Government issues recall for all Segway scooters

WASHINGTON — The maker of the Segway Human Transporter has agreed to recall the motorized scooters because riders have been injured falling off when its batteries are low.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall today, saying that three people had been injured. One suffered a head wound and needed stitches.

The recall involves about 6,000 of the single-rider, two-wheeled scooters that can travel up to 12 mph. The scooter uses gyroscopes to keep it upright, making it less likely to fall or be knocked over.

But the CPSC said that scooters being operated with low battery power may not have enough power to remain upright, causing the rider to fall.

The Segway was unveiled in December 2001 to much fanfare by Dean Kamen, an inventor who holds some 100 patents, including a wheelchair that climbs stairs and the first portable kidney dialysis machine.

Commercial and consumer models on the list include the Segway HT i167 (i series), the e167 (e series) and p133 (p series).

The scooters cost around $4,950 apiece.

The company is offering a free software upgrade. While Segway plans to contact owners, consumers also may call the company toll free at 1-877-889-9020 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays to obtain the free upgrade.

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On the Net:

CPSC announcement: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03553.html

Segway: www.segway.com