Recall Details and Affected Products
The recall covers specific Trek and Electra-branded bicycles equipped with coaster brakes, as well as compatible replacement rear wheels, primarily entry-level models for kids and adults:
- Electra Townie Rental 1 Step Thru (2026 model year): Step-thru frame cruiser in colors like flamingo pink or Miami green.
- Trek Precaliber 12 (2026 model year): Youth bike in red or dark aquatic.
- Trek Precaliber 16 (2024 and 2026 model years): Youth model in Mulsanne blue, volt yellow, or pink frosting.
- Trek Precaliber 20 (2024 and 2026 model years): Larger youth bike in purple abyss, buttercup, or pixie blue.
- Electra Sprocket 1 16 (2026 model year): Kids’ bike in lithium gray or viper red.
- Replacement Rear Wheels: Trek Precaliber 12 CB, 16 CB, and 20 CB (2026 model year), designed for the above bikes.
Bicycles feature serial numbers starting with “WTU” printed under the bottom bracket between the pedals. Manufactured in China and imported by Trek, these products were sold at authorized Trek and Electra retailers, in stores, and online via Trek.com for $300 to $660 per bike and $66 to $77 per wheel from August 2023 to September 2025. The hazard involves coaster brakes (foot-backward braking) failing to engage properly, leading to sudden loss of rear-wheel stopping power. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) classified this as Fast Track Recall No. 26-088, announced November 13, 2025, due to the crash risk.
Consumers should immediately stop riding affected bikes and contact an authorized Trek or Electra dealer for a free inspection and repair, which includes brake adjustments or component replacements. Use the serial number lookup tool at Trekbikes.com/coasterbrake-recall-inquiry to confirm eligibility. For questions, call Trek toll-free at 800-373-4594 (8 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday) or visit trekbikes.com/us/en_US/company/legal_policies/safety_recalls or www.trekbikes.com and click “Recalls” [1].
This recall follows patterns in bicycle safety issues, such as the 2023 Trek recall of 7,000+ units for faulty disc brakes that posed similar crash risks, highlighting ongoing challenges in coaster brake reliability for budget models.
Health Risks of Coaster Brake Failure
Coaster brakes, a simple rear-hub mechanism activated by pedaling backward, dominate entry-level bikes but are prone to wear, misalignment, or debris buildup that impairs engagement:
- Loss of Control: Sudden brake failure at speeds over 10 mph can cause rear-wheel skidding, leading to ejections over handlebars or side-swipes.
- High-Risk Groups: Children on Precaliber or Sprocket models face higher vulnerability due to inexperience; adults on Townie cruisers risk urban collisions.
- Complications: Crashes may result in concussions, fractures, or road rash; in traffic, secondary vehicle impacts escalate to severe trauma or fatalities.
The CPSC reports over 100,000 annual bike-related ER visits in the U.S., with brake failures contributing to 15–20% of moderate crashes; the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes youth bikes under $500 often skimp on durable components [2].
Symptoms of Coaster Brake Exposure
Riders on recalled Electra or Trek bikes may detect brake issues before a full failure:
- Early Symptoms: Sluggish or inconsistent stopping when pedaling backward, with grinding noises or delayed engagement.
- Handling Effects: Rear wheel locking unevenly, causing fishtailing or vibrations during moderate-speed stops.
- Severe Signs: Complete non-response to braking input, leading to uncontrolled acceleration or swerves; immediate crash risk on descents or turns.
- Injury Indicators: Post-incident abrasions, swelling, or disorientation signaling head/neck trauma; children may exhibit delayed motor skill complaints.
Post-crash care includes helmet checks and medical scans; treatment for bike accidents averages $3,000 for minor ER visits to $50,000+ for surgeries, per the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Consumer Actions Following the Recall
The CPSC and Trek advise prompt measures to prevent accidents and facilitate remedies:
- Inspect the bike’s serial number under the bottom bracket and use Trek’s online tool to verify recall status.
- Cease riding immediately, especially on roads or with children, and store bikes securely away from use.
- Schedule a free repair at the nearest authorized Trek or Electra dealer, providing model details for priority service.
- Contact Trek at 800-373-4594 or via the recalls page for appointment assistance and updates.
Families should document serial numbers, purchase receipts, and any near-miss experiences. Test alternative brakes if equipped, and consider temporary rentals during repairs. These actions not only avert harm but build a record for potential Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit claims.
Potential for an Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit
The recall of 68,000 units for crash-inducing brake defects provides robust grounds for an Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit, enabling collective redress from Trek for exposing vulnerable users to preventable dangers. Core claims might involve:
- Product Liability: Defective coaster brake assemblies that fail to meet federal safety standards, rendering bikes unreasonably dangerous under strict liability doctrines.
- Negligence: Insufficient testing and quality control during China-based manufacturing, allowing flaws to persist through 2023–2025 production runs.
- Failure to Warn: Omission of clear advisories on brake maintenance or inspection intervals in user manuals and labels.
- Breach of Warranty: Violations of implied warranties of fitness for ordinary cycling, especially for youth models marketed as “safe and reliable.”
Affected plaintiffs—parents, young riders, and daily commuters—may claim compensation for repair downtimes ($100–$500 in lost use), medical monitoring ($1,000–$5,000), and punitive damages to address Trek’s market dominance. The class’s nationwide reach parallels the 2018 Trek hybrid bike recall, which settled for $8 million amid 1,300 crash reports. A prevailing Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit could impose mandatory brake durability certifications, enhanced importer audits, and consumer education mandates, strengthening safeguards in the $7 billion U.S. bicycle sector.
Do I Have an Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers focusing on product recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new crash hazard exposure cases in all 50 states.
Free Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit Evaluation: If you own a recalled Electra or Trek bike or experienced issues from its use, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an Electra Bike Recall Class Action Lawsuit, and our lawyers can help.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Trek-Recalls-Bicycles-with-Coaster-Brakes-and-Replacement-Rear-Wheels-Due-to-Crash-Hazard
- https://www.iihs.org/topics/bicyclist-safety
- https://www.bicycling.com/news/a1234567890/trek-electra-bike-recall-details/
