Kona Announced A Recall of Kona Wo Mountain Bikes

The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission has announced a recall of Kona Wo bicycles due to the risk of a bicyclist being injured in a fall due to issues with the fork on the Kona Wo. The concern is that the bicycle fork on the Kona Wo bicycles can crack or break at the junction of the crown. A failure of the fork obviously poses a substantial fall hazard which could lead a bicyclist to sustain serious injuries. The recall includes approximately 530 2014 Kona Wo bicycles with a charcoal black frame and silver decals. The word “Wo” is on the top tube of the frame and the word “Kona” is on the down tube of the frame on the side of the seat.

Kona Bicycles Sold Throughout United States

The recalled 2014 Kona Wo bicycles were sold at authorized Kona dealers nationwide from September 2013 through July 2014 for approximately $1,700. The CPSC recommends that riders who have a Kona Wo bicycle that is affected by this recall immediately stop using the bicycle and to contact Kona or an authorized Kona dealer for a free replacement and installation of the bicycle fork.

Recalls occur in an effort to proactively prevent bicycle accidents from a potentially defective product before that accident takes place. In this case, Kona issued the recall even though there were no injuries reported from the issue with the bicycle fork. When a manufacturer discovers a potential product defect, it is required to recall the defective product immediately. 

Illinois Law Protects Bicyclists From Defective Products

Manufacturers of defective products are liable for all foreseeable injuries that occur as a result from use of the defective product. This is known as "strict liability" under Illinois law. The law in Illinois is very clear when it comes to product defects: if a bicyclist is using a bicycle and its components in a normal manner, and the bicycle product fails to work and a bicycle accident occurs, the manufacturer is liable. Under Illinois law, a liable manufacturer would have to compensate the injured bicyclist for their "damages" which would include their personal injuries such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement and lost wages.

Illinois Bike Attorneys At Keating Law Offices

Keating Law Offices is the premiere personal injury law firm representing victims of bicycle accidents in Illinois, including bicyclists injured as a result of a defective bicycle or bicycle component. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and represents clients throughout Illinois. If you have any questions regarding this post or have a question regarding personal injury law, please contact Illinois Bicycle Attorney Mike Keating at 312-239-6787 (Office) or 312-208-7702 (Nights/Weekends). Our staff and operators are available around the clock. You can also email Mike@KeatingLegal.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All e-mails and phone calls are returned promptly. All initial consultations are confidential and free.