Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Helmet Recalls

Summary: Bicycle helmet recall and media warning actions from 1995 to the present.

This page lists primarily helmet recalls announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are normally "voluntary" on the part of the manufacturer, who may have also recalled product still in distribution channels.

If the manufacturer refuses to participate in a recall, CPSC can issue a media warning. We include those as well.

CPSC may decide not to force a recall of a helmet that fails the standard by only a small margin. A manufacturer whose helmet tests at 330g instead of the maximum permissible 300g may be instructed to improve the product and permitted to keep selling it, a policy that we find disappointing to say the least. You may actually be riding in a helmet that flunked the standard, and you have no way of knowing it.

You can report a product problem on the CPSC SaferProducts.gov site and check a public database to see if a problem with your helmet has been reported by others. You can see all the recalls that we have below, plus recalls of non-bicycle helmets that we do not list. There are so many recalls now that we do not send a newsletter for each one.

Outside the US, we recommend checking the European Safety Gate site and the OECD Global Recall Portal site. There is also an Australian recall site.


Most Recent First

Reyhee Droyd helmet

Recall Date: October 10, 2024

Helmet: Reyhee Droyd model, a classic skate-style helmet with small round vents and small vents in the crown.

Hazard: "The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability, retention system, impact, labeling and certification requirements of the mandatory federal safety regulations for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Refund, requiring very specific photo submission.

Units: About 400

Sold: Online at Droyd.com from October 2023 through July 2024 for about $40.

Manufacturer: Yongkang Xinhao Industry and Trade Co. Ltd., of China

Importer: Reyhee Group Inc., dba RGI Global, of Ontario, California. Reyhee also recalled a youth all-terrain vehicle at the same time.

Consumer Contact: Reyhee Group at 800-333-3729 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at support@droyd.com, or online at www.droyd.com/pages/safety-recall.

BHSI Comment: Failed almost every part of the CPSC standard--strap, impact, labeling--indicating that the helmet may have been designed for some other market with lower standards.

CPSC recall page

Camzimo Bicycle Helmet

Warning Date: July 25, 2024

Helmet: Camzimo Bicycle Helmet. The helmets were sold in black, black with red stripes and black with blue stripes. There are no model numbers or brand-specific labels inside the helmet.

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the impact attenuation, dynamic strength of retention system, positional stability, or certification and labeling requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. "

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: None. Destroy helmet.

Units: Unknown

Sold on Amazon from September 2021 through May 2024 for between $25 and $40.

Seller: Shanxixijuanguojimaoyiyouxiangongsi, of China, doing business as Amzomn.

Consumer Contact: None

Comment: Failed just about every CPSC test.

CPSC warning page

Korimefa Multi-Purpose Bike Helmets

Recall Date: May 9, 2024

Helmet: Korimefa Multi-Purpose Bike Helmets

Hazard: "The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability requirements of the CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Refund

Units: About 60

Sold online at Amazon.com from April 2022 through November 2022 for about $24. .

Importer: Shanghai Yangxi Dian Zi Shang Wu You Xian Gong Si, DBA Yangxi, of China

Consumer Contact: Yangxi via email at marketing.us@hotmail.com, online at the Yangxi Storefront page on Amazon.com, or Amazon.com Seller Profile: Yangxi for more information.

CPSC explanation: This recall involves Koriemfa multi-purpose bike helmets for teens and adults in size Medium (M), fitting a head circumference of about 21-1/2 to 22-1/2 inches. The helmets are sold in the color blue, with black padding, black straps, and a black and red buckle. The helmets have a black plastic knob at the back of the helmet for adjusting the fitting. The model "W-001", the serial number "LDW202103", and Manufacture Date “03/2021” are printed on a white label on the inside of the helmet. “KORIMEFA” is printed on the front of the helmet.

BHSI Comment: It is rare for a skate style helmet to fail the positional stability test.

CPSC recall page

Chau River Sports Outdoors

Recall date: April 24, 2024

Helmet: Chau River Sports Outdoors Childrens Multi-Purpose Helmets model KY-E008

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the positional stability, dynamic strength of retention system, impact attenuation, and certification requirements in violation of the CPSC federal safety regulation for bicycle helmets. "

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Refund.

Units: About 200.

Sold: only on Temu.com

Manufacturer: Unknown.

Consumer Contact: Chau River Sports Outdoors via email at lexi_kuyou@163.com or send an onsite message by clicking on the “message” icon on Temu at Chau River Sports Outdoors store page for more information.

Comment: These helmets failed almost every test included in the CPSC standard. We did not send out a Helmet Update on this one since only 200 helmets were sold. Note the similarity to the helmets in the Gasaciods recall below.

Here is the CPSC recall notice.

Gasaciods - Fengwang Sports

Recall date: April 18, 2024

Helmet: Gasaciods Childrens Multi-Purpose Helmets

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the positional stability, dynamic strength of retention system, impact attenuation, and certification requirements in violation of the CPSC federal safety regulation for bicycle helmets. "

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Refund.

Units: About 18.

Sold: only on Temu.com

Manufacturer: Fengwang Sports

Consumer Contact: Fengwang Sports via email at george66305@163.com, or send onsite message by clicking on the “message” icon on Temu at the seller profile.

Comment: These helmets failed almost every test included in the CPSC standard. The number sold is the smallest in any CPSC recall of any product that we have seen over the years. We did not send out a Helmet Update on this one.

Here is the CPSC recall notice.

Bell Sports

Recall date: February 15, 2024

Helmet: Bell Soquel Youth Helmet made prior to September 2021. The helmets have a date code on the white inner label with August 2021 ("8/21") or earlier.

Hazard: "The strap anchor can become dislodged from the helmet when sufficient force is applied, and therefore violates the CPSC federal safety regulation for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Contact Bell for a refund.

Units: About 2,425 (In addition, about 2,400 were sold in Canada)

Sold by Fred Meyer, Walmart and other stores, and online at www.Amazon.com from January 2017 through January 2024 for between $25 and $50.

Manufacturer: Bell

Consumer Contact:

Comment: Strap anchors fail in testing. This is the second Bell recall in two months, indicating that perhaps the new owners (Fox Factory) are finding some weak points in the Bell line.

More info on the CPSC recall notice, particularly the Canadian section at the bottom, or onBell's website.

Retrospec recalls 72,000 Scout kids helmets

Recall date: January 11, 2024

Helmet: Retrospec Scout kids helmet in XS and S

Hazard: "The recalled helmets do not comply with the coverage, positional stability, and labeling requirements of the CPSC federal safety regulation for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Contact Retrospec for a refund and destroy helmet.

