April 5, 2012: Todson Recalls Bicycle Child Carrier Seats

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About 40,000 Todson bicycle child carrier seats have been recalled due to laceration and fingertip amputation hazards.

What's the Deal?

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Todson Inc., of North Attleboro, Massachusetts, has recalled about 40,000 Topeak Babyseat™ II Bicycle Carrier Seats. A child can place his or her fingers in the opening at the grab bar's hinge mechanism. When the consumer lifts the grab bar to remove the child from the seat, the child's fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, posing a laceration and fingertip amputation hazard to the child. The firm has received two reports of incidents including near amputations that resulted in stitches and a crushed finger.

Do You Own It?

This recall involves Topeak Babyseat II bicycle carrier seats with model numbers TCS2100, TCS2101, and TCS2102. Model numbers are printed on the product's packaging. The gray, plastic Babyseats were sold in three styles: Babyseat, Babyseat with disc brake compatible rack, and Babyseat with non-disc brake compatible rack. The racks are used to mount the seat to the bicycle. "Topeak" is embossed on the back of the seat and is also printed on a black foam protector that covers the grab bar. A red locking lever on the side of the blue grab bar locks the bar into place.

The carriers sold at J&B Imports, REI, Action and Hawley, independent bicycle dealers, distributors and other retail stores nationwide, and online at REI.com from January 2009 through April 2012 for between $140 and $180.

What Should You Do?

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled carrier seats and contact Todson to receive a free hinge cover retrofit kit. For additional information, contact Todson at (800) 250-3068 between 9 AM and 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.todson.com.

Click here to see the official recall.