REI Recalls Co-op Cycles REV Children's Bicycles with Training Wheels Due to Fall and Injury Hazards

What was recalled

If you recently purchased a child’s bicycle from REI that came equipped with training wheels, it is important to pause and verify whether your specific bike is part of an active safety recall. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a significant issue affecting a specific line of children's bicycles manufactured by REI under their Co-op Cycles brand. This recall covers the Co-op Cycles REV series, which includes 12-inch, 16-inch, and 20-inch models designed for kids. These are not generic or unbranded bikes; they are distinct products with specific model identifiers that you can check to determine if your bicycle is affected.

The scope of this recall is precise, targeting bicycles produced between the years 2022 and 2024. If your bike was manufactured outside of this window, it is likely not included in this particular safety notice. The affected models are clearly defined by their wheel size and specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers, which serve as the unique fingerprint for each product variant. Specifically, the recall includes the following SKUs: 190741 for the 12-inch Kids Bike, 190742 for the 16-inch Kids Bike, and 190743 for the 20-inch Kids Bike. These bicycles were sold in various colors, including Bondi (green), Pencil (yellow), Surfs Up (blue), Catch Up (red), Four Leaf (green), and Plum Burst (purple). While the color does not determine safety, knowing your bike's specific SKU helps confirm whether it falls within the recalled group.

To further narrow down which bikes are at risk, you must look at the serial number printed on the bicycle frame. The recall applies only to units with serial numbers that begin with "ET22," "ET23," "01VX," or "07VX." You can find this serial number located underneath the bike frame, typically on the bottom bracket or down tube area. This detail is crucial because it distinguishes the recalled manufacturing batches from other years or production runs that may not have the faulty training wheel assembly. REI sold these bicycles through their retail stores and online platforms, meaning any parent or guardian who bought a new Co-op Cycles REV bike with training wheels during this timeframe should inspect their product immediately. The recall was officially announced on June 27, 2024, signaling an urgent need for verification to ensure the safety of young riders.

The hazard, explained

When a child learns to ride a bicycle, training wheels provide a crucial sense of stability that allows them to focus on balance and steering without the fear of tipping over. However, in the case of the recalled REI Co-op Cycles REV bicycles, this safety feature has become a source of danger due to a specific mechanical failure. The core issue lies within the assembly knob that connects the training wheels to the bicycle frame. This small but critical component is designed to hold the entire training wheel apparatus securely in place. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this knob can loosen over time or during regular use and eventually detach completely from the bike.

The physical mechanism of failure is straightforward but dangerous. Once the knob detaches, the training wheels are no longer anchored to the bicycle. They do not simply fall off gently; they often come away suddenly and unpredictably while the child is in motion. Because the training wheels were providing the primary lateral stability for the rider, their sudden removal leaves the bicycle effectively unbalanced. For a young child who has not yet mastered independent balancing, this abrupt loss of support causes the bike to tip over instantly. The child, who was relying on those wheels to stay upright, is thrown from the seat or loses control of the handlebars.

This sudden tipping action is what leads to the injuries reported in this recall. The CPSC has documented four incidents involving these specific models, resulting in a range of physical harm. The most common injuries were scrapes and bruising, which typically occur when the child’s skin makes contact with the pavement during the fall. However, the severity can escalate quickly. In one reported case, a child suffered broken arms. This type of injury often happens when a rider instinctively puts their hands out to break their fall, absorbing the impact through their limbs rather than their torso. For a small child, whose bones are still developing and who may lack the coordination to brace themselves properly, the force of hitting the ground from a standing height on a bike can be significant.

It is important to understand that this hazard is not limited to high-speed crashes. Even at low speeds or while coasting, the unexpected loss of stability can startle a rider, causing them to lose balance and fall. The danger persists as long as the detached training wheels remain attached to the bike via loose cables or brackets, potentially tangling with the rear wheel or creating further instability. If you are using the training wheels on any of these models, it is vital to recognize that the knob may be compromised even if it looks secure from a distance. The risk is not just about the wheels falling off; it is about the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the fall that follows.