Units: 72,000

Sold online and at retail stores.

Manufacturer: Unknown (China)

Consumer Contact:

Comment: Very large number of helmets considering that Retrospec is not a well-known brand.

CPSC recall page.

Bell/Vista Outdoor Slope adult skate-style helmets

Recall date: January 4, 2024

Helmet: Bell Slope skate-style helmet

Hazard: "The strap anchor can become dislodged from the helmet when sufficient force is applied, and therefore violates the CPSC federal safety regulation for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: Contact Bell for a refund and destroy helmet.

Units: Unknown

Sold online and at retail stores.

Manufacturer: Bell/Vista Outdoor

Consumer Contact: consumersupport-bell@bellhelmets.com

Comment: Strap anchors fail in testing.

Bell's website is more informative than the minimal CPSC recall notice.

Hovding airbag headgear

Recall date: December 15, 2023

Headgear: Hovding third generation

Hazard: "Found by the Swedish Consumer Protection Agency to be unsafe." (Company appealed, but folded)

Incidents/Injuries: Unknown.

Remedy: None. The company declared bankruptcy and has closed. No customer service available.

Units: Unknown

Manufacturer: Hovding of Sweden

Consumer Contact:

Comment: More in our Helmet Update of January 5, 2024

Xingdetui Outdoor Kopobob Kids Multi-Purpose Helmets

Warning Date: September 14, 2023

Helmet: Kopobob Kids Multi-Purpose. "The Kopobob kids multi-purpose helmets were sold online at www.amazon.com and other e-commerce sites for between $20 and $22. The helmets were sold in size Small, fitting a head circumference of about 18.9 to 21.25 inches. The helmets are red with black accents, with a black strap, a red and black buckle, and an adjustable spin dial on the back. The helmets have the word “Kopobob” on the sides in black lettering. A white warning label with “Model: WST-169” and “Made in China” is inside the helmet."

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the impact attenuation and certification requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, which applies to multi-purpose helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Remedy: None. Destroy helmet.

Units: Unknown

Sold at Amazon and other online sites.

Importer: Xingdetui Outdoor

Consumer Contact: None

Comment: Failed the impact testing, a serious defect.

CPSC warning page

Tengingyue

Warning Date: September 7, 2023

Helmet: Tengingyue Vera Natura Bicycle Helmet

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the positional stability, dynamic strength of retention system, or labeling and certification requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. "

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: The seller, Tengingyue, of China, has not agreed to recall these helmets or offer a remedy to consumers. "

Units:

Sold exclusively on www.walmart.com from August 2022 through February 2023 for about $11.

Importer: None

Consumer Contact: None

Comment: Another cheap Walmart.com helmet that did not meet the CPSC standard.

CPSC Warning page

Cyclingsell Zacro

Warning Date: September 7, 2023

Helmet: Cyclingsell Zacro adult bicycle helmet

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the positional stability, labeling and certification requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: None. "The seller, Cyclingsell.com, of China, has not agreed to recall these helmets or offer a remedy to consumers. CPSC urges consumers to stop using, cut the straps, and dispose of these helmets immediately."

Units:

Sold online at www.cyclingsell.com from April 2022 through July 2023 for about $50.

Importer: none

Consumer Contact: None

Comment: This is a CPSC Warning to consumers, since the seller refused to conduct a recall.

CPSC warning page

SQM bicycle helmet

Warning Date: Recall refused, CPSC issued media warning on July 20, 2023

Helmet: SQM bicycle helmet

Hazard: "CPSC tested these SQM bicycle helmets and determined the helmets failed to meet the federal safety standard."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: none.

Units:

Sold online at Amazon.com from March 2022 through January 2023 for between $17 and $26.

Importer: SQM

Consumer Contact: None.

CPSC warning page

Xinerter Teal Adult Bicycle Helmets

Warning Date: Recall refused, CPSC issued media warning on July 20, 2023

Helmet: Xinerter Teal Adult Bicycle Helmet

Hazard: "The helmets do not comply with the positional stability and certification requirements of the mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets."

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: None.

Units:

Sold online exclusively at Amazon.com from January 2020 through February 2023 for between $17 and $35.

Importer: US-Xiner, of China

Consumer Contact: None.

CPSC warning page

Sound Around/Renegade/Hurtle Multi-Purpose Childrens' Helmet

Recall Date: June 22, 2023

Helmet: Hurtle multi-purpose children’s helmet sold in black, blue, pink, white and red. “Renegade” is on the side and the label inside. It is a classic skate-style helmet with small vents.
Hazard: "The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability requirements of the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets." This normally means that strap anchors or the buckle failed the test.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Refund. "To receive a refund consumers should destroy the helmet by cutting off the straps, upload photos of the helmet with the straps cut to the recall registration website and then dispose of the recalled helmet." Apparently anybody without the ability to do that gets no refund.

Units: 1,800

Sold at amazon.com, nordstrom.com, pyleusa.com and ruelala.com from September 2020 through March 2023 for about $17 and on https://pyleusa.com/ as part of a free product registration promotion for other PyleUSA sport products. It is revealing that so many retailers sold and gave away only 1,800 of the helmets over almost 3 years. We did not send out an Update.

Importer: Sound Around Inc., of Brooklyn, New York

Consumer Contact: "Sound Around toll-free at (877) 238-1863 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at cs@hurtleusa.com or online at https://pyleaudio.com/ProductRecalls.aspx or at https://pyleusa.com/ and click on 'Product Recall' at the top of the page for more information."

CPSC recall page

Ventura adult helmets

Recall Date: May 18, 2023

Hazard: "The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability requirements of the CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets." This normally means that strap anchors or the buckle failed the test.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Refund. But to receive one you have to "destroy the helmet by cutting off the straps, complete the form at www.bikeaidonline.com/recall-ventura-sport-helmet, email photos of the helmet with the straps cut off to bikeaid@cyclefg.com to prove destruction, and then dispose of the recalled helmet."

Units: 1750

Sold at Walmart, Home Depot, JCPenney, Kohls, Play It Again Sports and independent sports and bicycle stores nationwide and online at InGearOutfitters.com for five years from October 2017 through January 2023 for about $40. It is revealing that so many retailers sold only 1,750 of the helmets over 5 years. We did not send out an Update, and CPSC did not send an email notification either.

