What was recalled
In January 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving three specific lines of multi-purpose helmets manufactured by Sakar International. This action was taken to address serious safety concerns that could leave users vulnerable during physical activities. The recalled products include the Tony Hawk multi-purpose helmet, the Credhedz Lizard multi-purpose helmet, and the Crayola Dry-Erase multi-purpose helmet. These items were marketed as versatile protective gear, but upon closer inspection of their construction and compliance with federal standards, it became clear that they did not meet the necessary safety requirements for bicycle helmets.
The Tony Hawk brand helmets come in a variety of colors and feature distinctive black straps paired with a black buckle mechanism. To identify if your helmet falls under this recall, you must look at the white warning label located on the inside of the helmet. Specifically, check the top right corner of this label for one of the following item numbers: AGE251TH-GCRM, AGE251TH-NCRM, AGE251TH-BKMT, AGE251TH-BLU-T30-12, AGE251TH-RBW, AGE22SLDTH-BLK, or ACTGEAR242TH-GRN. If your helmet bears any of these codes, it is part of this recall.
The Credhedz Lizard helmets are easily recognizable by their black exterior and a green plastic lizard decoration affixed to the top of the helmet, along with black straps and a black buckle. Like the Tony Hawk models, you must check the white warning label on the interior for an item number. For this specific model, the recalled item number is ACTGEAR241-LIZ, located in the top right corner of that label.
Finally, the Crayola Dry-Erase helmets are white in color and also feature black straps and a black buckle. These helmets were often sold as part of a set that included a five-pack of markers, appealing to younger users or those interested in creative customization. To verify if your Crayola helmet is affected, look for the item number ACTGEAR242071 on the top right corner of the white warning label inside the helmet. It is important to note that while the recall notice provides these specific identifiers, it does not disclose the total number of units sold or the specific retail locations where they were purchased, only that they were available to consumers prior to the January 19, 2023 recall date.
The hazard, explained
When you strap on a bicycle helmet, your primary expectation is that it will stay firmly in place if you lose control of your bike. The specific issue with the recalled Sakar International multi-purpose helmets—spanning the Tony Hawk, Credhedz Lizard, and Crayola Dry-Erase models—is a failure to meet the federal safety standard’s requirements for positional stability and retention systems. In plain terms, this means the internal mechanism designed to keep the helmet securely fastened to your head is not robust enough for real-world conditions. While the helmets may look secure when you are standing still or walking slowly, the straps and buckles lack the necessary friction and structural integrity to prevent the helmet from shifting or coming completely off during a fall.
To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what happens physically during a crash. When a cyclist falls, the body often experiences sudden, violent rotational forces. A properly functioning helmet relies on its retention system to keep the shell positioned exactly over the skull so that the impact-absorbing foam can do its job. If the straps are too loose or the buckle mechanism slips under tension, the helmet can tilt forward, slide backward, or pop off entirely before the head even hits the ground or pavement. This loss of position is critical because it leaves the most vulnerable parts of your head—the forehead, temples, and back of the skull—completely exposed to direct trauma.
The CPSC identified this as a positional stability failure, which essentially means the helmet cannot maintain its correct orientation during dynamic movement. Imagine running with a backpack that has broken shoulder straps; no matter how padded the pack is, it offers zero protection because it isn't attached to your body. In a bicycle accident, speeds are higher and impacts are harder. If the helmet shifts even an inch, the protective foam may miss the point of impact entirely, transferring all the force directly to your head without any cushioning. This specific defect creates a scenario where you might be wearing "protection" that looks effective but is functionally useless at the moment it is needed most.
The risk here is not just about abrasion; it is about blunt force trauma and potential traumatic brain injury (TBI). Helmets are engineered to crush slightly upon impact, dissipating energy over a fraction of a second. If the helmet moves away from the head during that split second, that energy dissipation never happens. The result can be a concussion, skull fracture, or more severe neurological damage. It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported in the official recall data, the physics of this defect means the risk is inherent to the design flaw, not dependent on how skilled or cautious the rider is. A sudden stop or a minor slip can trigger the retention system's failure, turning a routine ride into a serious medical emergency.
Who is most at risk
When we look at the specific nature of this recall involving Sakar International’s multi-purpose helmets, the primary group at risk is clearly children and young adolescents. These products—branded under Tony Hawk, Credhedz Lizard, and Crayola—are marketed toward kids who are learning to ride bicycles or engage in other recreational activities that require head protection. Because these items are designed for younger users, the individuals most vulnerable to injury are those whose developing bodies and cognitive abilities may not fully anticipate the mechanics of a fall or the importance of proper gear usage.
