All 5,000 Tesla Cyberquads for Kids, a ride-on vehicle that the electric vehicle maker sold through its website last Christmas, have been recalled for failing to meet federal safety standards.
The Cyberquad was made by Radio Flyer and sold exclusively on Tesla’s website for $1,900. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the toy is classified as an all-terrain vehicle but doesn’t adhere to requirements for mechanical suspension and maximum tire pressure. It also was produced without a mandatory CPSC-approved ATV action plan, which includes rider training, distribution of safety information, age recommendations and other measures.
Buyers should permanently disable the vehicle by removing the motor controller and can get a full refund by sending the part to Radio Flyer, the safety agency said. One injury was reported: a 36-year-old woman bruised her shoulder when a Cyberquad tipped over while being driven by an 8-year-old.
The battery-powered vehicle, which has a 15-mile range and a top speed of 10 mph, is designed to have only one occupant. It has a steel frame, cushioned seat, adjustable suspension, rear disc braking and LED light bars.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk first broached the idea of a Tesla ATV as part of the Cybertruck reveal in 2019, saying buyers of the pickup would be able to add an ATV as an option. The Cybertruck, due to go on sale in 2021, has been delayed until at least next year. In the meantime, Tesla partnered with Radio Flyer to create the Cyberquad for Kids.
“The ATV is an interesting design challenge because ATVs are pretty dangerous,” Musk told shareholders last year, “and so we want to make an ATV that is the least-dangerous ATV.”
