German ebike manufacturer Cube is currently recalling one of its kids’ ebikes. The model involved is the Reaction Hybrid Rookie SLX 400 teamline from model year 2023. According to the online portal “produktwarnung.eu”, Cube is said to have incorrectly stored the wheel circumference in the ebike system for some bikes of this model. As a result, the motor assists beyond the legally permitted value.
Error causes safety measure to fail
In this case, the error is particularly alarming. This ebike uses the Youth Edition of the Bosch Active Line Plus motor. For safety reasons, the motor assistance normally switches off at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour. This is to prevent children from taking certain riding situations at too high speeds and thus being exposed to a greater risk of accidents. However, this measure appears to be undermined by the incorrect wheel circumference.
According to the information published on 8 December 2023, Cube prohibits riding the Reaction Hybrid Rookie SLX 400 teamline on public roads. If riders on this ebike are involved in an accident or are stopped by the police, they may face legal consequences. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to a ban or even the loss of a driving licence. The correct wheel circumference must therefore be stored in the system beforehand.
Cube Reaction Hybrid Rookie SLX 400 teamline
Advice from Cube: Go to a specialist dealer
Those of you who own a Reaction Hybrid Rookie SLX 400 teamline are therefore requested by Cube to take the bike to a Cube dealer immediately. Only there can the fault be corrected. It is not clear from the message from Cube whether any costs will be incurred, who will bear them and how long a correction will take. However, it seems certain that the ebike will comply with the authorisation requirements again immediately after the procedure and can be ridden on the road.
The Reaction Hybrid Rookie SLX is part of Cube’s range for the current season. At a price of €2,449, it comes with a one-size-fits-all frame that is suitable for children between 136 centimetres and 147 centimetres tall. As one of the few Cube models, it is still based on an older Bosch drive system that is not compatible with the Smart System.
Cube Reaction Hybrid Rookie SLX 400 teamline at a glance
- Frame: Aluminium Superlite
- Frame size: 27.5 (XS / 13.5″)
- Suspension fork: SR Suntour XCR32 Air
- Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus, Youth Edition
- Battery: Bosch PowerTube 400
- Display: Bosch Purion
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Magura MT Thirty
- Weight: 22.1 kg
- Maximum permitted total weight: 80 kg
- Price: 2,449 euros
Pictures: Pending System GmbH & Co. KG
