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September 26, 2003
Segways Recalled
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) and Segway LLC have announced the recall of the Segway human transporter (HT), after three people were injured in falls from the scooters. One person sustained a head injury, requiring stitches.
Resembling a souped-up reel lawn mower, the Segway HT can hit top speeds of 17 mph.
However, under certain conditions, primarily when the batteries are low, some Segways may not deliver enough power. In that instance, if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert - the Segway forgets its auto-balancing tricks, and the rider can fall.
The recall affects some 6,000 vehicles. Segway customers can receive a free software upgrade that will correct the problem.
Either that, or customers can turn to an alternate mode of transport, the Megway.
Posted by Sam in Other
and Society / Politics
and Travel