Posting Date: September 26, 2003

CPSC, Segway LLC Announce Voluntary Recall to Upgrade Software on Segway™ Human Transporters (gizmodo.net) -- "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."

Reader Comments...

Looks like it's inherently more difficult to design relatively safe failure modes for the Segway than for e.g. cars or planes.

Look out for:

Lawsuits, particularly from third parties claimimg they sufered injury or loss when a Segway misbehaved as described in the article.
Legislation requiring Segway users to have at least third-party insurance.
Increased insurance premiums for Segway users.
Requirements for Segway users to pass a Segway driving test.

Posted by: Philip Chalmers on September 27, 2003 05:06 AM

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