Woom Bikes USA, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, has issued a voluntary recall for woom ORIGINAL bikes manufactured between 2018 and 2021. This recall affects models with a one-bolt stem clamp design due to a potential safety issue. It has been found that the stem and handlebar assembly on these woom bikes can become loose or detach, which could cause the rider to lose control and fall. This risk is heightened if the stem clamp bolt is not tightened to the recommended torque of 10 Nm using a torque wrench. If you own a woom ORIGINAL bike from these model years, please stop riding it immediately and take the necessary steps outlined below to ensure your child’s safety.
This recall involves woom ORIGINAL bikes in sizes 1, 1 PLUS, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. These affected woom bikes are identifiable by their stem design, which features a single silver bolt to clamp the stem.
Click here to quickly identify your model
Your child’s safety is woom bikes’ utmost concern. To address this issue, woom bikes has developed a straightforward three-step process to determine if your bike is part of the recall and how to secure the stem effectively.
3 Simple Steps to Secure Your woom Bike Stem
To ensure the safety of your woom bike, please follow these three essential steps:
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Step One: Determine if Your Bike is Affected. Use the Online Stem Checker provided by woom bikes. This simple online tool will help you quickly identify if your woom ORIGINAL bike is part of this safety recall.
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Step Two: Order Your Free woom ORIGINAL Stem Safety Kit. If your bike is indeed affected, woom bikes will send you a free woom ORIGINAL Stem Safety Kit with no shipping charges. This kit contains all the necessary components to service your bike’s stem and ensure its safety.
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Step Three: Secure the Stem Using the Safety Kit. Once you receive your woom ORIGINAL Stem Safety Kit, use it to properly secure the stem according to the instructions provided. This will resolve the safety issue and make your woom bike safe to ride again.
For more detailed information, please consult the FAQs below or reach out to woom bikes directly at [email protected].
If you have sold or given away a woom ORIGINAL bike that might be affected by this recall, please share this important safety information with the new owner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the woom bikes Stem Safety Recall all about?
This is a voluntary safety recall for woom ORIGINAL bikes manufactured between 2018 and 2021 that have a one-bolt stem clamp design. The concern is that the stem, which connects the handlebars to the fork, may loosen or detach. If this happens, it presents a significant fall hazard to the rider. The affected woom bikes are equipped with a silver bolt on the stem.
woom bikes is urging all riders of these woom ORIGINAL bikes to stop riding immediately until the stem has been properly serviced using the provided safety kit.
It is crucial to stop using your woom bike until you have completed the required steps!
2. Does this recall affect all woom ORIGINAL bike models?
No, this safety recall is specific to woom ORIGINAL bikes from model years 2018–2021 in sizes 1, 1 PLUS, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. The key identifier for affected woom bikes is the one-bolt stem clamp design with a silver bolt.
It’s important to note that not all woom bikes are part of this recall. The following woom bike models are not affected:
- woom ORIGINAL bikes from model year 2022 and later. These newer models have a redesigned stem.
- woom ORIGINAL bikes manufactured before 2018. These older models have a one-bolt stem clamp design, but they use a black bolt instead of silver.
- All model years of woom OFF, woom OFF AIR, woom UP, and woom NOW bikes are not included in this recall.
If you own any of these woom bike models not listed in the recall, you can continue riding without concern.
3. How can I resolve the stem safety issue on my child’s woom ORIGINAL bike?
To fix the stem safety issue, you need to service the stem using the woom ORIGINAL Stem Safety Kit. Please stop riding the bike until you have followed the instructions included in the kit.
4. What tools are included in the woom ORIGINAL Stem Maintenance Kit? What else will I need?
Each woom ORIGINAL Stem Maintenance Kit contains all the specialized tools needed for this task: a torque wrench, a packet of assembly paste (5 g), and a 5 mm hex key. Detailed instructions are also included in the kit.
