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CPSC announced the front wheel of the swivel wheel jogging stroller can become loose and detach, posing crash and fall hazards. [1] The firm has received 132 reports of the front wheel becoming loose or unstable, resulting in 215 injuries, including head injuries, sprains, lacerations, bumps, bruises, and abrasions. [1]
215 Injuries Reported
Pacific Cycle received reports of 215 total injuries from front wheel failures. The extensive injury count demonstrates widespread defects across the recalled stroller models.
Head Injuries From Crashes
Children suffered head injuries when strollers crashed after front wheels detached. The sudden loss of the front wheel causes the stroller to tip forward, throwing children’s heads into pavement or obstacles.
Sprains and Lacerations
Caregivers sustained sprains from attempting to control strollers with failing front wheels. The sudden detachment creates violent jerking motions causing wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries, while lacerations occur from contact with broken wheel components.
Recalled Models and Brands
The recall covers InStep Grand Safari Single and Double, InStep Flight Double (models 201AZ and 301AZ), InStep Turismo Single and Double, and Schwinn Discover Single and Double jogging strollers. All models share the defective quick release front wheel attachment mechanism.
Quick Release Lever Failure
The front wheels attach via quick release levers that become loose during use. The lever mechanism fails to maintain secure wheel attachment during jogging and turning maneuvers.
Sold 2010 Through 2016
The strollers sold at small retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Target.com, Toys-R-Us.com, Walmart.com, and other retailers for between $130 and $350. The six-year sales period distributed over 217,000 defective strollers to families.
Repair Kit With Screw-On Attachment
Pacific Cycle provides repair kits replacing the quick release lever with traditional screw-on mechanisms. The kits include replacement securing mechanisms and new warning labels, with installation videos available at pacific-cycle.com.
Front Wheel Detachment During Jogging
The front wheels separate completely from the stroller frames during jogging activities. The vibration and stress from running cause the quick release mechanisms to loosen and fail catastrophically.
Loss of Steering Control
When front wheels become loose, caregivers lose steering control over the strollers. The unstable wheels cause unpredictable veering and tipping before complete detachment.
Forward Tipping After Wheel Loss
Strollers tip forward violently when front wheels detach during motion. The sudden loss of the forward support point causes the stroller to nosedive, ejecting children onto pavement.
Children Ejected From Strollers
The forward tipping throws children from their seats onto hard surfaces. Unrestrained or improperly restrained children sustain the most severe injuries during ejection.
Pavement Impact Injuries
Children thrown from tipping strollers strike pavement with their heads, faces, and bodies. The high-speed impacts from jogging activities cause severe abrasions, lacerations, and skull fractures.
Design Defect in Quick Release Mechanism
The quick release lever attachment systems that fail during normal jogging use are defectively designed. Safe jogging stroller design requires secure wheel attachment withstanding vibration and lateral forces from running.
Inadequate Testing of Attachment System
Pacific Cycle failed to adequately test the quick release mechanisms under sustained jogging conditions revealing progressive loosening. Reasonable testing requires simulating extended running distances on various terrains.
Failure to Warn About Wheel Checks
Pacific Cycle failed to warn consumers to inspect front wheel tightness before each use. Adequate warnings must instruct users to verify secure wheel attachment before jogging activities.
Breach of Implied Warranty
Pacific Cycle breached implied warranties by selling jogging strollers with front wheels that detach during normal jogging use. Products marketed for jogging must maintain wheel attachment during running activities.
Negligent Product Design
Manufacturing jogging strollers with quick release mechanisms prone to loosening constitutes negligence. Stroller manufacturers must ensure wheel attachment systems withstand the forces generated during jogging.
Contact an Attorney
If your child suffered head injuries or other harm from Pacific Cycle stroller wheel detachment, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve the stroller with the failed wheel mechanism, purchase receipts, and medical records.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Pacific-Cycle-Recalls-Swivel-Wheel-Jogging-Strollers