Segway has issued a significant recall affecting approximately 220,000 units of its popular Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP electric scooters. The recall addresses a safety issue involving the scooters’ folding mechanism, which can unexpectedly fail during use.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), this malfunction can lead to a sudden collapse of the handlebars or scooter stem, posing a substantial fall risk and potentially resulting in serious injuries to riders.
Segway has reported receiving 68 incidents of the folding mechanism failing, with 20 reported injuries so far. These injuries have ranged in severity from minor abrasions and bruises to more severe incidents involving lacerations and broken bones.
The scooters involved in the recall were widely sold across the United States at major brick-and-mortar retailers, including Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, Target, and Sam’s Club, as well as through online platforms like Amazon and Segway’s official website. Sales occurred over an extensive period, from January 2020 through as recently as February 2025, highlighting the popularity and broad consumer adoption of these affordable and compact electric scooters.
The Segway Ninebot Max series has been particularly favored among urban commuters and college students due to its combination of performance, affordability, and portability. These scooters typically offer ranges exceeding 20 miles per charge, making them an attractive alternative to cars, public transportation, or even traditional bicycles for short to medium-distance commutes. The ability to fold and conveniently store or carry these scooters has further boosted their appeal, especially in dense urban environments.
However, this recall and others like it in the industry emphasize ongoing concerns within the broader micromobility industry regarding safety standards and manufacturing quality control. As electric scooters continue to grow rapidly in popularity, questions persist about the long-term reliability and durability of certain models, especially in lower-priced segments of the market. Segway has long remained a trusted brand, even after its purchase by Chinese giant Ninebot, but incidents like these can influence public perception, highlighting the importance of robust engineering and rigorous testing procedures.
In response to the recall, Segway advises consumers who own these models to cease using the scooters immediately until repairs can be completed. Owners should contact Segway directly to obtain a free maintenance kit, which includes the necessary tools and detailed instructions for inspecting and adjusting the scooter’s folding mechanism. Consumers can reach Segway’s dedicated customer service team at 1-800-914-6110 or via email at recall@segway.com. Additional resources and details about the recall process are available on Segway’s official recall webpage.
This recall also underscores the critical importance for riders to regularly inspect their vehicles and remain informed about product recalls and safety notices. As the electric scooter market continues to expand and mature, companies will likely face increased scrutiny and pressure to uphold safety standards.
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