CPSC, InSTEP LLC Announce Recall of Trailer Bikes

The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of injury to either of the two riders.

Recall #: 02148
Affected scope: About 4,300

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher. · Updated September 2026

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The CPSC recalled The recalled Hitchhiker III trailer bikes are attached to a lead bicycle by a universal j….

CPSC, InSTEP LLC Announce Recall of Trailer Bikes was recalled and listed by the CPSC in April 25, 2002. Reason: The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of…. Remedy: Consumers should stop using these trailer bikes immediately and contact InSTEP for a free…. Verify recall #02148 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this CPSC recall-The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of….

None
agency class: April 25, 2002
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #02148 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 3 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Product description

The recalled Hitchhiker III trailer bikes are attached to a lead bicycle by a universal joint system with two side bolts and a top-mounted quick-release bolt (as seen in the picture). The recalled NH300 model trailer bikes have the words "HITCHHIKER III" printed in red on the trailer arm and the "InSTEP" logo printed on the bottom tube and the safety flag.

Reason for recall

The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of injury to either of the two riders.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should stop using these trailer bikes immediately and contact InSTEP for a free repair kit with instructions.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute	Value
Agency	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class	Not classified by agency
Status	Active
Recall number	02148
Date reported	April 25, 2002
Date initiated	April 25, 2002
Recalling firm	Not disclosed
Affected scope	About 4,300
Distribution	Not disclosed
Official source	CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should stop using these trailer bikes immediately and contact InSTEP for a free repair kit with instructions.

Check the recall number (02148) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled? ▼

Why was this product recalled? ▼

The bike's universal joint system can fail, causing a rider to lose control of the bike. This poses a risk of injury to either of the two riders.

What should consumers do? ▼

Consumers should stop using these trailer bikes immediately and contact InSTEP for a free repair kit with instructions.

Which agency issued this recall? ▼

This recall was issued by the CPSC on April 25, 2002. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 02148.

How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼

Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

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Similar severity · nearest report date

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This recall: CPSC, reported April 25, 2002. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026