Brompton recalls folding e-bikes over risk of front wheel lockup

Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

If you own a folding electric bicycle, you should stop riding it right away. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) agency in the US, ten owners of Brompton e- bikes have reported objects getting trapped between the mudguard and front tire causing the wheel to lock up and crash. Two hospitalizations and nine injuries have been caused by this so far.

The Brompton Electric M2L, H2L, M6L, and H6L are among the models that have been recalled. The mudguard stay and flap need to be replaced in order to get more clearance between the mudguard and tire. The cost of the e- bikes is between $3,500 and $3,800.

Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

Other e-bike makers have had problems with mudguards. Around 1,600 of VanMoof's S3 and X3 e- bikes were affected by the issue back in 2020. A few of VanMoof's mudguards came loose and jammed the wheel when they got caught between the tire and frame.

The first recall on the e-bike happened in April. About 600 bikes were affected by the first recall and had to be returned to the shops for a software update.

The recall only applies to the US and Canada. If we hear back, we will update this story and clarify the global impact of the recall.