On this page you will find information relating to an important safety warning issued on 2 April 2024 regarding the AIRO 14” balance bike with batch code 05/23, purchased BEFORE 14.02.2024. There are only 53 bikes in the market and each customer has been contacted directly.
AIRO 14” BALANCE BIKE STOP-RIDE
We are issuing a stop-ride safety notice for all riders of AIRO 14” balance bikes purchased BEFORE 14.02.2024 (until the corrective action detailed below is carried out).
FIG 1
FIG 2
REASON FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION
The space between the wheel spokes and the drum brake assembly is not allowed to be between 5mm and 12mm. The photos in Fig 2 above show that a 5mm diameter rod can enter the gap, but the 12mm cannot indicating that it is between these sizes. The gap has been assessed as c.9.5mm. Therefore, it does not comply with EN71 toy safety regulations.
RISK
The risk of injury is that a child may get their finger stuck.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
1) Please stop riding the AIRO 14” balance bike immediately
2) Please email us at info@thehornit.com to confirm your delivery address for the corrective parts
3) Hornit will send you the corrective parts (1 x plastic disc and 1 x washer) required to make the bike compliant within 10 days of receipt of your reply above. You will then need to get the corrective action carried out by a qualified mechanic at your local bike shop at our expense. You will not be able to carry out this yourself as a special tool is required. Please send us a copy of the receipt for an immediate refund (up to £25).
VIDEO DETAILING CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY QUALIFIED MECHANIC
Please show this video to a qualified mechanic so that the corrective action can be carried out. View on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/PJ1KsK-4aKA
We apologise for the inconvenience this will inevitably cause. Your child’s safety remains our top priority.
Team Hornit
FAQs
What is the important safety warning?
On the AIRO 14” balance bikes purchased BEFORE 14.02.2024, the space between the wheel spokes and the drum brake assembly is not allowed to be between 5mm and 12mm. The photos in Fig 2 above show that a 5mm diameter rod can enter the gap, but the 12mm cannot, indicating that it is between these sizes. It has been assessed as c.9.5mm. Therefore, it does not comply with EN71 toy safety regulations.
As a result, we are issuing a stop-ride safety notice for all riders of the AIRO 14” balance bike purchased BEFORE 14.02.2024 until the corrective action has been taken by a qualified mechanic.
Are all AIROs affected?
No. Only AIRO 14”s with batch code 05/23, purchased BEFORE 14.02.2024 are affected. The bike is either red or yellow. There are 53 in circulation and all purchasers have been contacted directly by email. The AIRO 12” is not affected.
How serious is the risk of injury?
The risk of injury is low. The severity of any injury is likely to be superficial. There have been no reported injuries. The risk is increased if the child plays with the AIRO 14” rear wheel. It is extremely unlikely the non-conforming gap could cause an injury whilst riding the bike.
What does the corrective action for the AIRO 14” balance bike involve?
Please take the following actions:
1) Please stop riding the AIRO 14” balance bike immediately
2) Please email us at info@thehornit.com to confirm your delivery address for Hornit to send you the corrective parts
3) Hornit will send you the corrective parts (1 x plastic disc and 1 x washer) required to make the bike compliant within 10 days of receipt of your email above so that you can get the corrective action carried out by a qualified mechanic at your local bike shop at our expense. You will not be able to do this yourself as a special tool is required. Please send us a copy of the receipt for an immediate refund (up to £25).
A video showing the corrective action the qualified mechanic should take can be found here: https://youtu.be/PJ1KsK-4aKA
Can I fit the corrective parts myself?
The corrective action requires a specialist tool to remove the metal disc plate and the procedure involves the rear brake. As such it is essential that a qualified mechanic carries out the corrective action to ensure that AIRO 14” is safe to ride after the corrective action has been carried out and the rear brake works correctly and safely.
How do I know my AIRO 14” will comply with the Toy Safety Regulations after the corrective action?
Having carried out the corrective action ourselves on the AIRO 14” samples were sent for re-testing by Intertek and they were confirmed to be compliant. If the corrective action is carried out (adding a plastic disc and washer) then you know that it is compliant.
If I buy an AIRO 14” balance bike from April 2024 onwards, will I have to carry out the corrective action?
No. All AIRO 14” balance bikes sold from April 2024 onwards have the plastic disc fitted already. This safety warning applies only to AIRO 14” balance bikes purchased BEFORE 14.02.2024.
My AIRO 14” is pre-owned. Could it be affected?
Yes. Unless you can see the plastic disc between the metal drum brake and the wheel. It means that the corrective action has not been carried out. Please follow these steps:
1) Please stop riding the AIRO 14” balance bike immediately
2) Please email us at info@thehornit.com to confirm your delivery address for Hornit to send you the corrective parts
3) Hornit will send you the corrective parts (1 x plastic disc and 1 x washer) required to make the bike compliant within 10 days of receipt of your email above so that you can get the corrective action carried out by a qualified mechanic at your local bike shop at our expense. You will not be able to do this yourself as a special tool is required. Please send us a copy of the receipt for an immediate refund (up to £25).
Is it free to carry out the corrective action?
Your local bicycle shop is likely to charge for their time. Please show them the link to the video: https://youtu.be/PJ1KsK-4aKA and get a quote. The work should take no more than 10 mins, including watching the video. The cost should be £10-15. We will refund up to a maximum of £25 (you will be required to provide us with an invoice or receipt for the work).
How do I get a refund?
Please email us at info@thehornit.com attaching a copy of the bike shop receipt and a photo of the rear wheel showing that the corrective action has been carried out for an immediate refund (up to £25).
Will the corrective action affect the performance of the AIRO 14”?
No, the spacer and washer when fitted correctly will not impact free spinning of the wheel or the effectiveness of the brake or affect the bike in any other way. If after installing the parts you notice the rear wheel does not spin freely or the brake is compromised in any way, please take the bike back to the qualified mechanic that carried out the corrective action or contact us at info@thehornit.com with photos and/or videos so we can help troubleshoot.