Importer: Messingschlager USA LLC, dba Cycle Force, of Ames, Iowa

Consumer Contact: "Cycle Force toll-free at 877-245-3243 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email at bikeaid@cyclefg.com or online at www.bikeaidonline.com/recall-ventura-sport-helmet or www.bikeaidonline.com and click on “RECALLS” at the top of the page for more information." Get those links right, since we did not find a link for recalls on the Cycle Force or Bike Aid home pages on May 22, 2023.

CPSC recall page

Lelinta Multi-Purpose Kids Helmets sold on Walmart.com

Date: April 20, 2023

Hazard:The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability requirements of the CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. The helmets can fail to protect a child in the event of a crash, posing a risk of head injury.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Remedy: Refund

Recall Date: April 20, 2023

Units: 30

Sold online at Walmart.com from July 2022 through February 2023 for about $31.

Importer: Lucky Global Inc., of Boulder, Colorado Consumer Contact: Lucky Global by email at luckglinc@hotmail.com or by telephone at 929-250-8198 (collect). Recall Details:


Description:

This recall involves a total of just 30 Lucky Global Lelinta skate-style helmets sold at Walmart.com over a period of 7 months. They were sold in pink and blue with elbow, knee and wrist guards in a mesh bag. They were labeled as medium, fitting head circumferences from 19.3 inches (49cm ) to 21.7 inches (55 cm). Model V-1906-S is printed on a label inside the helmet. It is rare for a skate-style helmet with additional rear coverage to fail the positional stability test unless strap rivets pull out under load.

Since the number is so small and Walmart should be able to contact the buyers, we did not issue an Update for this recall. Note that Walmart is not listed as a source of information and buyers are not instructed to return the helmet to a Walmart store, so the company is apparently not standing behind the products sold on its website.

Once again we did not receive a normal email notice of this recall.

CPSC Recall number: 23-747

TureClos

Date: March 10, 2023

Recall number: TureClos refused to recall, so CPSC issued a media warning.

Model: No model markings

CPSC warns TureClos helmet sold at Walmart fails to meet standard

CPSC has taken the unusual step of warning the public that a helmet does not meet its standard after the manufacturer refused to recall the helmets. We have a full description in our Helmet Update for March 10.


Consumers should destroy the helmets. The helmets were made in China by Dongguanshisuyubgsgabgnaiyiuxiangongsi.

The alert is on the CPSC site.

Ouwoer Kids

Date: March, 2023

Model: W-001

CPSC has announced that Ouwoer Kids Multi Purpose Bike Helmets with production date 202201 have been recalled. They were sold exclusively through Amazon, and only about 120 units were sold. The helmets are classic skate-style. CPSC says they were recalled because: "The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability and impact attenuation requirements of the CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets."

Consumers should call Ouwoer Direct collect at 213-583-9060 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or contact them by email at Ouwoer@hotmail.com or online at the Ouwoer Direct page on Amazon.com. The helmets were made in China by Ianova

The alert is on the CPSC recalls page. We did not issue a Helmet Update for this one since the number of units recalled was very small.

Giro

Date: February, 2023 and June 2023

Model: Merit

Giro/Bell Sports/Vista Outdoor recalled its Merit model in February of 2023. The recall was not announced by CPSC at the time, but was posted on the Giro website. We sent out a Helmet Update. The defect was straps that pull loose from the helmet. The 17,000 affected helmets were manufactured prior to January 2023. CPSC did not announce the recall until June 8, 2023, when it appeared on their recall page.

Punisher

Date: October, 2022

Model: Punisher adult helmets

CPSC has announced that Bike USA's Punisher adult helmets have been recalled. "The recalled helmets do not comply with the positional stability and impact attenuation requirements of the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets." That means that the helmets flunked the basic impact tests and the straps could not be adjusted well enough to keep the helmets on a test headform. The Punisher brand was aptly chosen!

Only about 3,400 of the helmets were sold online at Amazon, Fingerhut, Kmart, Sears, Overstock , Kohls, Walmart and premium incentive companies from July 2020 through December 2021 for between $26 and $30. The helmets are road helmet style and have an elongated shape. They were sold in multiple colors; white, black, red, blue, pink/black, green and orange. They were made in China. A white label on the inside of the helmet contains the Ref/Lot# 2020TC015 or 2020TC025. There is no indication on the Bike USA website that there might have been other lots not recalled, but all helmets for sale on the Bike USA site today are skate-style models.

Consumers should contact Bike USA Inc. at 800-225-2453 or customerservice@bikeusainc.com. The company requires a photo of the label inside the helmet and proof of purchase for a refund.

The helmets may have been originally designed for the European market, where they might pass the impact tests. The retention system failure is significant, since the CPSC test for retention is very easy to pass.

Dimensions

Date: March 24, 2022

Model: Dimensions Bluetooth Speaker Helmet

CPSC has announced a recall of 89,000 Dimensions Bluetooth Speaker helmets produced for Sakar International in China by an unspecified supplier or suppliers and sold exclusively at Walmart. The helmet is a black skate-style model with small rectangular vents. The white label on the inside of the helmet contains the Item # ACTGEAR-238BTS in the bottom left corner. The recall notice says only that they do not meet the CPSC standard, usually signifying that they failed impact tests and the liner may be too thin or too dense. Sakar International has a place marker for a website that says "Sakar.com is Coming Soon!". The recall notice says to contact Sakar for instructions on receiving a free replacement helmet. Walmart will contact all known purchasers.

Details are here on the CPSC site.

Ninebot/Segway

Date: March 24, 2022

Model: XS Child Ninebot

CPSC has announced a recall of Ninebot XS children's bicycle helmets from Segway. They are skate-style helmets with long rectangular slit vents, and an orange and white exterior. They are size extra-small (XS) fitting heads 19.5 inches to 21.5 inches (49 to 55cm). Model NB-410 is printed on a label on the inside of the helmet. The batch code and date are on a separate label inside the helmet. Only helmets with batch code SN4500056024 and dated August 2020 are included in the recall. The recall notice says they failed the retention system test, usually either a buckle failure or strap anchor failure. Only about 960 of the helmets were sold. They were manufactured for Segway by GuangZhou NOW Sports Gear Co. Ltd., of China. The Segway site has nothing yet on the recall and has at least some sizes of the helmet for sale at $49. Segway is asking consumers to return the helmets for a full refund.

Details are on the CPSC site. When CPSC changes that link you can use the search function on the CPSC site.

