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spectre · 09-26-2003, 03:56 PM

6,000 Segways recalled.
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U.S. regulators, Segway recall 6,000 scooters

WASHINGTON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - About 6,000 of the much-hyped Segway Human Transporters are being voluntarily recalled for an upgrade because some of the futuristic scooters can suddenly run out of power, causing riders to fall off, U.S. safety regulators and the company said on Friday.

Segway has received three such reports of riders falling off, including one person who sustained a head injury that required stitches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the company said in a statement.

The power problem occurs under certain operating conditions, especially when the batteries are running out, Segway and the safety agency said in the statement, posted on the Internet.

Specifically, the company said in a statement, they can occur "if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert."

Segway officials did not immediately return call for comment.

The Segway carries one person who stands on a small platform between two side-by-side wheels. Leaning slightly forward moves the scooter forward, leaning back makes it reverse course and turns are made by twisting the handle.

The transporter, which took over a decade for investor Dean Kamen to develop, enjoyed more than two years of hype before it went on sale at Amazon.com Inc's AMZN.O online store in March for $4,950.

The Segway "i Series," or HTi167, and all e167 "e series" models sold to commercial users and p133 "p series" models sold in test markets are being recalled for a software upgrade.

Segway said it was contacting owners about the upgrades, but for more information, call the company at (877) 889-9020.
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09-26-2003, 03:56 PM	#60 (permalink)
spectre Junkie	6,000 Segways recalled. <hr> U.S. regulators, Segway recall 6,000 scooters WASHINGTON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - About 6,000 of the much-hyped Segway Human Transporters are being voluntarily recalled for an upgrade because some of the futuristic scooters can suddenly run out of power, causing riders to fall off, U.S. safety regulators and the company said on Friday. Segway has received three such reports of riders falling off, including one person who sustained a head injury that required stitches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the company said in a statement. The power problem occurs under certain operating conditions, especially when the batteries are running out, Segway and the safety agency said in the statement, posted on the Internet. Specifically, the company said in a statement, they can occur "if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert." Segway officials did not immediately return call for comment. The Segway carries one person who stands on a small platform between two side-by-side wheels. Leaning slightly forward moves the scooter forward, leaning back makes it reverse course and turns are made by twisting the handle. The transporter, which took over a decade for investor Dean Kamen to develop, enjoyed more than two years of hype before it went on sale at Amazon.com Inc's AMZN.O online store in March for $4,950. The Segway "i Series," or HTi167, and all e167 "e series" models sold to commercial users and p133 "p series" models sold in test markets are being recalled for a software upgrade. Segway said it was contacting owners about the upgrades, but for more information, call the company at (877) 889-9020. <hr> __________________ "Fuck these chains No goddamn slave I will be different" ~ Machine Head