Faulty Fork Steerer Tubes in Thousands of Giant E-Bikes Could Lead to Falls, Injuries, and Legal Claims

Giant Bicycle’s Recall of Momentum Vida E+ E-Bikes: A Dangerous Design Flaw

Giant Bicycle Inc. has announced the recall of approximately 6,200 Momentum Vida E+ electric bicycles sold across the United States, including here in New York, due to a potentially dangerous defect in the front fork steerer tube. This component can crack, break, or separate during use, which may result in a sudden loss of control and cause serious crash-related injuries. For cyclists commuting in busy New York City traffic or enjoying the city’s many bike lanes and greenways, this defect creates a serious risk.

The recall includes multiple colors and sizes of the Momentum Vida E+ E-Bike, covering both mid-step and low-step frame configurations. Owners can identify affected units by checking the serial number stamped on the outer left rear dropout or printed on a sticker under the bike’s downtube. If the third character of the serial number is “H,” “J,” or “K,” the bike is included in the recall. Bikes marked with a “G” may also be affected and require visual inspection by an authorized Giant dealer.

Although Giant Bicycle has received four reports of broken fork steerer tubes, no injuries have yet been reported. However, the risk of serious injury is significant and may increase as these bikes continue to be used without proper inspection and repair.

What the Fork Steerer Tube Does and Why Its Failure Is So Dangerous

The fork steerer tube is the critical part of the bicycle that connects the handlebars to the front wheel fork. When functioning correctly, it allows riders to control the direction of the bike and navigate safely. If the steerer tube cracks or separates, the rider can instantly lose steering control, causing them to fall or veer into traffic or obstacles.

In the urban cycling environment of New York, that risk is heightened. Sudden steering failure while commuting through traffic, navigating pedestrian crossings, or riding in a designated bike lane can lead to head injuries, broken bones, spinal trauma, or worse. The fact that this issue occurs in a higher-end e-bike model — with price points ranging from $2,500 to $3,200 — makes it even more alarming.

For many riders, these e-bikes are used for daily transportation, and they may not be aware of the mechanical dangers beneath them until it’s too late. Even a minor crack in the steerer tube can turn into a catastrophic failure with repeated use.

Legal Rights for Injured Riders in New York

Cyclists injured due to a defective Giant Momentum Vida E+ E-Bike may be eligible to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer. In New York, product liability law holds companies accountable when their products are defective and cause harm. The key legal theories in these cases typically include design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn.

If a rider suffered injuries because their front fork steerer tube failed unexpectedly, even if they were following all safety precautions, they may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills and hospitalization
  • Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
  • Property damage (such as the destroyed bike or accessories)

New York’s product liability laws do not require victims to prove that the manufacturer acted negligently—only that the product was unreasonably dangerous and caused injury during expected use. This distinction can make recovery more accessible for victims who might otherwise face hurdles in general negligence cases.

How to Check If Your Bike Is Recalled and What to Do

If you purchased a Momentum Vida E+ E-Bike between September 2019 and May 2025, you should take immediate steps to verify whether your unit is included in the recall. Start by checking the serial number. If the third character is “H,” “J,” or “K,” you should stop riding the bike and contact Giant Bicycle for a free replacement of the front fork.

If the third character is “G,” your bike requires a visual inspection by an authorized dealer before it can be cleared or repaired. Regardless of model or condition, riders should avoid using the recalled bikes until the issue has been professionally evaluated and corrected.

Giant Bicycle is offering free fork replacements and has posted detailed recall information on its website. But while the remedy may address future dangers, it does not compensate riders who have already been hurt.

The Role of the Manufacturer and Accountability

Giant Bicycle Inc., based in Newbury Park, California, is one of the largest and most trusted names in cycling. The company is responsible for ensuring that its bikes are safe for the consumer, particularly when those bikes are priced at a premium and marketed to urban riders.

Manufacturers are legally required to conduct thorough testing and quality assurance before releasing products to the market. When a failure occurs due to poor manufacturing processes, inadequate materials, or lack of sufficient testing, the company can be held accountable for resulting injuries.

If you or someone you love suffered a crash or fall while using a recalled Giant Momentum Vida E+ E-Bike, it is important to preserve the evidence, including the bike itself, medical records, and photos of the incident. These materials can be essential in building a strong claim for financial compensation.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered injuries while using a recalled Giant Momentum Vida E+ E-Bike, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating claims nationwide involving dangerous and defective e-bikes. We help injury victims seek justice and recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Don’t wait to protect your rights. Call Parker Waichman LLP today for a free consultation at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529). Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.

SHARE:
Free Consultation

Parker Waichman LLP

Untitled(Required)

Parker Waichman Reviews

4.8 from 549 Reviews

Related Testimonials

Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.

We Have Many Locations To Serve You
Serving Mass Tort Clients Nationally

We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.

Long Island - Nassau

Parker Waichman LLP

6 Harbor Park Drive

Port Washington, NY 11050

(516) 466-6500

Long Island – Suffolk

Parker Waichman LLP

201 Old Country Road – Suite 145

Melville, NY 11747

(631) 390-0800

New York City

Parker Waichman LLP

59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10038

(212) 267-6700

Queens

Parker Waichman LLP

118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400

Forest Hills, NY 11375

(718) 469-6900

Brooklyn

Parker Waichman LLP

300 Cadman Plaza West

One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(718) 554-8055

Florida

Parker Waichman LLP

27299 Riverview Center Boulevard, Suite 108

Bonita Springs, FL 34134

(239) 390-1000

New Jersey

Parker Waichman LLP

80 Main Street, Suite 265

West Orange, NJ 07052

(973) 323-3603
Nationwide Service

We handle mass torts cases nationwide. Please contact our office to learn more.