ABUS

Date: November 10, 2021

Model: MountZ youth (ACM MountZ)

CPSC has announced that ABUS has recalled some of their ABUS MountZ youth helmets. The recall is for the size fitting heads about 21 inches (54 cm) in circumference, sold in black and in white. The model ACM (MountZ) with the manufactured date of March 2020 or October 2020 is printed on a label on the inside of the helmet. ABUS says the reason for the recall is that sample helmets did not comply with the impact attenuation tests required under the CPSC standard for cold and wet conditions in the frontal/crown area. The helmets were sold at independent bike shops nationwide from April 2020 through October 2021 for about $80. 790 units were sold.

ABUS had an informative page up on the recall and was asking customers to return the helmet to their recall service, Sedgwick.com. That page disappeared in 2023. The helmets were manufactured for ABUS by Ningbo Tianqi Technology Co., Ltd., of China. Other MountZ batches have apparently not been recalled. ABUS had for a time a recall link at the top of their US web page, something we would like to see other manufacturers do.

The recall is posted on the CPSC site. When CPSC changes that link you can use the search function on the CPSC site.

SKE Outdoors

Date: September 1, 2021

Model: TurboSke toddler helmets

CPSC has announced that SKE Outdoors TurboSke toddler helmets sold on Amazon have been recalled. The recall is for the small toddler size fitting heads from 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm) in circumference. According to SKE only six colors are included. The CPSC recall notice says that "The bicycle helmets do not comply with the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, posing a risk of head injury." The helmets were sold on Amazon between August 2020 and July 2021, with about 860 units sold. SKE Outdoors will replace or refund.

SKE Outdoors has offices in Katy, TX and Hong Kong. Unlike most importers they have posted full recall information on their home page, although it is down at the bottom.

The helmets were manufactured by Dongguan Flying Sports Goods Co. Ltd., of China.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Here are the recall details from the CPSC site. When CPSC changes that link, use this search.

Bee Free

Date: February 24, 2021

Model: Bee Free size small

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Bee Free size small child helmet.

The size small Bee Free helmets were advertised for children from 2 years on up, but failed to meet the requirements for helmets for children under age 5. That standard differs from the over-5 standard by requiring impact performance with a lower rear test line than helmets for older riders. The announcement did not say what the failure mechanism was.

Bee Free is a line of helmets and kick scooters from SmartPool - SPQ Brands. Both helmets and scooters are bright yellow. The helmets are classic skate-style models with small round vents. They have a page up on the recall that says "The size small yellow Bee Free helmet, item number RPBFHYS, was incorrectly advertised as being for ages 2 - 8 but is certified only for ages 5+. This is not a defect in the helmet but an unintentional misstatement of the appropriate age range. The recall only affects size small helmets purchased on or before January 15, 2021. If the helmet is being used for a child of at least 5 years of age, then this notification does not apply."

Only the size small helmets are being recalled, marked inside with an S label and as Model RPBFHYS. About 480 of the helmets were sold by Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart from May 2020 through January 2021 for about $16. The larger Medium size is still on the Home Depot site today for $20.40.

Manufacturer: Shenzhen Haochen Industrial Co. Ltd., of China.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold at Amazon.com, Lowes.com, Homedepot.com and Walmart.com from May 2020 through January 2021 for about $16.

Here are the recall details from the CPSC site.

Morpher

Date: August 27, 2020

Model: Morpher folding helmet

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Morpher folding helmet, but said that the company is no longer in business and therefore cannot participate in the recall. Consumer Reports test lab had failed the helmet more than a year earlier when Morpher was still in business and could have funded a recall. We have a full writeup with photos on our Helmets for 2024 page, including information that a Morpher helmet is again for sale on the UK Amazon site.

Here are the recall details from the CPSC site:

This recall involves Morpher flat-folding bicycle helmets. They were sold in one size, fitting head circumference from 52 cm to 58 cm (20.5 to 22.8 inches). The helmets were sold with a storage bag and in the following solid or dotted colors: Gloss or matte black, gray, red, silver, white and yellow. The Morpher name and logo appear on both sides of the helmet. The Morpher logo appears on the back of the helmet.

Remedy: Morpher is no longer in business and is unable to conduct the recall. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and dispose of them to prevent further usage. Amazon and Morpher are contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold At: Online at Amazon.com, CyclingSafetyGear.com and MorpherHelmet.com from April 2017 through November 2019 for about $150.

Manufacturer: Strategic Sports Limited, of Hong Kong

BHSI had purchased a Morpher, and we received our recall letter in October 2020. It said to stop using the helmet, but was silent on the question of returns or refunds.



Imagine our surprise in 2024 when we discovered that the Morpher is still being sold and is available to customers outside of the US, Canada or Australia on the UK Amazon site. No hint of the failure to conduct a recall in the US or the company's supposed dissolution. The only indication of standards problems is the refusal to ship one to the US, Canada or Australia. The current web page for Morpher is copyrighted by Vigil Helmets Ltd, majority-owned by Jeffrey Wolff OBE, the developer of the Morpher.

Woom

Date: August 21, 2020

Model: Woom children's helmet

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Woom child helmet.

Here are the recall details from the CPSC site:

This recall involves woom bikes USA children's helmets. The recalled helmets were sold in blue, green, purple, red and yellow and in size S (for small size). Woom is printed on both sides of the helmets and the size "S" appears on the back of the helmet. Only the small-sized helmets are included in this recall.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and contact woom bikes USA for instructions on how to receive a full refund. woom bikes USA is contacting all purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Sold At: Online at us.woombikes.com and Amazon.com, and through BikeShopGirl in Colorado and The Family Bike Collective in California from December 2018 through July 2019 for about $70.

Manufacturer: Aurorasports Ltd., of China

Sweet Protection

Date: August 12, 2020

Models: Ripper, Ripper Jr., Ripper Jr. MIPS

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Action Brands has recalled its Sweet Protection Ripper models mistakenly sold in the US but designed for the European market and meeting only EN1078, not the US CPSC standard.

Here are the recall details from the CPSC site:

"This recall involves Active Brand AS Sweet Protection-branded Ripper Jr., Ripper MIPS Jr. and Ripper MIPS bicycle helmets. The Ripper Jr. and Ripper MIPS Jr. helmets were sold in one size, fitting head circumference from 48 cm to 53 cm (18.9 to 20.9 inches). The Ripper MIPS helmet was sold in one size, fitting head circumference from 53 cm to 61 cm (20.9 to 24.0 inches). The helmets were sold in matte colors: black, white, blue, gray, green, pink and purple. "Sweet Protection" is printed on the side of the helmets. All helmets have the manufacturing date printed inside the helmet with 2019 as the production year and a number between 9 and 12 as the production month. The model name is printed on a label on the rear back side of the helmet. The bicycle helmets are tested and certified according to the European standard for bicycle helmets, EN1078 and were only meant to be sold in the European market."

