Segway, a name synonymous with futuristic personal transport ever since those goofy two-wheeled contraptions started popping up in malls and tourist traps two decades ago, has hit a rough patch. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that the company is pulling all of its Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP scooters off the market—or at least urging people to stop riding them—due to a pesky little flaw. Apparently, the folding mechanism that makes these scooters so portable can also turn them into a mid-ride collapse waiting to happen. And when they fold unexpectedly, riders go down hard.
According to the CPSC, Segway has already gotten wind of 68 incidents where this exact thing happened. Out of those, 20 people ended up worse for wear—think bruises, scrapes, cuts, and even a few broken bones. That’s not exactly the kind of excitement you sign up for when you shell out a few hundred bucks for a sleek electric scooter. With roughly 220,000 of these scooters sold since January 2020, this isn’t some small-batch oopsie. These things have been flying off the shelves at big-name retailers like Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, and Amazon, making this recall a pretty big deal.
So, how do you know if your scooter’s part of this unlucky batch? The Ninebot Max G30P is the gray-and-yellow model—kinda looks like a bumblebee on wheels—while the Max G30LP rocks a black frame with yellow accents, giving it a stealthier vibe. Both are part of Segway’s Ninebot line, which has been a hit with commuters and casual riders alike for its blend of power, portability, and price. But right now, that portability is proving to be a double-edged sword.
Here’s the kicker: Segway isn’t offering to swap out your potentially rogue scooter for a shiny new one. Nope, they’re taking a DIY approach. The company’s telling owners to “immediately stop using” the recalled scooters and reach out to Segway for what sounds like a bit of a science project. They’ll send you a free “maintenance kit” complete with tools and instructions to tighten up that folding mechanism yourself. The idea is to make sure it stays locked in place while you’re cruising around, so you don’t end up testing your reflexes—or your health insurance—on the fly.
Segway’s website has all the details, including a recall notice urging folks to check their scooter’s serial number (you can find it on the underside of the deck) to confirm it’s part of the affected lineup. From there, you can register for the kit and, presumably, spend a Saturday afternoon playing mechanic. It’s not the most glamorous solution, but it beats the alternative of a surprise faceplant.
This isn’t Segway’s first rodeo with recalls, either. The company’s had its share of bumps over the years—like that time in 2021 when some Ninebot kids’ scooters got recalled because their brakes were a little too enthusiastic, locking up and sending little riders tumbling. Or back in 2006, when early Segway PT models had a software glitch that could make them reverse unexpectedly. For a brand that’s spent years trying to shake off its quirky, niche image and go mainstream, these hiccups don’t exactly help.
The Ninebot Max models, though, have been a bright spot for Segway. Launched as a beefier, longer-range option compared to earlier Ninebots, they’ve earned praise for their solid build and ability to tackle hills and longer commutes—up to 40 miles on a single charge for the G30P, according to Segway’s specs. But a folding mechanism that can’t hold its own? That’s the kind of flaw that turns a glowing review into a cautionary tale.
For now, Segway’s banking on its customers being handy enough to fix the issue themselves—or at least patient enough to wait for the kit and give it a go. The CPSC’s warning is pretty clear, though: don’t ride these scooters until you’ve sorted out the fix. With spring rolling in and more folks itching to ditch their cars for something breezier, that’s a tough ask for anyone who’s come to rely on their Ninebot for getting around.
So, if you’re one of the 220,000 who snagged a G30P or G30LP, take a deep breath, check that serial number, and maybe keep your helmet handy—just in case. Segway’s hoping a little elbow grease and a free toolkit will keep their scooters rolling safely. But after 68 crashes and 20 injuries, you can bet riders will be double-checking those handlebars before they hit the road again.
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