Segway Scooter Class Action Lawsuit: Are These Rides Dangerous?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Segway's Ninebot Max scooters have a dangerous folding mechanism defect that can cause crashes and serious injuries.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased the recalled Segway Ninebot Max G30P or Max G30LP KickScooters.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware

Segway is facing legal action over claims that its Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP KickScooters have a dangerous defect that puts riders at serious risk.

In a new lawsuit, a rider alleges that the scooters’ folding mechanism can fail mid-ride, causing the handlebars or stem to collapse and leading to serious injuries. Despite issuing a recall, Segway has refused to offer refunds or replacements, leaving consumers with limited options, the lawsuit claims.

Riders Thrown Off Balance

Barton Cicero, an experienced rider from Boston, filed the proposed class action lawsuit after his scooter collapsed while he was riding in February 2025, causing him to suffer a dislocated shoulder, a torn rotator cuff, and a fractured shoulder. He was rushed to the emergency room and was unable to retrieve his scooter, which was left at the scene and later disappeared.

The lawsuit details multiple instances of riders being thrown to the pavement or even into traffic when the scooters suddenly folded while in use. Like many others, Cicero relied on Segway’s marketing, which described the scooters as safe, durable, and ideal for commuting and recreation. The lawsuit argues that Segway knowingly sold defective scooters without warning consumers of the risk, leaving them blindsided by dangerous failures.

Recall Fails to Protect Consumers, Lawsuit Claims

In March 2025, Segway and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of approximately 220,000 scooters. The recall notice warned consumers to stop using the products immediately due to the folding mechanism’s risk of failure. Segway acknowledged receiving at least 68 reports of folding mechanism failures and 20 injury reports involving abrasions, bruises, lacerations, and broken bones.

However, the recall has been criticized as inadequate. Rather than offering refunds or replacements, Segway has only provided a maintenance kit, which consumers must use to attempt their own repairs. The lawsuit argues that this places an unreasonable burden on customers, many of whom may not feel comfortable or equipped to conduct such repairs. Those who lost their scooters in accidents or discarded them after incidents are left with no recourse at all.

Safety Concerns Rise Over Rideable Devices

Segway is not alone in facing legal action over potentially dangerous rideable products. Last month, a lawsuit was filed against Matrix Training Cycles, alleging that its stationary bikes have a defect that causes the adjustable seat to drop unexpectedly, posing a fall risk. Similarly, 

Peloton recalled its Tread+ treadmill in 2021 after multiple injuries and a child’s death, later paying a $19 million penalty for failing to report the hazard in a timely manner. Onewheel electric skateboards and John Deere compact utility tractors have also been the subject of lawsuits alleging dangerous defects.

In his lawsuit against Segway, Cicero wants to represent anyone in the US who purchased one of the scooters. He is suing for violations of Massachusetts business laws, unjust enrichment, and fraud by omission, and is seeking injunctive relief, damages, restitution, fees, costs, and expenses.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Cicero v. Segway Inc.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00369-UNA
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• R. Grant Dick IV and Kevin D. Levitsky (Cooch And Taylor P.A.)
• Yeremey O. Krivoshey (Smith Krivoshey, PC)
• Joel D. Smith (Smith Krivoshey, PC)

Do you own a Segway Ninebot Max scooter? Have you experienced any issues with the folding mechanism? Share your story below.