Who is most at risk

The primary group affected by this recall consists of young children who are in the critical early stages of learning to ride a bicycle. Specifically, these are kids using REI Co-op Cycles REV bicycles with the 12-inch, 16-inch, or 20-inch wheel sizes. These particular models are designed for beginners who have not yet mastered balance and steering on their own. For this demographic, training wheels are not merely an accessory; they are a fundamental safety mechanism that replaces the child’s developing ability to stay upright. When that support system fails unexpectedly, the child is left without any physical stability, making them disproportionately vulnerable compared to more experienced riders.

The risk is heightened by the developmental stage of the users. Children who rely on training wheels often have not yet developed the reflexive muscle memory or core strength required to stabilize a bike during a sudden loss of balance. A healthy adult might be able to catch themselves with their hands or feet after a wheel detaches, but a young child’s reaction time and physical coordination are typically too slow to prevent a hard fall. The recall data confirms this vulnerability, noting injuries that include broken arms—a serious injury for a growing skeleton—alongside scrapes and bruising. This suggests that the falls are not minor stumbles but significant impacts where the child has no time to brace effectively.

Furthermore, the hazard is particularly insidious because it can occur without warning during normal, low-speed activity. The defect involves the knob on the training wheel assembly loosening and detaching. This means a child could be riding at a gentle pace, perhaps even just starting to pedal or coasting, when the support suddenly vanishes. There is no loud crash preceding the event; the bike simply becomes unbalanced instantaneously. For a small child, this sudden shift from stability to instability is terrifying and physically dangerous. The lack of forewarning means they cannot prepare for the fall, increasing the likelihood of injury to their arms, legs, or head.

Parents and guardians are also at indirect risk, not just emotionally but practically. A broken arm or significant trauma requires immediate medical attention, potentially disrupting family routines and causing financial stress if insurance gaps exist. Additionally, the recall affects bicycles from model years 2022 through 2024, meaning many families may have purchased these bikes relatively recently, assuming they were safe and fully assembled. The trust placed in the manufacturer’s assembly process is broken here, leaving caregivers to manage the aftermath of a defect that should not have occurred. Therefore, the risk is not just physical for the child but also places a burden on parents who must immediately cease use, contact retailers, and arrange repairs while managing their child’s safety and emotional well-being.

• New learners: Children who have never ridden a two-wheeler without support are entirely dependent on the training wheels for balance.
• Younger children (ages 3-6): Those with less developed motor skills and bone density are more susceptible to fractures and severe bruising from falls.
• Families with recent purchases: Owners of bikes from 2022, 2023, or 2024 may be caught off guard, as the defect can manifest quickly after initial use.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your bicycle is part of this specific recall requires a careful check of several details, starting with the brand and model name. You need to look for bicycles manufactured by REI under their "Co-op Cycles" line, specifically the "REV" series. These are children’s bikes that come in three wheel sizes: 12-inch, 16-inch, or 20-inch. It is important to note that this recall covers all model years from 2022 through 2024, so even if you purchased the bike recently or a few years ago, it may still be included.

The most reliable way to confirm if your bike is affected is by locating its serial number. This number is printed directly on the bicycle frame. Specifically, you should look underneath the bike, near the bottom bracket area (where the pedals connect) or along the down tube (the main tube connecting the handlebars to the pedals). The serial numbers included in this recall will begin with one of the following prefixes: "ET22," "ET23," "01VX," or "07VX." If your bike’s serial number starts with any of these codes, it is part of the recall.

You can also check the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) or Article number associated with your specific model. The recalled items include the following SKUs and colors:

• Co-op Cycles REV 12 Kids Bike: SKU 190741 in "BONDI" (green) or "PENCIL" (yellow).
• Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids Bike: SKU 190742 in "SURFS UP" (blue) or "CATCH UP" (red); and SKU 190743 in "FOUR LEAF" (green).
• Co-op Cycles REV 20 Kids Bike: SKU 190743 in "PLUM BURST" (purple).