In addition to the kit contents, you will need a few common household items: a cloth or paper towels, and a degreaser to clean the fork steerer tube. Suitable degreasers include general-purpose solvents, bike-specific degreasers, dish soap (ensure thorough rinsing), window cleaner, non-greasy disinfectant wipes, acetone (like nail polish remover), rim cleaner, methylated spirits, or isopropyl alcohol.
Do not ride your woom bike until all the required steps have been completed.
5. How will I know when my woom ORIGINAL bike is safe to ride again after maintenance?
Your child can safely ride their woom ORIGINAL bike again once you have carefully and completely followed all the instructions provided in your woom ORIGINAL Stem Maintenance Kit and properly serviced the stem. By applying the assembly paste to the fork steerer tube and then tightening the stem bolt to the correct torque of 10 Nm using the torque wrench, you will ensure the stem is securely attached.
It is important to keep the torque wrench included in the kit and check the stem bolt annually to ensure it remains tightened to 10 Nm. This annual check will maintain reliable friction and long-term safety. If you need to remove the stem for any reason, such as for transporting your woom bike, remember to reapply assembly paste to the steerer tube before reattaching the stem and tightening the bolt to 10 Nm.
6. I purchased a pre-owned woom bike. Could it be affected by this stem safety issue?
Yes, even if you purchased your woom ORIGINAL bike pre-owned, it could still be affected by the stem safety issue. This recall applies to all affected woom ORIGINAL bikes regardless of whether they were purchased new or used. Therefore, it is essential to check your bike.
woom bikes has created the Online Stem Checker to help you determine if your woom ORIGINAL bike is part of this recall. This tool is helpful even if you do not know the original purchase date of the bike.
Once you have identified whether your bike is affected, please take immediate action. Refer to the instructions here and proceed to question #7 for guidance on servicing the stem.
Please stop using the bike until all necessary steps have been taken to ensure safety.
7. How do I properly service the stem on my woom ORIGINAL bike?
Refer to the detailed, step-by-step visual guide available here which provides clear instructions on how to service your woom bike’s stem. You can also follow these summarized steps:
- Check: Verify that your bike is a woom ORIGINAL (model year 2018 to 2021) with a one-bolt stem clamp design.
- Gather Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools: the 5 mm hex key / 5 mm hex key socket and torque wrench from the kit, bike-specific or general-purpose degreaser, paper towel or cloth, and assembly paste.
- Loosen Bolt: Use the 5mm hex key to loosen the stem clamp bolt.
- Remove Stem: Gently pull the stem upwards to remove it from the fork steerer tube.
- Clean Steerer Tube: Thoroughly clean the fork steerer tube using the degreaser to remove any grease or dirt.
- Apply Assembly Paste: Evenly spread a thin layer of assembly paste onto the fork steerer tube using your fingertip.
- Remount Stem: Carefully slide the stem back onto the fork steerer tube. (Tip: Align the stem as straight as possible initially.)
- Straighten Handlebars: Align the handlebars to your desired straight riding position.
- Tighten Bolt to Correct Torque: Using the torque wrench, tighten the stem clamp bolt to 10 Nm.
- Safety Check: Firmly try to pull up and twist the handlebars.
If there is no movement, the stem is properly secured. Your woom bike is now safe to ride.
8. How do I correctly use the torque wrench from the woom ORIGINAL Stem Maintenance Kit?
The torque wrench included in your woom ORIGINAL Stem Maintenance Kit is designed to measure torque from 0–10 Newton meters (Nm). Use it like a standard hex key: insert it into the bolt and turn it clockwise to tighten. As you tighten the bolt, the dial on the torque wrench will indicate the force you are applying in Newton meters. Stop tightening the bolt when the dial reaches 10 Nm. At this point, you have achieved the correct torque. Do not overtighten.
If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties while following these instructions, please watch the instructional VIDEO or contact woom bikes customer support at 855-966-6872 for assistance.
