A THOMASTOWN importer will refund customers who bought illegal miniature motorbikes, also known as monkey bikes.
The bikes were banned because of unsafe brakes and foot pegs, Consumer Affairs Minister Heidi Victoria said.
“Miniature motorbikes can pose real dangers as these are motor vehicles and must meet important safety standards,” Ms Victoria said.
She said importer Mayman Pty Ltd and its sole director, Suling Ye, had agreed to a voluntary recall of 67 bikes sold and to refund the $300 cost of each.
She said Consumer Affairs Victoria seized 108 miniature trail and road bikes from the company last year and recently came to an agreement where the company would refund customers.
“The miniature motorbikes seized are subject to a permanent ban order and failed to comply with the requirements set out in the permanent ban as their braking systems and foot pegs do not meet the minimum required safety standards,” Ms Victoria said.
She said the importer had agreed to contact every customer who had bought a bike, warn them of the dangers and offer a full refund.
The importer had also agreed to place a product safety warning and recall notice at its premises and in a newspaper, and refrain from selling items that contravened consumer laws.
The miniature bikes, also known as pocket bikes and mini bikes, are scaled-down versions of street and off-road motorcycles.
