Exercise Bikes and Your Child

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that since 1985, there have been over 1,200 amputations of children's fingers because of contact with exercise bikes. Most of the children suffering from these injuries have been under the age of five, and occurred when the child's fingers touched the moving bike wheel or the chain and sprocket assembly.

The Commission has been concerned about the severity of injuries to children, especially because the hazard may not be obvious. Parents are warned to keep children away from exercise bikes. Never use a bike without a chain guard, and when not using the bike, store it where children cannot get to it.