Mass recall of Dutch cargo bikes
By News Desk
April 2, 2024 10:59 PM
Dutch cargo bike firm Babboe said Tuesday it was recalling some 22,000 of its popular cycles over safety fears, around one-third of bikes on the road, including some from Germany.
Babboe had already announced a recall of two models in February but said five more models were now concerned.
"In total, in all countries where Babboe is sold, approximately 22,000 cargo bikes are being recalled and replaced," the company said.
The first cargo bikes will be collected in the Netherlands and Germany in mid-April, with other countries following afterward.
"All owners of these models will be offered a new (cargo) bike," Babboe said.
Cargo bikes, or "bakfiets" in Dutch, feature a large wooden crate at the front to transport children -- or dogs -- and are ubiquitous in the Netherlands.
"The majority of our customers can get back on the road after an inspection/repair," said Gerard Feenema, director of Babboe, in a statement.
"We understand that this is annoying for our customers, and have therefore done our best to find a suitable solution and compensate them," added Feenema.
"Our goal is to get everyone back on the road safely."
In February, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) concluded there were "defects in the frame and/or other parts" that could lead to "serious injury."