. The recall is tied to the product itself, not to the original purchaser. You are entitled to the same free repair kit as anyone who bought the bike new. You can visit the woom website or call their customer service line to request the kit and ensure the bike is safe for your child to ride.

My child had a minor fall on their bike a while ago, but I didn’t think much of it. Could it be related to this recall? It’s certainly possible. The handlebar defect can cause a sudden loss of steering, which could easily be mistaken for a simple trip or a moment of clumsiness. If your child had an accident that seemed to happen for no clear reason, it’s worth considering whether this known issue was the cause. Keeping a record of any past incidents is a good idea, especially if you think an injury may have resulted from the defect.

Is the free repair kit from woom enough to make the bike completely safe again? The repair kit is designed to fix the specific problem with the handlebar stem that led to the recall. When you install the new parts correctly, following the company’s instructions, it should resolve that particular hazard. This is also a great opportunity to get into the habit of performing regular safety checks on the entire bike, including the brakes, tires, and chain, to keep every ride safe.

Why would I need a lawyer if my child was injured? Won’t the company just cover the medical bills? A company’s initial offer may only cover immediate medical expenses, but the true cost of an injury can be much higher. It often doesn’t account for things like future physical therapy, long-term effects, or the pain and emotional distress your child and family have gone through. A personal injury attorney works to ensure you are fairly compensated for the full impact of the incident, not just the initial bills.

Key Takeaways

Check Your Child’s Bike Immediately: The recall affects woom ORIGINAL bikes from 2018-2021 because the handlebars can detach. Confirm your bike’s model and year, and stop all use until you’ve made the necessary fix.
Secure the Free Repair and Perform Regular Checks: woom offers a free repair kit to solve the stem issue. After installing it, make it a habit to check key components like the stem bolt annually to prevent future accidents.
Know What to Do After an Injury: If your child was hurt by a recalled bike, document their injuries, keep the bike as evidence, and consult with a personal injury lawyer to understand your family’s legal options.

woom Recall: Is Your Child’s Bike Safe to Ride?