Segway is recalling over 200,000 electric scooters that can collapse mid-ride

The Verge - Mar 20th, 2025
Open on The Verge

Segway has announced a recall for its Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP electric scooters due to a defect in the folding mechanism that can cause handlebars and stems to collapse during use, posing a fall risk. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall affects approximately 220,000 units sold since January 2020 across major retailers such as Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, and Amazon. The company has documented 68 incidents of the fault, resulting in 20 injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe broken bones. Segway is offering a free maintenance kit to fix the issue, urging users to stop using the scooters immediately until the necessary adjustments are made.

The recall highlights significant safety concerns and underscores the importance of stringent quality control in consumer electronics. While Segway is not replacing the scooters, the provision of a maintenance kit indicates a proactive approach to mitigate further risks. This development follows the increasing popularity of electric scooters as a mode of urban transport, raising questions about the safety standards and regulatory oversight for rapidly developing personal mobility devices. The incident may impact consumer trust and influence future safety protocols in the industry.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and accurate account of the Segway scooter recall, focusing on the safety risks and the company's response. It effectively communicates the key facts, such as the number of affected scooters and the nature of the recall, making it a valuable resource for consumers.

While the article is mostly accurate and clear, it could benefit from additional perspectives and sources to enhance its balance and source quality. Including consumer reactions or expert opinions would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

The article addresses a timely and relevant topic, serving the public interest by informing readers about potential safety risks. However, it lacks elements that could increase engagement and impact, such as broader discussions on product safety standards or regulatory practices. Overall, the article is informative and well-written but could be improved by incorporating a wider range of perspectives and sources.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the recall of Segway Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP electric scooters due to a faulty folding mechanism. It correctly states that the recall is due to a fall hazard from the folding handlebars and stem. The story mentions the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as the source of the recall information, which is a credible authority on product safety.

The article provides specific figures, such as the number of affected scooters (around 220,000) and the number of incidents reported (68), with 20 resulting in injuries. These details match the available data from official sources, enhancing the article's factual accuracy. However, there is no mention of the sales period or price range, which could provide additional context.

While the article is precise in its main claims, it lacks some details that could further verify its accuracy, such as the exact manufacturing locations and additional context on the nature of the injuries. Overall, the story is mostly accurate but could benefit from additional verification of certain details.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the recall and safety concerns surrounding the Segway scooters, presenting the company's response and the potential risks to consumers. It provides a clear account of the recall process and the company's offer of a maintenance kit instead of replacements.

However, the article does not include perspectives from consumers, industry experts, or safety advocates, which could provide a more balanced view of the situation. Including consumer reactions or expert opinions on the safety measures could have enriched the article's balance.

Overall, while the article presents the company's viewpoint and the factual basis for the recall, it lacks a diversity of perspectives that could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clear, presenting the information in a logical and concise manner. The language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to understand the key points about the recall and the associated risks.

The article effectively communicates the main claims, such as the models affected, the reason for the recall, and the company's response. The use of specific figures and details enhances clarity and helps readers grasp the scope of the issue.

Overall, the article is clear and easy to read, with a logical flow of information that aids comprehension. The clarity of the writing is a strong point of the article.

8
Source quality

The article cites the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as the primary source for the recall information, which is a reliable and authoritative source on product safety issues. This lends credibility to the article's claims about the recall and the associated risks.

However, the article does not reference additional sources or provide links to official statements or reports from Segway or the CPSC, which could enhance the article's credibility. Including direct quotes or statements from company representatives or safety experts would further strengthen the source quality.

Overall, the reliance on a credible source like the CPSC supports the article's reliability, but the inclusion of additional sources could improve the depth and trustworthiness of the information presented.

6
Transparency

The article provides a straightforward account of the recall and the safety concerns, but it lacks transparency in terms of the methodology used to gather the information. There is no explanation of how the data on incidents and injuries was collected or verified.

Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. Providing more context on how the information was obtained and any potential limitations would improve transparency.

Overall, while the article is clear in its reporting, it could benefit from greater transparency in explaining the basis for its claims and the methods used to gather and verify information.

Sources

  1. https://dailyvoice.com/connecticut/trumbull/riders-suffer-broken-bones-as-segway-scooters-fold-mid-ride-sparking-massive-recall/
  2. https://dailyvoice.com/ma/dorchester/riders-suffer-broken-bones-as-segway-scooters-fold-mid-ride-sparking-massive-recall/
  3. https://3bmedianews.com/220000-segway-kickscooters-recalled-20-injuries-reported/
  4. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/recall-alert/1400-segway-scooters-recalled-due-to-injury-hazard-heres-what-to-know/6007605/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHiwwZc6kVQ