Push bikes are a popular choice for parents who want to teach their kids how to ride a bike. As they can make an excellent toy for kids, most of them being toddlers, even inside the house, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) in collaboration with the Department of Consumer Protection, Executive Yuan, initiated a project to monitor their safety. Push bikes are subject to regulatory control and are required to comply with safety requirements specified in CNS 4797.

15 push bikes, randomly purchased from physical stores and on-line shopping platforms, were tested for 4 safety items (chemical, flammability, physical and electric tests) and checked for their compliance with labeling requirements. The results showed that all products passed safety tests. Among them, 4 products did not comply with the requirements of Chinese labeling and 3 products did not comply with the requirements of Commodity Inspection Mark.

BSMI stated that these non-compliant products were subject to the following penalties in accordance with the Commodity Inspection Act:

1.For the 4 products that did not comply with the requirements of Chinese labeling, the business operators were asked to take corrective actions within a specified time limit. A fine of not less than NTD 100,000 and not more than NTD 1,000,000 will be imposed, if corrective actions are not completed before the time limit (Paragraph 1 of Article 59). 

2.For the 3 products that did not comply with the requirements of Commodity Inspection Mark and were found to evade inspection, a fine of not less than NTD 200,000 and not more than NTD 2,000,000 will be imposed (Paragraph 1 of Article 60). Additionally, the business operators will be asked to withdraw the products or take corrective actions within a specified time limit (Paragraph 2 of Article 63).

BSMI explained that push bikes fall under the category of "ride-on toys," which provide children with a sense of speed when riding and playing. Parents should follow the content of the Chinese labeling to choose products appropriate for the age and weight of their kids. The BSMI reminds parents to follow the instructions provided in the user manual to assemble the products and make sure that the locking device is properly engaged. Parents are advised to have their kids wear helmets, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads and other protective equipment, and not to ride and play on roads to avoid injury.

The BSMI indicated that push bikes are not allowed to be released from production premises or imported before they are certified. The BSMI implements an annual market surveillance program to continuously monitor the safety of products on the market. In case noncompliant products are found, the BSMI looks into the causes, makes an interview report and takes actions in accordance with relevant regulations.

The BSMI urges companies to ensure the safety of products and correctness of labeling so as to protect consumers' right and safety. On the other hand, consumers should only buy products that are labeled with the Commodity Inspection Mark if they are regulated by the BSMI.

Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division

Contact Person: Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director

Tel. (O): +886-2343-1763

Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw