WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tek Nek Toys, of Mokena, Ill., is recalling about 294,000 battery-powered children's riding vehicles to replace the battery chargers. The vehicles' battery charger or wires can overheat, presenting fire and injury hazards to children.

CPSC and Tek Nek have received 17 reports of battery chargers and wires overheating, while vehicles were being charged. Two consumers burned their hands while unplugging or charging the vehicles.

The Tek Nek vehicles being recalled are powered by one 6-volt battery and were manufactured before April 2000. The vehicles are made of plastic and were sold under the following model names: Prowler, Dodge Ram, Corvette, SPX Motorcycle and Honda. The model name appears on each vehicle. Some models have working lights and horn, engine and music sounds. A label on the vehicle reads "MADE IN CHINA." Tek Nek vehicles are intended for children 1-1/2 to 4 years old, and the vehicles' speed ranges from 1 to 2 mph, depending on the model.

Toy stores and discount department stores sold the vehicles nationwide from July 1998 through April 2000 for about $89.

Consumers should stop using the vehicles immediately and contact Tek Nek at (877) 446-7719 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a free, new charger. Consumers should not charge the vehicles or let children use the vehicles until they have received the new charger.

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