The specific hazard here stems from the failure of the positional stability and retention system. In simple terms, this means the straps and buckles are not secure enough to keep the helmet firmly in place on a child’s head during an impact. Children often have smaller head circumferences and different head shapes compared to adults. If a helmet is designed for a broad range of users but fails the federal stability tests, it is likely to shift, tilt, or even fly off entirely when a child tumbles forward or sideways. A helmet that moves out of position offers little to no protection to the skull, leaving the most critical areas of the head exposed to direct impact with the ground or other objects.
Furthermore, children are inherently more vulnerable in crash scenarios due to their physical size and motor skill development. They are less likely than adults to instinctively brace themselves correctly upon falling. A child might fall awkwardly, landing on the side of their head or directly on top of it. In such cases, a helmet that stays securely in place is the difference between a minor scrape and a serious traumatic brain injury. The risk is compounded by the fact that these are "multi-purpose" helmets, which suggests they may be used for activities beyond just cycling, such as skateboarding or general play. This broader use case means children might wear them in situations where the impact forces are unpredictable or particularly high, yet the helmet’s retention system remains unreliable.
While no incidents have been reported to date, this does not mean the risk is theoretical. The potential for head injury exists every time a child wears these specific models without realizing the straps may fail to hold them in place. Parents and guardians who purchase these helmets for their children based on the appealing branding—such as the popular Tony Hawk name or the recognizable Crayola logo—need to be particularly vigilant. The appeal of the brand might lead to less scrutiny of the fit, but the underlying safety defect makes proper fit even more critical. Therefore, any child currently using a Tony Hawk, Credhedz Lizard, or Crayola Dry-Erase helmet from the affected batches is at immediate risk until the item is removed from service.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your helmet is part of this specific recall requires a careful inspection of the item itself, rather than relying on how it was packaged or where you bought it. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) targets three distinct product lines manufactured by Sakar International: the Tony Hawk multi-purpose helmets, the Credhedz Lizard multi-purpose helmets, and the Crayola Dry-Erase multi-purpose helmets. Because these items may look similar to other safe models on the market, you must verify specific physical characteristics and, most importantly, check the internal labeling for precise item numbers.
First, examine the helmet’s exterior design and color scheme. If you have a Tony Hawk helmet, it will feature black straps and a black buckle. These helmets were sold in various colors, but the strap configuration is consistent across the recalled batch. For the Credhedz Lizard model, look for a black helmet with a distinctive green plastic lizard attached to the top. Like the Tony Hawk version, this model also has black straps and a black buckle. Finally, if you have a Crayola Dry-Erase helmet, it will be white with black straps and a black buckle. A key distinguishing feature of this version is that it was originally sold as part of a five-pack of markers.
However, visual inspection alone is not enough to confirm the recall status. The definitive way to identify a recalled unit is to look inside the helmet for a white warning label. This label is typically located on the interior padding or lining. On the top right corner of this white label, you will find a specific Item Number. You must compare this number against the list below. If your item number matches any of these codes, the helmet is part of the recall and should not be used.
- Tony Hawk Helmets: Look for one of the following item numbers: AGE251TH-GCRM, AGE251TH-NCRM, AGE251TH-BKMT, AGE251TH-BLU-T30-12, AGE251TH-RBW, AGE22SLDTH-BLK, or ACTGEAR242TH-GRN.
- Credhedz Lizard Helmets: The item number on the label will be ACTGEAR241-LIZ.
- Crayola Dry-Erase Helmets: The item number on the label will be ACTGEAR242071.
If you cannot find a white warning label inside your helmet, or if the item numbers do not match the list above, your helmet is likely not part of this specific recall. However, if you are unsure or cannot locate the label, it is safer to contact Sakar directly using the contact information provided in the remedy section to verify the status of your product before continuing to use it.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Sakar International multi-purpose helmets, your immediate priority is to ensure that neither you nor any family member continues to wear them. The first and most critical action is to stop using the helmet right away. These products have been identified as failing to meet the U.S. CPSC federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, specifically regarding positional stability and retention systems. This means that in the event of a fall or crash, the helmet may not stay securely on your head, leaving you vulnerable to serious head injury. Please do not wait until you need to ride; take them out of circulation immediately and store them in a place where children or pets cannot access them. Once you have secured the helmet, do not attempt to return it to the store where you purchased it. The recall instructions explicitly state that retailers are not equipped to handle these returns. Instead, you must contact Sakar International directly to initiate the remedy process. You can reach their support team by calling 800-592-9541 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET, or by emailing support@sakar.com. Alternatively, you may visit the Vivitar website at https://www.vivitar.com/pages/recalls or click on "Recalls" at the bottom of www.vivitar.com. When you contact them, provide the item number found on the white warning label inside the helmet to help them process your claim efficiently. After you have made contact, Sakar will guide you through the return process. They will send you prepaid postage packaging so that you can return the helmet to them at no cost to you. This is an important detail: you should not pay for shipping. Once Sakar receives the returned helmet, they will issue a refund in the form of a $30 gift card. It is worth noting that Sakar is also proactively contacting all known purchasers of these items, so if you see an email or call from them, please respond promptly to ensure your refund is processed without delay. By following these steps, you are not only protecting yourself and your family from potential harm but also ensuring you receive the compensation offered by the manufacturer.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your helmet is among the models recalled by Sakar International, it is important to understand exactly how the company intends to make things right for you. In this specific recall situation involving multi-purpose helmets that do not meet federal safety standards for positional stability and retention, there is no option for a simple repair or an exchange for a different model. Instead, the remedy provided by the manufacturer is a full financial restitution in the form of a gift card. This approach ensures that consumers are not left with a potentially unsafe product while also acknowledging the inconvenience of having to part with it. The process has been designed to be as straightforward and low-friction as possible, removing any financial burden from the consumer regarding the return of the defective item.