If you do not have the original purchase receipt, these details can help you verify the model. Keep in mind that this recall specifically targets bikes with training wheels attached. If your bicycle is being ridden without training wheels, it does not pose the same immediate hazard described in this notice, though you may still want to verify its status for future reference.

When checking your bike, ensure you are looking at the actual frame markings and not just the box or packaging, as those can sometimes be misleading. If you find that your bike matches the description above, do not panic. This is a precautionary measure to prevent potential injuries from loose training wheel assemblies. Once you have confirmed your bike is part of the recall, you can proceed to the next steps for repair or replacement.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have one of the affected REI Co-op Cycles REV bicycles, your primary remedy is a free repair, not a cash refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and REI have determined that the issue lies specifically with the training wheel assembly, which can loosen and detach during use. Because the core frame and functionality of the bicycle remain sound when the training wheels are removed, the company’s official solution focuses on fixing that specific defect rather than replacing the entire bike or issuing money back. This approach ensures your child gets a safe riding experience without unnecessary waste, provided you follow the correct steps to claim this service.

Your first step is to determine how your bicycle is currently being used. If you are actively using the training wheels for your child’s learning process, you must stop using them immediately until the repair is completed. In this scenario, you have two convenient options for obtaining the fix. You can contact your local REI store to schedule a free in-store repair. The associate will replace the defective training wheel attachments with new, secure ones at no cost to you. This option is often the quickest way to get back on the road safely, as it avoids shipping delays.

If visiting a physical store is not feasible for you, REI offers an alternative remedy: a free repair kit shipped directly to your home. To arrange this, you will need to contact REI Customer Service. You can reach them by phone at 800-426-4840, which operates from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on weekends. Alternatively, you may use their online email or chat support at rei.com/help. Once you initiate contact, specify that you need the repair kit for the "Co-op Cycles REV 12-, 16-, or 20-inch Kid's Bicycles with Training Wheels Recall." They will ship the necessary replacement attachments to you so you can install them yourself.

There is an important exception to this remedy. If your child has outgrown the training wheels and you are riding the bicycle without them, you do not need to take any action regarding the defect. The recall note explicitly states that customers can continue using the bicycle safely in this configuration. The hazard exists only when the training wheel assembly knob is attached and potentially loose. Therefore, if you have already removed the training wheels entirely, your immediate safety risk from this specific recall is mitigated, and no repair or replacement is necessary for the bike to remain safe for use.

It is worth noting that REI has not offered a full refund as a standard remedy for this recall. The focus remains strictly on correcting the faulty training wheel component. If you prefer not to repair the bike or ride it without training wheels, your only recourse would be to explore other customer service options directly with REI regarding store credit or exchange policies, which fall outside the scope of the CPSC’s mandated remedy for this specific safety defect. For clarity and consistency with the official recall notice, the guaranteed free remedy is the repair of the training wheel attachment.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to look at a loose piece of plastic or metal on a child’s bike and think it is merely an annoyance—a minor mechanical quirk that might be fixed "later" when you have more time. However, in the context of a bicycle with training wheels, ignoring this issue transforms a simple repair into a significant safety liability. The core problem is not just that the knob is loose; it is that the structural integrity of the stability system has been compromised. Training wheels are designed to provide a rigid, predictable counterbalance for young riders who are still developing their coordination and balance. When the assembly knob detaches, that rigid support vanishes instantly and without warning.

The immediate consequence of ignoring this defect is the loss of control at a critical moment. If a child leans into a turn, hits a small bump in the pavement, or simply shifts their weight to pick something up, the detached training wheel will no longer offer resistance. This causes the bicycle to tilt abruptly to one side. For a young rider who has not yet mastered the muscle memory to correct a sudden lean, this results in an immediate and uncontrolled fall. The ground is hard, and children’s bones are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to impact injuries from such falls.

