The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·03553·Announced 2003-09-26

Segway LLC Recalls i Series Human Transporters for Software Upgrade

Segway LLC is recalling approximately 6,000 i Series Human Transporters to upgrade software that may cause power loss and rider falls.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has been reported (one head injury requiring stitches), but no fatalities or FDA Class I classification are present, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for injury reports without critical classification.

Plain-English summary

Segway LLC is voluntarily recalling approximately 6,000 Segway "i Series" Human Transporters (HT) to upgrade the software. The recall includes all i167 models sold to consumers, e167 and i167 models sold to commercial users, and p133 models sold to consumers in test markets. These products were sold directly by Segway LLC and through certain dealers and resellers from March 2002 through September 2003, and were also available through authorized rental agents.

Under certain operating conditions, particularly when batteries are near the end of charge, some Segway HTs may not deliver enough power, allowing the rider to fall. This can occur if the rider speeds up abruptly, encounters an obstacle, or continues to ride after receiving a low-battery alert. Segway LLC has received three reports of falls that may be related to this condition, including one report of a consumer who sustained a head injury requiring stitches.

Segway LLC is directly contacting owners of these products. Consumers should call Segway LLC toll-free at 877-889-9020 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday through Friday (ET) for information on how to receive a free software upgrade. Riders are reminded that appropriate operating techniques, as described in Segway HT user materials, are essential to safety even after the software upgrade.

The recalled product

Product
Segway "i Series" Human Transporters (HT)
Manufacturer
Segway LLC, of Manchester, New Hampshire
Category
Consumer Product — Personal Transportation
Hazard
Affected units
6,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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