CPSC also has photos of the helmets. Sweet Protection was founded in Norway. According to the Sweet Protection site the recalled Rippers would seem lighter and thinner than a US model. The home page delivered to US browsers lists some models that meet the CPSC standard, but the Ripper writeup lists only the EN1078 standard. The Ripper model retails for $59, making it Sweet Protection's entry level helmet. The recalled MIPS version is $30 more.

Lazer

Date: October 1, 2018

Models: Blade, Magma, Elle and Jade

This recall is for Lazer's Blade, Magma, Elle and Jade bicycle helmets sold since January 2015. They have a sticker inside saying Model LZB-08. Two German bike magazines (Mountainbike and RoadBIKE) reported in their April issues strap failures of the European version, with straps pulling out of the shell during the rolloff (stability) test. The helmets have CEN or CPSC stickers inside, but do not meet the strap strength requirements of the standard, and strap anchors can pull out during testing. Lazer says they are not aware of any incidents or injuries in the field involving this defect. Lazer is replacing the recalled helmets with Blade+ and Magma+ versions, with a redesigned strap anchor. Here is the recall notice on Lazer's site.

Rollerblade

Date: June 29, 2018

Model: Rollerblade

This recall is for 9,700 Rollerblade-branded helmets from Helmets R Us, sold to schools for physical education programs. The recalled helmets are white and Rollerblade is printed on the side in black. They were manufactured from September 2011 through April 2017. Model 16, SK-501N and the manufactured date (in MM/YYYY format) are printed on a label on the inside of the helmet. "Distributed by: Helmets R Us" is printed on another label inside of the helmet, and the company is also known as Top Gear. Also distributed by Rollerblade LLC. Manufactured by Strategic Sports in China. Here is the official recall notice. It says only "Hazard: The helmets fail to meet the federal safety standard, posing a risk of head injury." We don't know what part of the standard the helmets fail to meet. "

Rollerblade's first recall in 2016 is below. It was for their Maxxum model, not the same helmet as this one.

Louis Garneau -- official recall

Date: March 15, 2018

Model: Course

Details: Production between September 2015 and September 2016 does not meet CPSC impact testing. Health Canada reports the shell can weaken over time resulting in impact test failure.

Here is the official recall notice.

Pro-Tec -- official recall

Date: September 25, 2017

Models: City Lite and Street Lite

Details: The two models are similar, skate-style helmets with round smooth exteriors and large round vents. They have EPS liners and thin shells.

The recall was officially because "The buckle on the helmet fails to meet current federal safety standards, posing a risk of head injury." As we reported in a previous Update, Consumer Reports had tested the two models and reported in January that they found failures of the strap anchors as well as the buckle. You can read their article here. we reported on it below.

A photo on the Consumer Reports site of the strap anchor failure shows that a pin pulled out of the helmet. Here is the official recall notice.

Pro-Tec -- Consumer Reports announcement but not actually a recall

Date: Intention to recall announced by Consumer Reports on January 27, 2017

Model: City Lite

Details: This is not an official recall. Consumer Reports announced on January 27, 2017 that Pro-Tec planned to recall their City Lite model after CU's testing showed that: "The Pro-Tec City Lite's helmet retention system-the chin straps and buckle that should keep the helmet securely on your head in the event of an accident-failed to work properly in three out of the four City Lite helmets we tested. In one case, the buckle broke; in two others, a strap detached from the body of the helmet." And the web article further states: "Because of our test results and the results of the company's additional internal testing, which confirmed the problem, Pro-Tec intends to recall the City Lite helmet. According to a statement provided to Consumer Reports, the company 'will coordinate with the U.S. CPSC on a recall, and will work with them on an appropriate remedy.'" When we checked the web in September 2017 we found lots of "original City Lite" helmets for sale on Amazon, Ebay and elsewhere, but not on the Pro-Tec website.

Good Bike / Bottari Europe

Date: 2017

Model: RACE

Details: Buckle fails EN 1078 standard test.

The helmets were known to be sold in the European market.

This is a European recall. The recall page is here on the Safety Gate site.

Livall

Date: August, 2016

Model: BH100 Smart Helmet

Details: An electronic component can deteriorate, making the smart features of the helmet inoperable.

The helmets were sold through an Indigogo crowdfunding campaign between August and September of 2015.

This is a manufacturer's recall for replacement, not conducted through CPSC. Livall is contacting its customers with details of the recall:

"LIVALL has decided to recall BH100 helmets that were preordered on Indiegogo between August and December 2015. The recall is a voluntary and preventive initiative. We are taking this step as LIVALL's overriding priority is to enhance the riding experience and to provide customer satisfaction. BH100 smart helmets fully comply with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's impact requirements and safety standards for bicycle helmets. Currently we have not received any incident reports related to BH100 helmets, however we want all of our customers to be satisfied with the quality and reliability of the product."

Livall is replacing the BH100 helmets with its newer MH1 mountain bike model. The recall duration is August 29 to October 16, 2016

Unfortunately, Livall is charging $30 to replace the defective helmets.

Schwinn - Pacific Cycle

Date: May 17, 2016

Model: No Pinch Buckle Infant

Details: The magnetic buckle on the helmet's chin strap contains small plastic covers and magnets that can come loose, posing a risk of choking and magnet ingestion to young children.

Here is the full CPSC press release. The helmets were sold exclusively at Target from January 2014 through April 2016.

Rollerblade

Date: April 13, 2016

Model: Maxxum

Details: ABS hard shell cracking where strap is riveted.

The full CPSC press release may be on their website. It said: " Hazard: The inline skating helmet's plastic shell can crack where the straps attach, causing the helmet to shift and move on the wearer's head."

Scott

Date: February 13, 2014

Model:Vanish Evo and Vanish Evo MTB

Details: Failed to meet CPSC impact standard. European model failed to meet even the CE1078: 2012 standard. (Now EN 1078)

Here is the full CPSC press release.

And here is the Scott recalls page.

And here is the European recalls page.

Uvex

Date: December 12, 2014

Models:

XB017 Race 6
XB022 Onyx
XB025 City 9
XB027 Sport Boss, Boss Race
XB032 Factory Pilot (FP) 3
XB038 Ultrasonic Race

Details: Seven helmet model series, each with more model names than above, so the number should be used to determine recalled models. Here is the full CPSC press release.

