Major brand recalls 20,000 e-bikes due to separating rear wheel

Nearly 20,000 electric bicycles are being recalled in the US after a defect was discovered that could cause the rear wheel to separate from the bike, posing a crash risk.

The recall affects certain model year 2026 electric bikes from Trek Bicycle Corporation and its sister brand Electra Bicycle Company. Specifically, it covers Trek FX+ 1 and FX+ 1S models (in both Midstep and Stepover frames) as well as Electra Townie Go! Step Thru and Townie Go! S Step Thru e-bikes sold before October 28, 2025.

According to the recall notice, the issue involves the black rear wheel bolts that connect the motor to the rear frame of the bicycle. The bolts can break when torqued, which could allow the rear wheel to separate from the bike and create a fall hazard.

The affected bikes were manufactured in Taiwan by Hyena, Inc. and sold at Trek stores and authorized retailers nationwide, as well as online, between April 2025 and October 2025. Retail pricing was around $2,100. In total, about 19,890 units are included in the recall (Recall No. 26-220).

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So far, Trek has received seven reports of the rear wheel bolts breaking on affected bikes. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop riding any affected bicycle and contact an authorized Trek or Electra dealer to schedule a free repair. Dealers will replace the original black rear wheel bolts with updated silver rear wheel bolts. As an added incentive, Trek is offering a $10 in-store credit toward Trek, Electra, or Bontrager merchandise for customers who participate in the recall. The credit is valid through December 31, 2026.

Owners can find more information or locate a nearby dealer through Trek’s recall page or by calling the company’s toll-free customer support line.

Recalls from major and minor e-bike brands alike occur from time to time, often complicated by the fact that many of these components are provided by other OEMs and not produced by the bike manufacturers themselves.

Even so, as we’ve often seen in our own tours of e-bike factories, most manufacturers begin the assembly process with quality inspections of components provided by suppliers to ensure such parts are produced to the proper specifications.