|
SEGWAY: ON ITS WAY OUT?
by Jane Mundy
The Segway may yet become a great invention, but perhaps the company should have ironed out the glitches before selling its personal transporter to consumers - many of whom suffered personal injury after falling. (Remember George W Bush falling off one?) When a product is faultily designed and has led to personal injury, it then becomes a defective product.
The personal transporter, also called the "smart scooter" can unexpectantly apply reverse torque to the wheels and easily cause fall hazard. Segway Inc. reported six accidents that resulted in head and wrist injuries, broken teeth, a broken wrist and facial injuries, including one that needed surgical repair. As a result, Segway, in conjunction with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, issued a recall in September 2006, involving 23,500 Segways. The company discovered a software glitch that could unexpectedly shift the wheels into reverse, causing riders to fall off. The commission advised all users to stop using the devices until the software was upgraded.
"I love my Segway but I have had two injuries this summer, resulting in a broken wrist and 12 stitches in my chin," said one Segway user. "I was not riding irresponsibly either time. I don't ride my Segway anymore because I am afraid of the potential for future 'software glitches' and I want to be able to trust a product I spent a lot of money on." The machines don't come cheap either: they cost up to $5,000.
This isn't the only Segway recall. One year after the Segway went on sale in 2002, the first 6,000 units were returned after a fuel problem was discovered. This latest recall involves units sold from March 2002 onward (that is, every single one), and involves the i167, i170, i180, p133, XT, GT and i2 models.
The Segway has even more hurdles overseas. In the UK, The Department for Transport invoked the Highway Act of 1835 to ban it from pavements, and EU vehicle certification ruled it off roads.
In January 2007, the Associated Press reported a Dutch ban on Segways from all public roads, bike paths and walkways in the Netherlands. Hundreds of Segways have been sold in the Netherlands. According to the country's Royal Traffic Agency, they could not be allowed to continue using public streets. A spokesperson from the agency said that, because the Segway doesn't have a brake, (you brake by leaning back) it was "clearly not permissible".
If you've been injured while using a Segway PT (also known as the Segway Human Transporter) you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action or lawsuit.
[MORE ARTICLES]
|
 |
|
