soapbox

Warning!  There is a menace in our midst, and the masses must be warned!

Segway has just issued a recall on all of their products (scooters? vehicles? what are they called?) due to some glitch that allows the rider to fall off if weight is shifted too far back.  Apparently easily fixed, it’s just a software problem, tweaking the acceleration/compensation ratios.

Hazard: Under certain operating conditions, particularly when the batteries are near the end of charge, some Segway PTs 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.

Incidents/Injuries: Segway Inc. has received three reports of riders falling that may be related to this condition, including one report of a consumer who sustained a head injury requiring stitches.

I just think is funny, probably just because the idea of a Segway is funny.