Two-wheeled Human Transporters recalled for power-use problem that could cause them to topple. September 26, 2003: 1:55 PM EDT By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN/Money Staff Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Segway LLC has recalled all 6,000 of its human transporters sold to date because of a falling hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Friday.
When the batteries on the devices begin to run low, according to an announcement from Segway and the CPSC, there may not be enough power to keep the machine upright. Falls could happen if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert.
The CPSC said Segway has received three reports of injuries that, according to the announcement, may be due to this problem. In one incident, the user sustained a head injury requiring stitches.
Segway said owners should call the company at 877-889-9020 for information about receiving a software upgrade to correct the problem. Segway is also contacting owners directly.
All Segway's shipped as of today will have the upgraded software, according to an announcement released by the company. They will be labeled to reflect the upgrade.
On a Segway Human Transporter, the rider stands on a platform between two wheels, one on each side. The machine is powered by an electric motor. The rider steers by leaning forward or back or, to turn, by turning handlebars. Computers are used to maintain balance. They can travel at a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour. They cost about $5,000.
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Are they going to recall all cars, too, because they may get hit from behind if they run out of gas?
Posts: 6213 | Registered: May 2001
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I'm still reacting with irritation to the "We Will Change the World" introduction of it. Sadly, schadenfreude is not dead.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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Now when are they going to fix the spelling of the name? Or was this like a "Freedom Fries" anti-French thing?
Posts: 11017 | Registered: Apr 2003
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Okay. I thought maybe that was what you meant. It is kinda silly, particularly at that price. I think the price is what puts it over the edge, though. If you could get one for three or four hundred dollars, it would be a really cool high tech scooter. But to pay the price of a used car for one person to be able to go 12.5 mph is a bit extreme.
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the thing about them is that for most people they aren't going to replace cars or expensive polluting modes of transportation. They're going to replace, walking, bicycling, rollerblading, etc...
unless you're really going to take a Segway instead of a cab...
Posts: 251 | Registered: Mar 2002
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I guess I am a hick. I have never heard of these contraptions before. Crazy. I think the name "segway" is really funny too. I guess we'll never be able to conversationally segway again, eh? Each time my professor talks about the assigned text being a segway into next week's lecture, I'm going to have a really funny mental picture of him on a little wheely thing.
Honestly, though - how much more "convenient" can transportation become?
Posts: 8504 | Registered: Aug 1999
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