NEW YORK - A software glitch that can cause riders to be thrown off the ultra-cool Segway personal transporter has prompted the Bedford, N.H.-based Segway Inc to issue a recall of all the 23,500 scooters sold in the United States.
Safety regulators have asked owners to stop using the vehicle. Segway Inc said the problem occurred because the scooters were pushing back users to maintain the maximum speed of 12.5mph. In a statement, Segway said, "This voluntary recall applies to all i Series (i167, i170, i180), e Series (e167), p Series (p133), XT (cross-terrain transporter), GT (golf transporter) and Segway i2 models sold through mid-September, 2006. This voluntary recall does not apply to the Segway x2 model."
Jim Norrod the CEO of the company in an open letter addressed the issue. He said that a free software upgrade would be offered to all users to take care of the glitch. Till date this self-balancing scooter problem has injured six people including one child. "Any injury is too much to us," said Norrod. "This company has built its reputation upon its commitment to safety." He said the company was able to figure out the problem on its own without being advised by third parties. That is why there would be no negative impact, he felt.
In 2003, Segway was forced to recall 6,000 scooters due to a similar problem. In an advisory to customers, Segway said, "All owners should stop using the Segway PT immediately and call 800-750-6557 (toll-free) between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.segway.com to register for a free software upgrade."