Louis Garneau

Date: Garneau press release: September 19, 2014. CPSC recall October 10, 2014

Model: P-09 aerodynamic time trial helmet

Details: Garneau discovered that the shell of the P-09 was weak and did not pass followup testing. They recalled about 2,000 helmets of this model. Here is the CPSC press release. The Louis Garneau press release is repeated below for detail:

________________________

September 19, 2014
LOUIS GARNEAU SPORTS INC. RECALLS P-09 AERODYNAMIC HELMET

Louis Garneau Sports Inc. of St-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Québec, is voluntarily recalling approximately 283 units of the P-09 aerodynamic bicycle helmet. This helmet, certified according to CPSC standards in December 2013, was manufactured in early 2014 and its production was tested internally by both Louis Garneau and its contract manufacturer and externally by independent laboratories and passed all CPSC requirements. During a recent production, the helmet cover part made of a polycarbonate micro-shell failed the manufacturer's head impact tests. Remaining units left from the previous production were then retested and failed the cold condition testing which leads Louis Garneau to think that there may be a degradation of the product over time. In its current version, the helmet may not prevent injuries in the case of a severe accident.

No such incident has been reported at this time, but Louis Garneau Sports Inc. has decided to deploy a preventive recall. The helmet is sold under the model name P-09.

It is offered in three colors: 7E5 (White-Blue), 6Y8 (Black-Red) and 6Y9 (White-Silver), the style number is 1405632. Recalled helmets have a manufacturer's date sticker which reads Jan 2014. Helmets having the above mentioned manufacturing date are being recalled. Consumers should immediately stop using these helmets and return them to Louis Garneau Sports for replacement by a similar product or a refund. Helmets having a production date of APRIL 2014 meet quality standards and are not subject to this recall.

Independent Bicycle Dealers nationwide sold these helmets from January 2014 through September 2014 for between $280 and $350. Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately. For more information, consumers should call the customer service of Louis Garneau Sports at 1-800-463-8356 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Consumers should call the above number in order to obtain a return authorization number and then mail their helmets to the attention of the customer service. Consumers also can contact Louis Garneau by email at services@louisgarneau.com or through their website at: www.louisgarneau.com

We thank you for your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience related to this procedure.

Helt-pro

Date: July 6, 2012

Model:
Helt-pro

Details: German helmet resembling a hat or cap. Recalled after officials in Finland found it did not meet the European standard.

Triple8 Little Tricky child skate-style helmet

Date: January 6, 2012

Model:
Little Tricky

Details: Voluntary recall of about 30,400 helmets sold by retailers and bike stores. The helmet does not pass the CPSC impact tests.

The full CPSC press release. We have the text-only portions of it below:

-----------NEWS from CPSC----------- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2012
Release #12-082

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 548-8518
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Triple Eight Distribution Due to Risk of Head Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bicycle helmets for children and youth

Units: About 30,400

Importer: Triple Eight Distribution, Inc., of Port Washington, N.Y.

Hazard: Product testing demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recalled items are multi-purpose helmets also sold for use as bicycle helmets. Little Tricky helmets are marketed for children and youth, and feature a large Little Tricky logo on both sides of the helmet. They come in one size and in black, white, pink and green. Triple Eight S/M EPS Liner helmets feature a hard black inner EPS foam liner and come in black, white, bone, blue and army green. Sector 9 S/M EPS Liner helmets feature the same EPS liner and come in gray, white, black, blue and green. Both the Triple Eight and Sector 9 helmets have an interior label indicating the size "S/M" for small/medium and a manufacture date indicated as month/year (ex. APR/2011). Only Triple Eight and Sector 9 size "S/M" EPS Liner helmets are affected.

Sold at: Bicycle and sports stores and other retailers nationwide and online from August 2006 through November 2011 for about $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Triple Eight for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Triple Eight toll free at (888) 548-8518 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.triple8.com

To see this recall on CPSC's website, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: (dead link, see current link above).

Bell Exodus full-face helmet in youth size

Date: May 31, 2011

Model:
Exodus full face

Details: Voluntary recall of about 33,000 helmets sold in the US and Canada by Wal-Mart and by Amazon. Bell had a report of a buckle breaking in the field, indicating that the buckles probably did not pass the CPSC standard.

The full CPSC press release. We have the text-only portions of it below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2011
Release #11-235
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 892-6059
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Bell Sports Due to Head Injury Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Full-face bicycle helmets

Units: About 31,100 in the United States, and about 2,500 in Canada

Importer: Bell Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer's head. This poses a head injury hazard to riders in the event of a fall.

Incidents: The firm has received one report of a buckle failing during an accident, resulting in an injury that required stitches below the wearer's eye.

Description: This recall involves Bell Exodus full-face helmets with a plastic buckle on the chinstrap and model and part numbers listed below. The helmets have an angled visor and were sold in youth size. The model and part number can be found on a removable sticker located on the side of the helmet.

Color Part/Model Number
Orange/Grey/Black 1003825/035011898025
Blue/Grey/Gold/White/Black 1006714/035011917719

Sold by: Walmart stores nationwide and Amazon.com between August 2009 and March 2011 for between $50 and $60.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports for a replacement or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information call Bell Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, via email at answer_desk@bellsports.com, or visit the firm's website at www.bellsports.com

Specialized S-Works 2D helmet

Date: December 18, 2007

Models:
S-Works 2D

Details: Voluntary recall of about 3,000 helmets. They did not meet the impact requirements of the CPSC standard. You can still buy the 2D in Europe, where they apparently can be sold because they meet the CEN standard. In the US market they were replaced by the S-Works (no 2D designation).

The helmets were being introduced by Specialized as the top of their 2008 line, retailing for over $200.

The full CPSC press release:

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2007
Release #08-138

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 808-8154
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Specialized Due to Failing Helmet Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Specialized Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer: Specialized Bicycles, of Morgan Hill, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets fail testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets. This can pose a head injury hazard to riders in a fall.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Specialized helmets, model 2D. Model "2D" is printed on the sides of the helmet in the rear. The helmets were sold for men and women in matte black, white, silver, blue, pink, and team colors.

Sold by: Specialized through its authorized retailers and online stores between July 2007 and October 2007 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled helmet immediately and return it to an Authorized Specialized Retailer to receive a free replacement or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Specialized toll-free at (877) 808-8154 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at www.specialized.com

To see this recall on CPSC's website, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to: (dead link, see link above)

Trek Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD helmets

Date: May 4, 2006

Models:
Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD

Details: Voluntary recall of about 4,500 helmets. They did not meet the impact requirements of the CPSC standard.

