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Recall of Segway Announced by CPSC

Posted by michael on from the safety-first dept.

mshiltonj writes "The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of the Segway human transporter. The hazard is that under certain operating conditions, particularly when the batteries are near the end of charge, some Segway HTs may not deliver enough power, allowing the rider to fall. This can happen if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert."

6 of 569 comments (clear)

  1. Their own dumbass fault by Gibble · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If you continue to ride after the low battery alert, it's your own dumbass fault if you get hurt.

    It's like saying it's Fords fault your engine died because you didn't check your oil.

    --
    Gibble: Descriptive of an emotional state in which one's mind is scrabbling for some purchase on reality
    1. Re:Their own dumbass fault by stratjakt · · Score: 4, Insightful

      These are being marketed as tools for the elderly and others, as an untippable, safe alternative to a wheelchair.

      It isnt so much that they can tip over, but the fact that they're not supposed to.

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      I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    2. Re:Their own dumbass fault by tessaiga · · Score: 5, Insightful
      If you continue to ride after the low battery alert, it's your own dumbass fault if you get hurt. It's like saying it's Fords fault your engine died because you didn't check your oil.
      How often does your engine oil require refilling? And how far can you go on an engine with low oil?

      How about a Segway battery?

      There's a much bigger margin for error on the car. A better analogy would be, wouldn't they recall cars if your car steering and brakes failed every time the "low gas" indicator went on.

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      The bold print giveth, and the fine print taketh away ...
  2. Re:recall just for batteries?? by El · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You misunderstand the market for this device. It is basically a wheelchair targeted at old people that can't walk very well, but still would rather be in a standing position (because, let's face it, most of the world is set up for people of average height). Young people are not going to buy them because they are too slow and too expensive. However, the same people that consider riding a golf cart around a golf course to be good exercise just might buy or rent them...

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    "Freedom means freedom for everybody" -- Dick Cheney

  3. Another reason why bicycles are better. by cryptochrome · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Funny what happens when your amazing balancing anti-walking machine runs out of juice. And once you've picked yourself up off your ass/face, you get to lug your 90lb, $5000 machine someplace safe.

    The humble bicycle, as if there was any doubt, clearly reigns supreme in this class of transportation. For getting around town comfortably, get a comfortable bike. For working around the warehouse, get a work bike or trike. And if you would like the electric assistance without your vehicle becoming useless when the battery runs out, get an electric bike. It's just that easy people.

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    ---If you can't trust a nerd, who can you trust?

    1. Re:Another reason why bicycles are better. by garver · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Oh, give the segway a break. I think it's pretty damned good for a 1.0 release. Bicycles have had almost 150 years to mature. Remember the first bicycles back in the day? How many people do you think we're look at these fools saying "wouldn't it be simpler to just walk?"

      Just getting the segway a decent power supply would make for a vast improvement in stability, durability, and weight.