To initiate this remedy, you should contact Sakar directly rather than attempting to return the helmet to the store where you originally purchased it. This is a crucial distinction because returning the item to a retailer will not trigger the refund process. You can reach the company’s support team by calling 800-592-9541 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, you may send an email to support@sakar.com for assistance. For those who prefer digital communication channels, Sakar has established dedicated resources on their website. You can visit https://www.vivitar.com/pages/recalls or navigate to www.vivitar.com and click on the "Recalls" link located at the bottom of the page to find detailed instructions and forms.
Once you have made contact with Sakar, they will provide you with prepaid postage packaging. This is a significant benefit, as it means you do not need to pay for shipping or go to a post office to purchase labels. The company will send you the necessary materials to return the helmet completely free of charge. This step is vital because it removes any hesitation you might have about the cost or effort of returning the item. After receiving your gift card, which will be valued at $30, you can use it for future purchases from Sakar or its associated brands. The company is also actively reaching out to all known purchasers on their own, so if you are one of those customers, you may already have received instructions in the mail or via email.
It is worth noting that while the $30 gift card serves as the compensation for the safety defect, it does not replace the immediate need for a safe helmet. The recall notice emphasizes that consumers should stop using the recalled helmets immediately upon learning of this issue. Therefore, while you await your refund details and return packaging, you should prioritize finding a replacement helmet that complies with current CPSC standards. This remedy is about financial restitution for the defective product, not about providing a new safety device. By following these steps precisely—contacting Sakar via phone, email, or their dedicated recall webpage—you ensure that you receive your compensation without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses for the return process.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall is issued for a safety-critical item like a helmet, the most dangerous reaction is often inaction. It is easy to rationalize continuing to use the recalled Sakar International helmets. You might think that because the helmets look fine on the outside, or because you have not yet had an accident, they are still "good enough." However, ignoring this recall creates a false sense of security. The core issue with these specific Tony Hawk, Credhedz Lizard, and Crayola Dry-Erase helmets is not cosmetic; it is structural and mechanical. By continuing to wear them, you are accepting a significantly higher risk of serious head injury than you would with a compliant helmet.
The hazard identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) centers on the positional stability and retention system. In plain terms, this refers to how well the helmet stays in place on your head during a fall or crash. A bicycle helmet is designed to stay firmly positioned over the forehead and temples, where the majority of impacts occur. The recalled helmets fail to meet the federal safety standards for this retention system. This means that even if the helmet appears secure while you are riding normally, it may not hold its position when forces are applied suddenly. In a crash scenario, the helmet could shift, tilt, or come off entirely before impact, leaving your skull exposed to direct trauma. Alternatively, it might stay on but fail to distribute the force of the impact correctly, transferring too much energy directly to your head.
While the recall notice states that no incidents have been reported to date, the absence of reported injuries is not a guarantee of safety. It simply means that, so far, users have not experienced a crash severe enough to trigger a report, or they have not connected their injury to this specific defect. The risk remains latent and unpredictable. Every time you wear these helmets, you are gambling with your head’s protection. Unlike a broken zipper on a backpack, which is an inconvenience, a failure in helmet retention during a fall can lead to concussions, skull fractures, or other traumatic brain injuries. These are not minor setbacks; they are life-altering medical events that require immediate attention and long-term care.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall undermines the purpose of having a helmet at all. You likely purchased these multi-purpose helmets for protection during sports or recreational activities. By continuing to use them despite knowing they do not comply with federal safety standards, you are essentially wearing a shell that looks like protective gear but does not function as intended. The straps and buckles, while visible, are part of a system that the CPSC has determined is insufficient. Relying on them for protection is akin to relying on a seatbelt that hasn’t been tested for crash safety—it might hold you in place during a bump, but it may fail when you need it most. The only way to eliminate this specific risk is to stop using the product immediately and follow the remedy instructions provided by Sakar.