Segway recalls scooters due to problem that can cause riders to fall off

[Up2Late]

(nerk, nerk, nerk...) :evilgrin:

Segway recalls scooters due to problem that can cause riders to fall off

Updated 9/14/2006 6:40 PM ET


(photo)By Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

By Michelle Kessler, USA TODAY
NEW YORK — Segway is recalling every one of its pricey, high-tech electric scooters because a glitch can cause riders to fall off, the company said Thursday. Six people have toppled from the scooters, which Segway dubs "personal transporters," because of the problem, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says. The riders reported head and wrist injuries.

ON DEADLINE: Is the Segway still cool?

The problem occurs when a rider is exceeding the scooter's maximum speed, usually 12.5 miles per hour. A safety feature designed to slow it down can misfire in certain circumstances, such as if it hits a large bump. That can cause the rider to lose balance.

A software upgrade that takes about fifteen minutes to install fixes the problem, Segway spokeswoman Carla Vallone says. Owners are asked to contact the company at 800-750-6557 or www.segway.com to schedule an appointment with a local dealer. They can also ship the scooter back to Segway.

Vallone won't say how much the recall will cost Segway. But the recall is just the latest snafu for the little scooter line luminaries such as Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos once predicted would revolutionize urban transport.

(more al link) <http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2006-09-14-segway_x.htm?POE=TECISVA>

[Deja Q]

1. Oi! That dude's breasts are bigger than mine!

:wow:



:rofl:

[skipos]

2. It is God's way of telling people they should f%cking WALK

and get some excercise.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. They forgot to put the tube on that you

blow into in order to start the damn thing. (Breathalyzer)

[Up2Late]

6. I still like the South Park version better, the one Mr. Garrison invented!

Though I wouldn't want to ride it.

<http://www.southparkstuff.com/season_5/episode_511/>
(The SouthPark show was on before we knew what they were going to look like)

And check out this one <http://www.handsfree-transporter.com/>

[HysteryDiagnosis]

7. Handsfree..... cool stuff that. now if they can be solar charged

while not in use.... yes, I can see these becoming something of a blessing to our tired planet.

[tanyev]

4. So that's what happened.

[yellowcanine]

14. Heh. I was hoping someone would post the * pics. Way to go.

[bullwinkle428]

20. "See? Ah had a DE-FEC-TIVE scooter!"

:rofl:

[w4rma]

5. Doesn't sounds like it cost them much. Just a software version upgrade.nt

[Algorem]

8. They've only sold 23,500 of those pieces of shit!AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

!!!!!!!!After all that hype.Best thing about them was the photo of Bush falling off one.

[spacelady]

9. The SHT always looked like sh*t to me anyway! n/t

[LeighAnn]

10. Schwinn Recalls 100,000,000,000 Bicycles

700,000,000 people have toppled off of them.

[MaineDem]

11. Ok, how many people first thought of Bush falling off the segway?

:evilgrin:

Now he has another excuse.

[Eurobabe]

12. Aren't they about 4 yrs. too late?

[MadHound]

13. I pray that this high priced toy goes away soon

I've never seen the attraction of these things. They're overpriced, impractical, annoying and dangerous little playtoys for the rich and bored set. And now owners are starting to upgrade them with "off road" tires so the owners can scoot over hill and vale. And sadly, I've seen stories about police depts. purchasing one or two of these damn things, like that's really going to help fight crime.

These damn things are one of the most assinine pieces of consumer crap to come out since the pet rock. At least the pet rock had a practical use when you got bored with it, you could toss it out in the driveway or add it to your landscaping efforts. With Segways, all you can do is let it moulder away in the land fill, leaching out toxic metals and chemicals.

[yellowcanine]

15. Actually they are great for postal workers, security guards, etc.

As for "overpriced", compared to what?

[speedingbullet]

16. Sadly True

These are probably helpful considering that people today are generally more sedentary than ever. Growing up, my best friend's father was a Postman. He walked something like 14 miles every day doing his route. Today the postal service would be full of comp claims if they tried to get people to walk that much. If they are faster than a walk, then they can increase productivity and in turn eliminate some jobs. That's always a good thing, right?

[yellowcanine]

17. They are probably still going to have to walk some depending on the lay

out of their route. They are still going to get plenty of exercise. We could create lots of new jobs by getting rid of machines. Would that be a good thing?

[shanti]

19. ???

i think they look pretty cool myself. overpriced, yes, so i won't be buying one anytime soon. i like the idea of using them to climb hilly streets (san fran).

[sidpleasant]

18. Segway had to get laws changed to allow this thing on sidewalks

I have a particular grudge against Segways since a few months ago a Segway rider whizzed around the corner of a building in downtown Hartford and nearly collided with me. Segway lobbyists persuaded legislatures in at least half the states to pass special legislation to allow these things to operate on sidewalks. Wihout the legislation the devices would be restricted to sharing the streets with cars which certainly would have killed the company. Who would want to risk getting hit by a semi or Hummer while riding a Segway? Most of the Segway laws do not require licensing or insurance for operators. The Segway might have some usefulness in a large warehouse or factory but I think they have no place on a sidewalk with children or the elderly.