Trek Bike Recall Issued Following Reports of Severe Injury, Including Quadraplegia

Following several reports of serious injuries associated with certain Trek bicycles, including one rider who suffered a fracture and another who is now a quadriplegic, almost 1 million bikes equipped with front disc brakes are being removed from the market.

The Trek bike recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on April 21, after the company realized that the front wheel quick release lever may loosen and come into contact the front disc brake assembly, causing the front wheel to come to a sudden stop and potentially separate from the bike. This poses a serious risk of bike crashes and falls for the rider.

At least three reports of problems with the Trek bike wheel release are known to have resulted in accidents, including one rider who experienced facial injuries from falling, another who suffered a broken wrist upon impact with the ground, and another third rider who suffered catastrophic injuries resulting in paralyzation of all four limbs due to a spinal cord injury.

The recall includes all models of Trek bicycles from 2000 through 2015 that are equipped with front disc brakes and a black or silver quick release lever located on the front wheel hub. Owners may identify if their bicycles are included in the recall and verify riding safety by opening the quick release lever all the way. If the release lever opens to a full 180 degrees from the closed position and it is contacting the disc brakes, the bike is included in the recall.

An estimated 900,000 of the recalled bicycles were sold in the United States, with another 98,000 distributed for sale in Canada.

The recalled Trek bikes were manufactured in Twain and China, whereas the quick release was only manufactured in Taiwan. Both were imported by Trek Bicycles Corporation of Waterloo, Wisconsin where they were sold at bicycle stores nationwide from about September 1999 through April 2015 for between $480 and $1,560.

The CPSC recommends that customers with recalled Trek bicycles stop using them immediately and contact an authorized Trek retailer for a free installation of a new quick release on the front wheel. Customers will be given a $20 coupon that is redeemable by December 31, 2015 toward any Bontrager merchandise. Owners with further questions may contact Trek Bicycle Corporation at 800-373-4594 or visit them online at www.trekbikes.com.