Hearth Record

CPSC, InSTEP LLC Announce Recall of Trailer Bikes

Home product recall 02-148. Announced by CPSC on Apr 25, 2002.

  • CPSC: stop using it
CPSC’s own notice, on cpsc.gov

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The short answer

Announced by CPSC on Apr 25, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.

Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.

What’s wrong with it?

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.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What should you do?

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

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

  • How to reach the firm: Consumers may contact InSTEP at (800) 242-6110 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or by e-mail at info@instep.net. For more information, consumers can log on to the company’s website at www.instep.net

Which ones are recalled?

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.

About 4,300 units, as CPSC gives them.

Hitchhiker III Trailer Bikes.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

CPSC’s photos

CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.

Who made and sold it?

  • Imported by InSTEP LLC, Mendota Heights, Minn.
  • Retail stores nationwide, including Toys “R” Us, The Sports Authority and One Step Ahead, sold the bikes, from February 2001 through May 2001, for between $80 and $110.
Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Was anyone hurt?

CPSC and InSTEP have received 10 reports of universal joint systems failing, including three reports of consumers who suffered contusions and abrasions.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What the record doesn’t say

  • The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
  • The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
  • How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Source:

Hearth Record wrote these lines.

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.

    Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Source:

Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

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