Folding Bike Accident Reported – ORi AR20

A BikeFolded visitor has just sent me a message regarding his recent accident in South Korea with the ORi AR20 folding bike. The bike is on sale in many Asian and European countries for over $1,500.

Here is the full message:

1. Accident

On the way to work riding on AR20, I was turned over on August 18th, 2016.

I was riding on well-paved bike only road as usual at the speed of 25km/hour. Sudden front wheel detachment caused the accident. I recall flying over the handlebars and slamming into the road, shoulder first, my head next. Thanks to helmet, my head was safe but I felt strong pain on my right shoulder.

2. AR20’s fatal design failure in safety

AR20 is a high-end folding bike, fast and nice in function. But it was proved to have fatal design failure in safety. Front pork of most bicycles is facing downward but as you see in the picture, that of AR20 is facing upward. So it is easy to fall out from the pork. One of my rider group experienced the same case with AR20 but luckily he was not hurt. The accident happened when I already ran 25km on that day. It means QR lever could be loosened and the accident may happen during the ride at any time. The front fork facing upward, injured shoulder. Ori bike should take responsibility for this accident caused by the bike, AR20’s design problem.

3. Damage & Medical Expenses

I was brought to a hospital by my wife. I was hospitalized and underwent a surgical operation next day. I had to stay in the hospital for 9-days and asked 6 weeks treatment and longer rehabilitation treatment. I was supposed to get another operation to get rid of metal pins inside. Treatment fee I have to burden myself is expected to be over 6 million won excluding the insurance. I ask you to admit the AR20’s safety problem and indemnify for my treatment fee and recall the AR20 model. Otherwise, I will do share all through the SNS about AR20’s problem and Ori bike’s attitude.