Segway recalls 220K scooters due to fall hazard that has resulted in 20 injuries

ABC News - Mar 23rd, 2025

Segway has announced a recall of approximately 220,000 Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP KickScooters across the United States due to a defective folding mechanism that poses a fall hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that the malfunction can cause the handlebars or stem to fold unexpectedly, leading to injuries such as bruises, lacerations, and even broken bones. So far, there have been 68 reported failures of the mechanism, resulting in 20 injuries. Segway advises consumers to immediately stop using the affected scooters and contact the company for a free maintenance kit to inspect and adjust the locking mechanism.

The recall highlights significant safety concerns associated with increasingly popular personal electric transportation devices. Manufactured in China and Malaysia, these scooters were available at major U.S. retailers and online platforms like Amazon and Segway's website, sold between January 2020 and February 2025 with prices ranging from $600 to $1,000. While Segway assures that no returns or replacements are necessary, the incident raises questions about product quality and regulatory compliance in the rapidly growing e-scooter market, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and consumer awareness to prevent similar issues in the future.

Injuries U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Product Safety Segway Ninebot Max G30 P Ninebot Max G30 Lp Scooter Recall Fall Hazard

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a clear and accurate account of the Segway scooter recall, effectively communicating the essential details and safety concerns. It relies on credible sources, such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Segway, but could benefit from additional perspectives to enhance its balance and engagement. The article is timely and relevant, addressing a significant public interest issue. However, minor errors and a lack of diverse viewpoints slightly impact its overall quality. Improving transparency and including more varied sources could strengthen the story's impact and engagement potential.

Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate in its reporting, aligning well with the information provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other sources. The article correctly identifies the number of scooters recalled (220,000) and the specific models involved (Segway Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP KickScooters). It accurately describes the nature of the hazard, stating that the folding mechanism can fail, leading to potential injuries. The reported number of incidents (68 folding mechanism failures and 20 injuries) matches the data from the CPSC. However, there is a minor inconsistency in the sale period, as the article mentions sales between January 2020 and February 2025, which seems to be a typographical error, likely intending to convey a past date. This minor issue slightly impacts the precision of the report.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Segway, focusing on the recall and safety concerns. It lacks input from other stakeholders, such as consumers who have experienced the scooter failures or independent safety experts who could provide additional viewpoints on the issue. While the article does a good job of conveying the necessary information about the recall, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the essential details of the scooter recall. It effectively communicates the main points, such as the models affected, the nature of the hazard, and the recommended actions for consumers. However, the mention of the sales period extending to February 2025 could confuse readers, as it appears to be an error. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and logical flow, making it easy to understand.

Source quality

The story relies on credible sources, notably the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is a reputable authority on product safety recalls. The inclusion of Segway's statements also adds to the reliability of the information provided. However, the article does not cite any independent sources or experts outside of the involved parties, which could enhance the depth of the reporting by offering an unbiased perspective on the safety issues and recall process.

Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the recall process and the reasons behind it, but it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing. While it mentions the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Segway, it does not provide direct links to the recall notice or Segway's official statements, which would aid readers in verifying the information independently. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as advertising relationships with the retailers mentioned.