In the child seat test conducted by the Touring Club Switzerland, the models Chipolino Olympus i- Size and Reecle 360 failed. Although these models meet the legal requirements and can therefore be sold in Europe, the crash tests conducted by TCS have shown a significant danger. TCS tests are more stringent than the approval standards. The tests revealed that the seat shells can detach from the base station when children are strapped in rear-facing. In such a case, the seat and child may be thrown through the vehicle interior, posing a high risk of injury to the child.
TCS strongly advises against purchasing and using these products. The Chipolino Olympus i-Size has been withdrawn from sale by the manufacturer since the test, but remaining stocks may still be available in stores. This applies exclusively to this specific model. There is no statement yet from the manufacturer of the Reecle 360. It should be noted that there are identical seats available particularly online under different names. For this reason, TCS recommends that parents check the number on the orange sticker (located on the bottom of the child seat). The affected Reecle 360 models are not only this model but all child seats with the test seal E8 - 0313715.
Rigorous Testing Procedure
The testing procedures applied by TCS are based on the Euro NCAP vehicle standards and simulate crashes that are significantly more severe than those required by the international approval standard UN R129. Most seats tested meet these tightened requirements and provide good protection. Therefore, the poor performance of the Chipolino and Reecle models represents a particularly concerning exception.
Buyers of these models do not automatically have the right to return or exchange. However, if the seat was purchased less than two years ago, there might be entitlement to claims from legal warranty liability towards the seller.
TCS will publish the full results of the current child seat test with all tested models on 21st October. The mobility club is already urging parents to check their child seat to see if it corresponds to one of the affected models. In case of doubt, TCS advises against further use and suggests contacting the dealer or manufacturer.
TCS Tips for Parents
The Chipolino Olympus i-Size is precisely this model that TCS does not recommend. For the Reecle 360 (ZA10 i-Size), not only this model is affected but also all identical seats with the test seal E8 - 0313715. Always check the number on the orange label (sticker on the bottom of the seat) before purchasing. If your seat is one of the affected models, do not use it anymore and contact the seller or manufacturer. Preferably purchase child seats from professional dealers who offer consulting, traceability, and support in case of problems. Inform yourself about the results of the independent TCS tests, which are published twice a year, to choose a seat with optimal safety levels.
Media Contact:
Vanessa Flack
Media Spokesperson TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 41
vanessa.flack@tcs.ch