Tesla’s new Cyberquad electric ATV is causing a recall for kids. The recall affects the Model S and X, and it’s because they may not be able to operate the vehicle if they don’t have a driver’s license or other identification. The company says that if you don’t have a driver’s license or other identification, you can’t operate the Tesla Cyberquad electric ATV. The recall is affecting about 1,900 units of the vehicles. The company says that if you do have a driver’s license or other identification, you can still operate the Tesla Cyberquad electric ATV. The recall is only affecting children who are at least 12 years old and are not accompanied by an adult.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that the Cyberquad fails to comply with federal safety standards, particularly with issues related to the mechanical suspension, maximum tire pressure, and kids probably having too much fun on it.
In response, Radio Flyer (which built it) voluntarily issued a recall for the Cyberquad Tesla was featuring on their site. If you’re one of the 5,000 or so people who purchased the Cyberquad for Kids, you can attain your full $1,900 refund by removing the motor controller and sending it back to Radio Flyer.
Removing the motor controller permanently disables the vehicle. “Don’t do it, dad,” one can imagine a kid pleading. “I’ll sign a waiver.”
Along with offering it on their site, Tesla consulted on the ATV’s appearance, which is designed to resemble the standard Cyberquad for adults (recently announced, but not yet released). The kid version features a top speed of 10 mph and is powered by a lithium-ion battery with up to 15 miles of range, making it fantastic for running away.
There have been no reports of any serious injuries, except for one incident when the single-rider Cyberquad tipped over after an eight-year-old child and a 36-year-old adult woman were riding it together, bruising the shoulder of the woman who didn’t read the instructions.
What’s mainly been bruised is the hearts of 5,000 children. But perhaps if one of them manages to fabricate another motor controller for their deactivated Cyberquad, they’ll turn out to be the next Elon Musk.
