Segway Personal Transporters Recalled

By Amy Teeple

Published on September 14, 2006

During a test of a new model of the Personal Transporter (previously known as the Human Transporter), the problem was discovered. Segway reviewed complaints and found six instances of similar occurrences. The incidents resulted in riders suffering wrist and head injuries. The company subsequently notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the need for a recall.

Segway stated that although there is a unique set of circumstances that caused the wheels to unexpectedly shift into reverse, even one avoidable accident was too many.

This is the second recall of the personal scooters, which range from $4,000 to $5,000 in cost. The previous recall occurred in 2003 and involved about 6,000 defective devices that could cause a fall if the unit’s battery required charging.

The current recall affects approximately 23,500 units, including Segway PT i Series models (i167, i170, and i180), p Series models (p133), the cross-terrain transporter (XT), the golf transporter (GT), i2 models, and e Series models (e167).

Consumers who own the recalled models should stop using the units and contact Segway to learn how to get a software upgrade to correct the glitch. Segway may be reached at (800) 750-6557 or by visiting www.segway.com.

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