The helmets were sold nationwide at Trek dealers from October 2005 to May 2006 for about $129.

The full CPSC press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2006
Release #06-155
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 373-4594
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Trek Recalls Anthem C Elite Bicycle Helmets for Failing Impact Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Trek Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD Model Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 4,500

Manufacturer: Trek Bicycle, of Waterloo, Wis.

Hazard: Product testing has demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall.

Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled helmets are identified by the model name Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD. A label inside the helmet identifies the helmet as "Trek Anthem C." The helmets are available in men's sizes in black/charcoal, blue/silver and blue/red, and in women's sizes in aqua blue/silver and white/silver. This recall includes all sizes of this helmet.

Sold by: Authorized Trek Dealers nationwide from October 2005 through May 2006 for about $129.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and return their helmets to an authorized Trek dealer for a full refund

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Trek Bicycle at (800)373-4594 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

To view this recall online, please visit our website at: (dead link, see link above)

Target Recalls 494,000 bicycle helmets.

Date: August 31, 2005

Models:
"Back Trails" junior, toddler, youth and child models.

Details: Largest helmet recall in CPSC history. They did not meet requirements of the CPSC standard.

The helmets were sold nationwide at Target stores from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $13..

The full CPSC press release:

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2005
Release #05-252

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 440-0680
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Target Announce Recall of Back Trails Jr. Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Back Trails Jr. Toddler, Youth and Child Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 494,000

Importer/Retailer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Manufacturer: UNA International Limited, of China

Distributor: Dynacraft BSC Inc., of San Rafael, Calif.

Hazard: Some of these helmets do not meet CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets, which poses a risk of riders suffering head injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes Target's "Back Trails Jr." brand toddler, youth and child bicycle helmets sold in various colors. They were manufactured after January 1, 2004. Helmet model numbers: 89888 or 88003 (toddler), 89951 or 88001 (girl's 8-vent youth), 89952 or 88002 (boy's 8-vent youth), or 89917 (14-vent child's) appear on a white label inside the helmets, along with date of manufacture (YYYY/MM/DD) and the words "Made in China." Target product identification numbers: 082-01-0520 (toddler), 082-01-0149 (girl's 8-vent youth), 082-01-0189 (boy's 8-vent youth), and 082-01-0334 (14-vent child's) and the brand name "back trails jr.," appear on the product packaging.

Sold at: Target stores nationwide from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the helmets away from children and return them to the nearest Target Store for a gift card in the amount of a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or log on to the firm's website at www.target.com

PTI - Schwinn brand toddler helmets

Date: August 19, 2004

Models:
SK103, SK107 or SK108, all with a white label inside reading "Lot# 791913."

Details: Voluntary recall of about 9,000 helmets. They did not meet the impact requirements of the CPSC standard.

The helmets were sold nationwide at Wal-Mart, Target, Academy and Mills Fleet & Farms stores from January 2004 through July 2004 for between $17 and $20.

The full CPSC press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2004
Release # 04-199
Firm's Hotline: (800) 515-0074
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, PTI Sports Inc. Announce Recall of
Schwinn brand Toddler Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Schwinn-brand Toddler Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 9,000

Manufacturer: PTI Sports Inc., of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets do not comply with impact testing requirements in the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: These Schwinn-brand Toddler Bicycle Helmets have "SCHWINN" written on the back of the helmets. A white label inside the helmets reads, "Lot# 791913." This number is followed by a date from "12-01-03" through "5-15-04." This label also contains the model number SK103, SK107 or SK108.

Sold at: Wal-Mart, Target, Academy and Mills Fleet & Farms stores nationwide from January 2004 through July 2004 for between $17 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Return the recalled helmet to the store where purchased for a replacement or refund. Consumers also can send the helmet back to the manufacturer.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact PTI Sports at (800) 515-0074 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

DBX and Geartec ESPY

Date: July 29, 2004

Models:
DBX Engage (VT-3), DBX Ravage (FX-2), and Geartec ESPY bicycle helmets

Details: Voluntary recall of about 4,600 helmets.

This is a small recall, but the helmets were sold nationwide. Produced in China, sold at Dick's Sporting Goods and KHS Bicycles. Here is the CPSC recall notice.

The full CPSC press release:



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2004

Release #04-189 Bicycle Helmet Recall Hotline: (866) 432-7832 Ext. 195

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Geartec/Mackarl Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: DBX Engage (VT-3), DBX Ravage (FX-2), and Geartec ESPY bicycle helmets

Units: 4,600

Distributor: Mackarl Enterprises Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., and KHS Bicycles Inc., of Rancho Dominguez, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets may not meet CPSC safety regulations for helmets, which poses a risk of a rider sustaining a serious head injury if he/she falls from a bicycle.

Incidents/Injuries: The firms have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Description: The recalled Geartec ESPY and FX-2 (DBX Ravage) model helmets come in carbon yellow, silver, or blue and have a carbon fiber graphic on the front to middle part of the helmet. The helmets have 15 vent holes, a removable visor, and the logo ("Geartec" or "DBX") printed on both sides of helmet. The recalled VT-3 (DBX Engage) model helmets come in either blue/silver/black, red/yellow/black, or silver and black. The helmets also have 15 vent holes, a removable visor, and the "DBX" logo printed on both sides of helmet.

Sold at: Dick's Sporting Goods stores nationwide sold the DBX Engage (VT-3) and Ravage (FX-2) model helmets from June 2003 through June 2004 for between $40 and $60. KHS Bicycles stores sold the Geartec ESPY model helmets between May 2003 and June 2003 for about $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Mackarl toll-free at (866) 432-7832 Ext. 195 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

To view this press release online, please use the following link: (dead link, see current link above)

Catlike USA

Date: May 22, 2003

Model:
Kompact

Details: Voluntary recall of about 2,250 helmets.

The significance of this recall is that importers should be very careful about certifying to the CPSC standard any helmet designed to European or non-US standards. The European EN standard is considerably easier to meet than CPSC, and a helmet designed for it will not meet CPSC unless a considerable extra margin of protection has been designed in. We are pleased that CPSC is testing to be sure that manufacturers and importers actually meet its standard.

