All Segway rollers recalled over safety issue

• Fix installed in Waikiki rentals

By Peter Pae
Los Angeles Times

A Jetsons-like stand-up scooter ridden by everyone from President Bush to Jay Leno has fallen down in the eyes of safety regulators.

The maker of the electric Segway Human Transporter — which has been called both a revolutionary transportation vehicle and a silly fad — agreed yesterday to recall all 6,000 of the contraptions sold, because several riders lost control of them, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.

At least three riders have fallen off Segways when power lagged, including one who suffered head injuries that required stitches, the agency said.

Under certain conditions, the two-wheeled devices may not have enough power to stay upright, such as when trying to speed up rapidly if the battery is waning, said privately owned Segway.

The Manchester, N.H.-based company said the glitch can be repaired with new software. Dealers will install software in the scooter's computer system to better monitor battery power levels; it will automatically shut off the engine when battery levels get too low.

It was unclear whether the voluntary recall would affect sales of the $4,950 machine. Developed by inventor Dean Kaman, a Segway resembles an upright lawnmower with handle bars. It has five gyroscopes to sense body movements, so that when riders lean slightly forward, the Segway zips ahead. When the driver leans back, the Segway stops. The machine can go as fast as 12.5 mph and travel a maximum of 15 miles between battery recharges.

Kamen, who developed various kidney dialysis machines and insulin pumps, spent nearly $100 million developing the Segway, which was unveiled two years ago on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Fans say the Segway is easier to ride than a bike or skateboard. Although it has been marketed to tech-savvy consumers on Amazon .com, sales have been relatively modest. Still, the machine has generated publicity.

Besides Leno, David Letterman has ridden one on his talk show.

Bush gave the Segway some notoriety when he tumbled off one in June. He was not hurt.

The machine has been tested by the U.S. Postal Service, National Park Service and various companies.

Fix installed in Waikiki rentals

Segway Experience of Honolulu, which rents Segways by the hour in Waikiki, said yesterday it had installed new software in its machines that corrects the problems encountered on the Mainland.

Some riders were injured when their Segways fell over after their batteries died. The batteries normally operate for four hours.

"In our case, we only rent for one hour at a time, and when renters return the Segways, we immediately recharge them to full capacity," said Jim Rautio, owner and operator of Segway of Honolulu. The company has never experienced a power failure as described in the recall, he said.

A bill allowing Segways to move along Hawai'i sidewalks was among the measures signed by Gov. Linda Lingle in June.

The law allows the devices to be operated on sidewalks and bike paths at a speed not exceeding 8 miles per hour. Riders need to be 16 or older.