We must look at what has already happened with these specific models to understand the real-world stakes. According to reports filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this is not a theoretical risk. There have been four confirmed incidents where the training wheels fell off completely during use. While four may sound like a small number, each incident represents a child who was unexpectedly thrown from their bike. The injuries documented in these reports range from scrapes and bruising to more serious trauma. Most concerning among these reports are the cases involving broken arms. A fall caused by a sudden loss of stability often leads riders to instinctively put their hands out to break their fall, which is precisely how arm fractures occur. Ignoring the recall means leaving your child exposed to this specific mechanism of injury.

Beyond the physical harm, there is an emotional component that is frequently overlooked. A sudden, unexplained fall can be frightening for a child. It can erode their confidence in riding their bike and create anxiety around activities they previously enjoyed. By addressing the loose knob now, you are not just preventing a broken bone; you are preserving your child’s trust in their equipment and their enthusiasm for being active outdoors. The inconvenience of stopping to make a repair is negligible compared to the potential physical pain and emotional distress of ignoring it.

Furthermore, relying on the bicycle without addressing the defect creates a false sense of security. You might assume that because the bike looks intact from a distance, it is safe. But the failure point is internal to the assembly. The knob may appear tight one moment and detach the next, depending on vibrations, temperature changes, or minor movements during riding. There is no reliable visual cue that predicts exactly when the connection will fail completely. Therefore, continuing to use the bike with training wheels attached to a compromised assembly is akin to driving a car with a loose wheel nut; you cannot predict when it will give way, and the consequences of that failure are severe.

If you have determined that your child is riding without training wheels, the risk profile changes. In this scenario, the detached knob is less likely to cause a fall because the bike is no longer relying on them for balance. However, a loose piece of hardware can still become a hazard. It could rattle loudly, startle the rider, or potentially come into contact with moving parts like the chain or pedals, causing mechanical binding or further damage to the bike itself. While the immediate fall risk is lower without the training wheels, the bike is still not in proper working order. The best course of action remains to have it properly repaired so that all components function as designed, ensuring both safety and longevity for the bicycle.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a mechanical failure in training wheels, it serves as a timely reminder that child safety is an ongoing practice rather than a one-time fix. As children grow and their skills develop, the nature of the risks they face shifts dramatically. For young cyclists, particularly those transitioning from stabilized to independent riding, the most critical layer of protection is proper personal gear. A correctly fitted helmet is non-negotiable; it must sit level on the head, covering the forehead just above the eyebrows, with straps forming a "V" under each ear and tight enough that you cannot slide more than one finger between the strap and the chin. Beyond helmets, knee and elbow pads provide essential cushioning against the inevitable scrapes that come with learning balance, turning falls from painful incidents into minor bruises.

Equally important is the environment in which the bicycle is used. Training wheels, while helpful for initial confidence, can create a false sense of security by allowing children to lean into turns at speeds they cannot manage on two wheels. As soon as a child demonstrates steady balance, it is wise to begin phasing out the training wheels under close supervision. This transition period requires a safe, flat, and enclosed space free of traffic, pets, or sudden obstacles. Always ensure that the bicycle’s brakes are functioning correctly before every ride. For young riders, squeezing the brake levers should stop the bike smoothly without requiring excessive force; if the levers feel spongy or travel too far toward the handlebars, the system needs adjustment by a professional.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety in your home. Many hazards are not immediately visible but can be mitigated through regular checks. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other relevant agencies so you are notified the moment a recall is announced. When you purchase new children’s equipment, keep the receipt and register the product with the manufacturer to ensure you receive direct updates. Regularly inspect toys, furniture, and gear for loose screws, frayed cords, or worn parts. By making these small, routine checks a habit, you create a safer home environment that protects your family from both known and emerging risks.