April 23, 2015 — After three people were seriously injured, Trek Bicycles has issued a recall for about 1 million bikes because the “quick-release” lever on the front wheel can interfere with the disc brakes and cause the wheel to stop turning or fall off the bike.
Trek has received three reports of incidents, all involving serious injuries — one resulting in quadriplegia (paralysis of both arms and legs), one involving facial injuries, and another involving a fractured wrist.
The problem affects Trek bicycles from model-years 2000 to 2015, but only bikes equipped with front disc brakes and a black or silver quick-release lever on the front wheel hub. Bikes with levers that do not open a full 180º are not being recalled.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) described the problem as follows:
“An open quick release lever on the bicycle’s front wheel hub can come into contact with the front disc brake assembly, causing the front wheel to come to a sudden stop or separate from the bicycle, posing a risk of injury to the rider.”
About 900,000 bikes are being recalled in the United States and another 98,000 in Canada. The bikes were sold nationwide from September 1999 through April 2015 for approximately $480 and $1,650.
Trek recommends that consumers immediately stop using the bike and contact an authorized dealer. You can bring your bike into the shop to install a free replacement “quick-release” lever. Trek will also provide a $20 coupon, good toward the purchase of any Bontrager merchandise until December 31.
Do I have a Trek Bicycle Injury Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Trek bicycle induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured when the quick release lever interfered with the front wheel disc brakes, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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