CPSC, Manco Products Inc. Announce Recall to Repair of Go-Karts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Manco Products Inc., of Fort Wayne, Ind., is recalling about 91,000 go-karts for repair. These go-karts have guards designed to help prevent entanglements, but riders' long hair or loose clothing still can become entangled in partially exposed rotating components behind the drivers' seats, causing death or serious injury. 

Manco Products has received a report of one death and two reports of serious injuries when teenage girls' long hair became entangled in the rotating components. It was reported that a 13-year-old girl from Idaho, died from a fractured neck when her hair got caught in the drive chain and sprocket of a go-kart she was driving. Another 13-year-old girl suffered a scalping injury, and a 16-year-old girl lost consciousness and suffered severe head trauma.

These one- and two-seat go-karts are powered by gasoline engines. They were sold under the Manco, Phoenix, Fox, Rattler and Coyote labels. Most have brush bars to protect riders from low tree branches and other foliage. The recall involves two groups of go-karts. The first group has black plastic deck covers over the rear axle and brake. Their serial numbers are within the following ranges: 1757022 through 1855821, and 3000010 through 3050632. The second group of go-karts have a cross-over jackshaft drive system. These go-karts have serial numbers lower than 1757022. All the go-karts have a black serial number on a silver label located on the floor pan immediately in front of the driver's seat. Outdoor power equipment dealers; specialty, discount, hardware, automotive parts supply and agricultural supply stores; and motorcycle dealers sold the go-karts nationwide from January 1983 through July 2000 for between $600 and $2,000.

Consumers should stop using these go-karts immediately and call Manco for a free repair kit with instructions for easy installation. Consumers also can contact any Manco dealer to get free installation of the repair kit. For more information, call Manco at (800) 293-0795 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at http://www.mancoprod.com/recall.htm. 

In cooperation with CPSC, Manco Products previously recalled go-karts in 1996 because their rear axles were exposed. One child died and two others were seriously injured when their hair or clothing became entangled in the rotating rear axles. The cross-over jackshaft-type go- karts, which were part of this earlier recall, are included in the current recall. Manco will provide guards for both recalls if needed. 
 

Consumers can also view a video clip about this recall (transcript). This is in "streaming video" format.

Consumers should stop using these go-karts immediately and call Manco for a free repair kit with instructions for easy installation. Consumers also can contact any Manco dealer to get free installation of the repair kit. 

Manco Products has received a report of one death and two reports of serious injuries when teenage girls' long hair became entangled in the rotating components. It was reported that a 13-year-old girl from Idaho, died from a fractured neck when her hair got caught in the drive chain and sprocket of a go-kart she was driving. Another 13-year-old girl suffered a scalping injury, and a 16-year-old girl lost consciousness and suffered severe head trauma.