CPSCGeneral Alert
CPSC, InSTEP LLC Announce Recall of Trailer Bikes
Published: April 25, 2002Recall ID: 02148Category: generalCountry: US
Reason for Recall / Hazard
The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of injury to either of the two riders.
Product Description & Identification
The recalled Hitchhiker III trailer bikes are attached to a lead bicycle by a universal joint system with two side bolts and a top-mounted quick-release bolt (as seen in the picture). The recalled NH300 model trailer bikes have the words "HITCHHIKER III" printed in red on the trailer arm and the "InSTEP" logo printed on the bottom tube and the safety flag.
Affected Products
Hitchhiker III Trailer Bikes
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2002/CPSC-InSTEP-LLC-Announce-Recall-of-Trailer-Bikes |
| Title | CPSC, InSTEP LLC Announce Recall of Trailer Bikes |
| Images › 1 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/trailer-bike.jpg |
| Images › 1 › Caption | Recalled Hitchhiker III Trailer Bike |
| Images › 2 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/trailer-bike-joint-system.jpg |
| Images › 2 › Caption | Recalled Hitchhiker III Trailer Bike Joint System |
| Hazards › Name | The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of injury to either of the two riders. |
| Injuries › Name | CPSC and InSTEP have received 10 reports of universal joint systems failing, including three reports of consumers who suffered contusions and abrasions. |
| Products › Name | Hitchhiker III Trailer Bikes |
| Products › Type | Bicycles & Accessories |
| Products › Category I D | 1850 |
| Products › Number Of Units | About 4,300 |
| Recall I D | 2133 |
| Remedies › Name | Consumers should stop using these trailer bikes immediately and contact InSTEP for a free repair kit with instructions. |
| Importers › Name | InSTEP LLC, of Mendota Heights, Minn. |
| Retailers › Name | Retail stores nationwide, including Toys "R" Us, The Sports Authority and One Step Ahead, sold the bikes, from February 2001 through May 2001, for between $80 and $110. |
| Recall Date | 2002-04-25T00:00:00 |
| Description | The recalled Hitchhiker III trailer bikes are attached to a lead bicycle by a universal joint system with two side bolts and a top-mounted quick-release bolt (as seen in the picture). The recalled NH300 model trailer bikes have the words "HITCHHIKER III" printed in red on the trailer arm and the "InSTEP" logo printed on the bottom tube and the safety flag. |
| Recall Number | 02148 |
| Consumer Contact | Consumers may contact InSTEP at (800) 242-6110 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or by e-mail at info@instep.net. For more information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.instep.net |
| Last Publish Date | 2025-09-10T00:00:00 |