Radio Flyer has recalled the Tesla Cyberquad for Kids it built in partnership with Tesla for failing to meet safety standards. The company will issue full refunds to any buyers. To make matters worse, it looks like this all happened because an adult crashed one.
To be fair, there’s more to the story than that. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the electric toy “fails to comply with the federal mandatory safety standard requirements for youth ATVs, including mechanical suspension and maximum tire pressure.”
Tesla announced a full-size adult Cyberquad during the Cybertruck unveiling, and neither is available to buy. However, in late 2021 the company worked with Radio Flyer to release the Cyberquad for Kids with a $1,900 asking price.
The children’s toy is similar to many other replicas toy vehicles sold by Radio Flyer, with styles including Jeep, a Tesla Model Y, and more. However, the Cyberquad for Kids goes 15 miles on a charge and reaches speeds of 10MPH thanks to a 500-watt electric motor and 288 Wh battery pack.
The Cyberquad for Kids is meant for single riders and has a max rider weight of 150 lbs. Unlike similar toys, it has a full steel frame, adjustable suspension, disc brakes, beefy ATV-style tires, Cybertruck-inspired LED lightbars, and more.
Unfortunately, the CPSC report states two people were riding one, a 36-year-old and her daughter, who then crashed and got hurt. The commission then opened an investigation and determined that the Cyberquad for Kids isn’t a toy but a “youth ATV.” Here’s what the recall notice had to say:
“The Cyberquad lacks a CPSC-approved ATV action plan, which is required to manufacture, import, sell, or distribute ATVs. ATV action plans contain numerous safety requirements, such as rider training, dissemination of safety information, age recommendations, and other safety measures. These ATV safety standards are in place to reduce crash and injury hazards, preventing serious injury or death.”
Essentially, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that it violates all-terrain vehicle (ATV) federal safety standards for youths. The mechanical suspension and maximum tire pressure weren’t adequate, didn’t meet the correct criteria, and appeared to lack the proper safety label information on a typical ATV.
So, what now? Well, Radio Flyer says Tesla sold nearly 5,000 units through its online store and asks owners to send back the motor controller and drivetrain for a full $1,900 refund. Removing those parts makes the Cyberquad for Kids inoperable.
The Cyberquad for Kids was undoubtedly more advanced than some of Radio Flyer’s other vehicles, including a Tesla Model S for kids, so it makes sense that it requires a higher safety plan. Still, I find it odd that Radio Flyer didn’t consider this during the manufacturing phase.
For now, the Cyberquad for Kids is no longer for sale, and we’re not sure if it will return.
via The Verge
