If You've Purchased a BOB Jogging Stroller, It May Cause Injury
Since 2012, 200 reports have been filed about the BOB Jogging Stroller, saying the front wheel detached unintentionally.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took legal action against BOB’s parent company, Britax, in February 2018. The parties agreed to a settlement, but some say it wasn't enough because the stroller was not recalled.
If you’re concerned about the safety of the quick-release front wheel, the Good Housekeeping Institute recommends following Britax's directions to get a free replacement part.
A recent Washington Post story made many parents and consumers aware that, though hundreds of reports were filed against certain B.O.B (BOB) jogging strollers, complaining of a front wheel that detached when it shouldn't have, the strollers were not recalled. Even though no recall is in effect, if you've purchased one of the affected strollers, you are eligible for either a replacement part or a coupon toward a new stroller.
What happened?
In February of 2018 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) filed an administrative complaint regarding the safety of certain B.O.B (BOB) jogging strollers. The complaint urged the company to stop distributing affected models, alert the public of the issue, and offer a resolution. The CSPC claimed that since 2012, approximately 200 consumers have reported that the stroller’s front wheel unexpectedly detached while they were pushing it, resulting in injuries.
This lawsuit was later settled in November of 2018. No recall was issued, but the parent company, Britax, agreed to notify consumers and develop an informational campaign that includes instructional videos and incentives for consumers. This content is now available for anyone with the stroller to view.
If you've purchased a BOB jogging stroller, you have to take a few steps to get it fixed.
If you have a BOB strollers made before September 30, 2015, check to see if yours was affected. Models include the Revolution FLEX, PRO, SE and CE as well as Stroller Strides Fitness, Fixed Front Wheel, Sport Utility and IRONMAN models. If you have one of these, we suggest you watch this video outlining installation and proper use of the front wheel and corresponding quick release.
After completing the ten-minute video, you will then have the option of getting a new wheel axle for free (and can choose between a quick-release option or a permanent thru-bolt), or a 20% off coupon for any new BOB stroller. You’ll have to be ready with your serial number and date of manufacture, which you can find on your stroller’s frame.
In order to get the incentives, you must watch the full video and submit your information by January 10, 2020. Only US and Canadian citizens are eligible, and your stroller must have been made between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015. If you have a stroller made between January 1, 1997 and September 30, 2015, you are eligible for 20% off a new BOB jogging stroller through the campaign website as well.
Stay safe while using a jogging stroller.
If you’re a fan of getting a run in while pushing a stroller, here are some other smart ways to make sure you and your passenger stay safe and comfortable.
Avoid using a jogging stroller with infants under 8 months.
Get the green light from your pediatrician and your doctor before you begin.
Don’t hang anything heavy from the stroller’s handlebars, which could cause a weight imbalance.
Keep the stroller’s seat fully upright to give your legs more room to move.
Always check manufacturer instructions to be sure your child is within weight and size requirements.
Anytime you have public safety concerns, you should file a report.
If you’ve encountered a potentially dangerous product or have experienced an injury from one, visit www.saferproducts.gov or call the CPSC’s hotline at 800-638-2772 to file a report. If you visit the website, you can also search through other reports and see if others have had the same complaint that you've had. You might also sign up for general baby-related recalls through the CPSC website. For any baby items you buy, it's a good idea to register your purchase, either by filling out a mail-in card or by registering through the manufacturer's website. This way, if any recalls or notices are issued you will be alerted to such.
Update, 4/15/2019: An earlier version of this story did not include all remedies that Britax is taking. It has been updated to reflect that models as early as 1997 are eligible for a 20% coupon. In addition, clarifications were added to make it clear that the CPSC believes the stroller is fully compliant with all safety standards.
('You Might Also Like',)
