CPSC, Target Announce Recall of Electric Scooters

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.)

Name of product: Leoch Electric Scooters (also known as "Red Dragon" and "E-Scooter")

  Units: 58,950

  Manufacturer:  Leoch E-Vehicle Ltd., of China.

  Importer: Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: Improper wiring can cause a short circuit, posing a fire hazard. In addition, inadequate insulation may expose electrical wiring, which poses a shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Target has received five reports of the scooters causing property damage, including two reported house fires. There have also been 13 reports of scooters starting and/or moving on their own, causing one consumer to receive minor scratches as a result.

Description: The recall involves Leoch-brand scooters that were also sold under the name "Red Dragon" and "E-Scooter." The scooters have a seat, two wheels and footrests on each side. A sticker on the left footrest reads, "E- Scooter." On the right footrest is a sticker with a horse-head image. A serial number is printed underneath the left footrest. The affected scooter's model number is DK24350-3.

Sold at: Target stores nationwide from February 2003 through June 2004 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the scooters immediately and return them to any Target store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Target toll-free at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.target.com/.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products -- such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals -- contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 or visit CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.