I have two recalls to share with you today.  After you check these out and make sure you don’t have the products- be sure to go to CPSC to sign up for your own email alerts.  These alerts come out much quicker than you will hear about the recalls on the news, so be sure you sign up.

1. Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2008
Release #08-364

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 462-2426
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits

Units: About 11,000

Importer/Distributor: Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401″ are printed on the battery.

Sold at: Hobby Stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recall

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08364.html

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2. Electra Bicycle Company Expands Recall of Amsterdam Bicycles; Chain Can Derail and Pose Injury Risk to Riders

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2008
Release #08-365

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 261-1644
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Electra Bicycle Company Expands Recall of Amsterdam Bicycles; Chain Can Derail and Pose Injury Risk to Riders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Amsterdam Bicycles

Units: About 1,500 (about 9,500 bicycles were recalled on July 22, 2008)

Importer: Electra Bicycle Company, LLC, of Vista, Calif.

Hazard: The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle’s chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Electra has received four reports of the chainguard derailing the chain, including one report of minor cuts and abrasion from a fall.

Description: This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. “Electra” and “Amsterdam” are printed on the bicycle’s frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with “EL” or bicycles with chainguards marked “06/08″ are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

Sold by: Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Electra Bicycle to determine if his/her bike is included in this recall. Consumers with a recalled bike can bring it to an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement chainguard part.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Electra Bicycle at (800) 261-1644 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.electrabike.com (pdf)

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08365.html

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