The CPSC press release said:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2003

Release # 03-132 Company Phone Number: (877) 228-5646
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
(Note: this recall is one of several that were combined in a grouped release)


Name of product: Catlike KompactTM Bike Helmets

Units: 2,250

Distributor: Monarch Velo, LLC, doing business as Catlike USA, of Houston, Texas

Hazard: The helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Catlike KompactTM adult bicycle helmets. The helmets were sold in two sizes (small/medium and large/extra large) and various colors. The sizing label inside the helmets reads "Kompact" and "SM/MD" or "LG/XL."

Sold at: Bicycle shops nationwide sold the helmets from March 2002 through February 2003 for about $130.

Manufactured in/Imported from: Spain

Remedy: Contact Monarch Velo for information on receiving a free replacement helmet.

Consumer Contact: Contact Monarch Velo toll-free at (877) 228-5646 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.catlike-usa.com.

Catlike USA Media Contact: Chris Watson at (877) 228-5646

Picture at: (dead link, see current link above)

MOSA Sports

Date: March 18, 2003

Model:
FiVe 40 (skate style)

Details: Voluntary recall of about 2,500 helmets. The CPSC press release said:

CPSC, MOSA Sports Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MOSA Sports, of Hermosa Beach, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,250 "Five 40" brand bicycle helmets. These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer head injuries.

CPSC and MOSA Sports have not received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these helmets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The Five 40 helmets are black, white or red, and have the name "Five 40" printed on the front and back of the helmet. The "V" in the "Five" is much larger that the other letters. A label inside the helmet reads "990803" along with the model name "540." These helmets were manufactured in China.

Sporting good stores nationwide sold these helmets from October 1999 through September 2001 for about $25.

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to the store where purchased or MOSA Sports for a refund or free replacement helmet. For more information, consumers should contact MOSA Sports at (800) 804-0211 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

World Industries

Date: August 20, 2001

Models:
World Industries Skateboard

Details: Voluntary recall of about 10,000 helmets. The CPSC press release said:
"The recalled helmets come in black, blue and white and have the name "World Industries" printed on the chin strap, the back of the helmet, and the inside padding. On the sides of the helmet, yellow and blue cartoon characters can be seen shooting fire from a gun. Two labels inside of the helmet read in part, "Certified CPSC 16CFR1203," "Warning This Helmet Is Not For Motor Vehicle" and "Made in China."

Retail outlets, chains and catalogs nationwide sold the helmets from October 2000 through May 2001 for about $40."

These helmets could have been sold legally as skateboard helmets if the manufacturer had not put the CPSC label inside but had labeled them "for Skateboard use." There is no legal requirement for skateboard helmets to meet any standard at all. World Industries understands that, but they also see many kids changing from skating to bicycling still wearing the same helmet, and wanted to provide a helmet that met the CPSC standard.

The recalled helmets did not meet the CPSC standard for impact protection, as well as some lesser requirements. World Industries informs us that they are changing helmet suppliers.

Variflex, NHS and First Team Sports

Date: November 17, 2000

Models:
Variflex "X-Games Aggressive"
NHS:

• "TSG Metallic Gold,"
• "TSG Gloss Black"
• "TSG Foundation Blue"

First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets."

Details: Voluntary recall of about 245.000 helmets total for the three companies. See our email newsletter of November, 2000 for more details.

Rand International - L.A. Crusin'

Date: July 5, 2000

Models: L.A. Crusin' Bike Helmets

Details: Voluntary recall of about 70.000 helmets known as "L.A. Cruisin' Bike Helmets" in child, youth and adult sizes. They were sold in Kmart and Rose's stores nationwide from April 1999 through March 2000 at a price of about $8. A label inside the helmet reads "Manufactured by Rand International" and MADE IN CHINA." Writing on the packaging reads "RAND," "L.A. Cruisin' " and "Meets CPSC & ASTM Standards78." See our email newsletter of July, 2000 for more details.

Cycle Express - Hearts and Flowers

Date: July 5, 2000

Models: Hearts and Flowers

This helmet is a girl's pink and silver glitter affair with decals reading "Hearts and Flowers." The pink top area is edged with purple tape. It is being voluntarily recalled by Cycle Express Inc., of New York, N.Y., who had sold about 9,000 of them in a Hearts and Flowers Helmet Combo Value Pack that included a bike bag/purse combo and hair accessories. The products were sold through Toys R Us, between October 1999 and April 2000. See our email newsletter of July, 2000 for more details.

Bell - Bell Sports Inc.

Date: April 29, 1999

Models: Bellistic, Rhythm and Qualifier

Details: Voluntary recall of about 5,800 bicycle helmets used for BMX and downhill mountain biking and racing. A defect with the helmets' chin strap rivets can result in the helmet coming off the rider's head in the event of a fall or crash. Bell Sports is aware of one incident where the chin strap assembly became detached from a helmet during a crash. The helmets are red, green, black, white and "Tear Away," which is multicolored. They were sold under the model names Rhythm, Bellistic and Qualifier, which is written on their packaging. The recalled helmets have date stickers inside reading October 1998 through March 1999. There were 5,800 helmets involved in this recall.

PTI - Protective Technologies International

Date: July, 1995

Model: Jaguar model 3060 bicycle helmet

Details: Recall of 25,000 Jaguar bicycle helmets, model 3060. The helmet liners failed the manufacturer's head impact tests. Jaguar white plastic helmets have 20 vent holes on the front, top and sides, a white plastic visor on the front, and black head and chin straps. The helmet is decorated with bright orange and yellow decals. A blue, square PTI label appears on the back of the helmet. The helmets were sold nationwide for $23.00 to $25.00 exclusively at Toys 'R' Us and Target Stores from September 1994 to January 1995.

CPSC Press Release: The CPSC original, or here is our copy in case that link does not work.

Other CPSC Links

You can report a product problem on the CPSC SaferProducts.gov site and check a public database to see if a problem with your helmet has been reported by others. The database went live for posting comments on March 11, 2011, but complaints must be reviewed before posting and run past the manufacturer for comment, so that part will lag. In the meantime, you can see all the recalls above, plus recalls of non-bicycle helmets.

Here is a link to CPSC files already requested by others under the Freedom of Information Act. Check individual years for "Manufacturer Investigative Files," and you will find the full files for a list of cases including Bell's 2000 recall. Page down the file to find the links to the three sections of the case labeled "Bell Sports BMX."

Other Recall Resources

For the definitive US government recall site, including other agencies besides CPSC see www.recalls.gov.

This Vox article on problems with recalls does a good job of outlining why recalls often do not work.

We send an email newsletter whenever there is a helmet recall, unless sales are under 100 helmets. Just send us an email to be put on our free Helmet Update by email list. We do send them when there is other helmet news as well, but usually fewer than one per month.