January 5, 2026 – A recent incident report details a concerning malfunction involving a newly purchased Sohamo electric bike manufactured by G-Force Bike. The front wheel reportedly detached while the rider was braking down a steep hill, leading to injuries and a near-miss with another vehicle. This event raises significant questions about the structural integrity and design of electric bikes built for quick disassembly.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 11, 2025, a newly purchased Sohamo electric bike was being ridden around town. As the rider descended a steep hill on South 7th Street around 5 p.m., they applied the front brake. During this action, the front wheel unexpectedly detached from the bike, rolling down the hill and narrowly avoiding a collision with a passing car at the bottom. The rider sustained road rash injuries to their knee and shoulder from the fall.
Following the incident, the injured rider’s relative arrived to assist. First aid was applied at home. An attempt was made to temporarily fix the bike; the fender was straightened, and the wheel was reattached. Aside from bent components and a broken wheel spoke, the bike appeared to be superficially repairable. However, the experience has left the owner hesitant to ride the bike again. The incident report notes that these electric bikes are designed for quick disassembly to facilitate transport and reassembly for riding, prompting the question of whether their construction adequately addresses potential weaknesses.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several critical safety concerns associated with the Sohamo electric bike:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the catastrophic failure of a critical component, such as the front wheel detaching. This can lead to a sudden loss of control, causing the rider to be thrown from the bike. In this case, the rider suffered road rash, but such an incident could easily result in more severe injuries including fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, or even fatalities, especially given the context of descending a steep hill and braking.
- Collision Risk: The detached wheel itself becomes a projectile, posing a significant hazard to other road users. In this incident, it narrowly missed a passing car, indicating a high potential for secondary accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists, which could lead to further injuries or property damage.
- Design Integrity of Quick-Release Systems: The report notes the bike’s design for quick disassembly and reassembly. This feature, while convenient for transport, introduces potential points of failure if not engineered and manufactured with extreme precision and robust safety mechanisms. A failure in a quick-release or fastening system on a front wheel can have devastating consequences. The incident raises questions about the “dangerous weakness” implied by the incident reporter concerning this design philosophy.
- Who Might Be Affected: Riders of Sohamo electric bikes, particularly during braking or on varied terrains, are at immediate risk. Furthermore, any individuals in the vicinity, including pedestrians, other cyclists, and motorists, could be affected by a detached wheel or an uncontrolled bike.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, the incident resulted in damage to the bike itself (bent fender, broken spoke). Had the wheel struck the passing car, significant damage to that vehicle could have occurred, leading to costly repairs and potential insurance claims.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the serious nature of this incident, consumers who own a Sohamo electric bike, especially those designed for quick disassembly, should take immediate action:
- Stop Using the Product Immediately: Do not ride the Sohamo electric bike until it has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional or until the manufacturer issues a clear statement on the safety of the product.
- Inspect Your Bike: Carefully examine the front wheel attachment mechanism, quick-release levers, and any components involved in the bike’s disassembly/reassembly. Look for any signs of wear, damage, improper fitting, or looseness. Ensure all fasteners are securely tightened according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Seek Professional Inspection: If you have concerns, or if your bike has a quick-release front wheel system, consider having a reputable bike mechanic inspect the assembly to ensure it is correctly and safely installed and functioning.
- Report Incidents: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about the safety of your Sohamo electric bike, please report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
- Contact the Manufacturer: Reach out to G-Force Bike directly to express your concerns and inquire about any safety advisories or recall information.
Manufacturer’s Response
Manufacturer’s Response: No
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.