Published by If you purchased an Electra (or Trek-branded) bicycle or replacement rear wheel with a coaster-brake system that was recalled for crash hazard—and experienced injury or property damage—you may be eligible for legal review and compensation.
Our legal team offers a free, no-obligation consultation and accepts representation on a contingency-fee basis.
Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
On November 13, 2025 the Trek Bicycle Corporation announced a recall of its Trek and Electra-branded bicycles and matching replacement rear wheels that utilize coaster brakes, after finding the coaster-brake mechanism may fail to engage, creating a risk of crash and serious injury. [1]
The affected units include approximately 68,000 bicycles sold in the U.S. and approximately 6,820 units in Canada. [1]
Although no injuries have been publicly reported to date, the potential for a rider losing control due to brake failure creates a serious liability risk for consumers, retailers, and the manufacturer. [2]
Latest Updates
- November 13, 2025 – The CPSC posts recall notice for Trek and Electra-branded bicycles and replacement wheels with coaster-brake systems. [1]
- November 13–14, 2025 – Trade media report the recall includes models sold from August 2023 through September 2025 and advise consumers to stop using the affected bikes immediately. [2]
- Mid-November 2025 – Trek establishes an online serial-number lookup tool for consumers and begins scheduling free repairs at authorized Trek or Electra dealers. [3]
Product & Usage Overview
The recall covers certain Trek and Electra-branded bicycles equipped with coaster-brake systems, as well as replacement rear wheels with coaster brakes. [1]
Specifically included are models such as Electra Townie Rental 1 Step Thru 2026, Trek Precaliber 12 2026, Trek Precaliber 16 2024/2026, Trek Precaliber 20 2024/2026, and replacement rear wheels for those models. [1]
The recalled items were sold in a variety of colors and at retail prices ranging approximately between $300 and $660 for the bicycles, and between $66 and $77 for the replacement wheels. [3]
Because these are coaster-brake bikes — often used for casual commuting or rental programs — the failure of the braking mechanism can result in a serious crash hazard when the rider expects the brake to engage by pedaling backward.
Injuries & Side Effects
- Crash hazard: The CPSC identifies that the coaster brakes may fail to engage, such that the rider may lose control and fall. [1]
- Risk of serious injury or death: A crash at higher speed or into traffic may result in fractures, head injury, or worse — even though none have yet been officially reported in connection with this recall. [2]
- Property damage: A loss of braking control can lead to collision with stationary objects, vehicles or pedestrians, creating liability for property damage or third-party claims. [3]
Do You Qualify for an Electra Bike Recall Lawsuit?
You may qualify if you:
- Purchased an Electra- or Trek-branded bicycle equipped with a coaster-brake system or a replacement rear wheel included in the recall during the model years and serial-number range specified.
- Experienced a failure or near-failure of the coaster-brake system, sustained injury or property damage, or otherwise had to stop use of the bike because of the recall.
- Have documentation: purchase receipt, serial number (often begins with “WTU”), recall notification, and photographs of the bike and any damage or incident.
- Are within your state’s statute of limitations for product liability, personal injury or property-damage claims; earlier consultation improves preservation of evidence.
Evidence You Should Gather
- Photos of the bicycle, especially the serial number under the bottom bracket (which often begins with “WTU”).
- Retail receipt or bank statement confirming purchase date of the affected model and model year.
- Any service or dealer communication about the recall, including lookup results using the Trek serial-number tool.
- Documentation of any incident: fall, collision, brake failure, or property damage caused by the braking issue.
- Medical records for injury treatment or invoices for property repair in crashes triggered by brake failure.
Damages You Can Recover
Possible recoverable damages include:
- Product replacement costs: The price of the defective bicycle or the replacement wheel, and related disposal or upgrade expenses.
- Medical expenses: Bills for hospital, doctor visits, rehabilitation, or assistive devices if you were injured.
- Lost wages: Time off work or reduced earning capacity due to injuries or recovery time.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, permanent impairment or diminished quality of life.
- Property damage: Repair costs for vehicle, bike, gear or other property damaged in the crash caused by brake failure.
At this time no large multi-plaintiff lawsuit has been publicly filed specific to this Electra bike recall; however law firms are now reviewing potential cases and will assemble consolidated filings as more incidents emerge.
Legal Theories & Liability Grounds
Potential legal claims may include:
- Defective product: The braking mechanism failed to perform as safely intended, posing a known hazard to riders.
- Negligence: Trek and/or its component suppliers may have failed to design, test, control or warn about the coaster-brake defect.
- Failure to warn: Allegations could assert that consumers were not sufficiently warned of the crash risk from brake failure in the affected models.
- Strict product liability: The recalled bikes and rear wheels entered the stream of commerce in a dangerous condition, making them liable even without proving fault.
- Breach of warranty: The bicycles were marketed for safe riding yet contained a safety hazard undermining implied or express warranties of safe performance.
Statute of Limitations & Timing
Claims for product liability, personal injury or property damage typically carry deadlines from one to three years depending on your state and when you discovered the harm. Because this recall was announced in November 2025, acting now helps preserve critical evidence like serial numbers, dealer repair logs and incident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still file a case if my coaster brake didn’t fail but I own a recalled bike?
Potentially — if you own a recalled model and experienced an incident, near-failure, or declined safe use due to the defect, you may qualify for a claim. - Is this a class action lawsuit?
Not yet — but individual claims may be consolidated into a class-type or multi-plaintiff action as more riders report incidents. - What should I do if I still have the bicycle?
Stop using it immediately or only use it after the free repair is performed; record the serial number, contact Trek or Electra dealer, and save all recall communications. [1]
Why You Should Act Now
The Electra bike recall reflects a significant safety defect in a bicycle’s core braking system—particularly concerning because bicycles are used in varied traffic and terrain conditions. If you purchased a recalled Electra or Trek bike, experienced a crash, injury, or near-miss due to brake failure, you should consult a legal professional now to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and strengthen any potential claim.
References
- https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Trek-Recalls-Bicycles-with-Coaster-Brakes-and-Replacement-Rear-Wheels-Due-To-Crash-Hazard
- https://www.bicycleretailer.com/recalls/2025/11/13/trek-recalling-about-68-000-bikes-because-coaster-brake-failure
- https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/trek-bicycles-recall-brakes-crash-hazard-21191906.php