Woom Bikes USA is asking consumers to immediately stop using children’s helmets because they pose a risk of head injuries. According to an alert posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website, the helmets were recalled after they failed impact testing by Consumer Reports, which also warned against other brands such as Bontrager’s Ballista MIPs helmet and Morpher Flat-Folding Helmet. CPSC says the recalled children’s helmets fail to meet the federal safety standard. So far, no injuries have been reported.
The recalled helmets were sold in blue, green, red, yellow and purple and in size S or small. The brand name “woom” is printed on both sides of the helmets. Only “small” size helmets are included in this recall. They were sold 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. The helmets can be returned for a full refund. For more information, call 855-966-6872.
Failure to Meet Standards
According to Consumer Reports, the Woom Kids Helmet failed a rear impact absorption test. This means that the helmets may not adequately protect the head from a skull fracture in the event a child falls and hits the back of his or her head. Woom reportedly stopped sales of all its bicycle helmets in the U.S. and Canada as soon as a Consumer Reports shared its findings.
Consumer Reports has said, however, that wearing a helmet is necessary whenever you ride a bike. If you own one of these helmets, experts say it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as possible. Use these helmets only if you don’t yet have access to another helmet and need to ride your bicycle. Consumer Reports’ product safety experts say using one of these helmets in spite of its poor performance is still better than riding without a helmet.
Product Liability Issues
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective bicycle helmet or any other product, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. Injured victims of defective products can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities and past and future pain and suffering. An experienced product defect lawyer can help injured victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Sources: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/woom-bikes-usa-recalls-childrens-helmets-due-to-risk-of-head-injury-recall-alert
