Helmet recalls

There are 44 recalls of bike and sports helmets in childow’s copy of the federal recall data, from February 24, 2021 to September 24, 2026. 14 were announced in 2026 so far, and 6 in 2025. The most recent is “5Color Recalls Children’s Bicycle Helmet and Pads Sets Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Head Injury; Violate Mandatory Standard for Bicycle Helmets” (CPSC 26789, September 24, 2026).

Counted from the hazard text of each notice, the hazards named most often are head injury (42), falls (3), burns or fire (3), ingestion of magnets, batteries or water beads (2). A single notice can name more than one hazard, so these counts overlap. The remedies offered most often are a refund (43 notices), a replacement (5 notices).

The federal rule for these products is 16 CFR part 1203 (bicycle helmets). A recall notice names the product, how to identify it (usually a model number, a date code or a description of the label), the hazard, and what the company will do. To check your own helmet, find the label on the product itself, compare the model number and manufacture date with the notice, and stop using it if they match. Then follow the remedy on the notice.

CPSC notices do not carry a structured model field, so Recall Watch matches registered products by brand and product type and labels every hit “possible match: check the model number on the notice”. Registering the helmet with its maker is still the most direct way to be told about a recall.