NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2002
Release # 02-081

Kent Recall Hotline: (800) 451-5368
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183

CPSC, Kent International Inc. Announce Recall of "Midget Racer" Mini-Bicycles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kent International Inc. of Parsippany, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 28,000 "Midget Racer" mini-bicycles. The front fork assembly on these mini-bicycles can loosen or break, and cause the rider to lose control and crash.

Kent International has not received any reports of injuries or incidents relating to the front forks on these mini-bicycles breaking. This recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.

The "Midget Racer" mini-bicycle is yellow with 8-inch black rubber tires, black seat and black handgrips. The mini-bicycle is about 31- inches long and 23-inches high. "MIDGET RACER" and "KENT" are written in red lettering on the frame of the bicycle.

Discount department, bicycle, wholesale club and toy stores sold these mini-bicycles in New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Minnesota and Massachusetts from October 2001 through November 2001 for about $70.

Consumers should stop using these Midget Racer mini-bicycles immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund or to receive a replacement mini-bicycle. For further information, call Kent International at (800) 451-5368 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Kent previously notified many of the consumers who purchased the recalled mini-bicycles about the recall, but about 2,200 of the mini- bicycles still have not been returned.

All Kent mini-bicycles have black plastic caps on the tops of the front-wheel fork. Kent mini-bicycles with black plastic caps covering the chrome portion of the tops and sides of the front-wheel fork are not included in this recall.