Security deficiencies
Authorities stop trade in Babboe cargo bikes
It is said that the risk of the frame breaking of the recalled bikes is high. photo
© Carsten Koall/dpa
The allegations are serious: Babboe brand cargo bikes are said to have broken frames. Dutch authorities order a sales ban and recalls – and are considering further steps.
The sale of Babboe cargo bikes is prohibited by order of the Dutch authorities shut down due to security deficiencies. “The safety of cargo bikes is inadequately guaranteed,” explained the food and goods inspection authority NWWA. The Dutch company also has to recall the wheels of eight models. When asked in Amersfoort, the company said it was working closely with the authorities.
Trade in Germany is also affected: As a precautionary measure, the company has decided to temporarily stop selling all Babboe cargo bikes, it wrote on its German website. According to its own information, the company is the market leader for cargo bikes in Europe.
Serious security deficiencies
The Dutch TV station RTL initially reported serious security deficiencies. There have been numerous reports that bicycle frames have broken without any external influence. The authority accuses the company of not reporting the defects. The cause of the defects was also not sufficiently investigated and no measures were taken. It is currently being investigated whether criminal investigations should be initiated.
According to the authority, the risk of the frame breaking of the bikes that have now been recalled is high. “This can lead to very serious injuries. For example, if children fall out of the box while cycling. Especially in heavy traffic.” The authority advises customers to stop using Babboe bikes for the time being.
The affected models
These are the models recalled due to major risks: Babboe City/ City-E/ City Mountain; Babboe Curve/Curve-E/Curve Mountain; Babboe Big/Big-E; Babboe Dog/Dog-E; Babboe Max-E; Babboe Mini-E/Mini Mountain; Babboe Pro Trike/ Trike-E/ Trike XL; Babboe Carve-E/ Carve Mountain.
Note from Babboe on German website