Target recalls thousands of electric scooters because of bad wiring, insulation

Thursday, September 2nd 2004, 9:07 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Target Corp. is recalling 58,950 electric scooters because faulty wiring and poor insulation can pose fire or shock hazards, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

Minneapolis-based Target has received five reports of property damage, including two house fires, caused by the Leoch Electric Scooters and 13 reports of scooters starting or moving on their own, with one person receiving minor scratches.

The commission said the two-wheeled scooters, also known as Red Dragon or E-Scooter, may have improper wiring that causes a short circuit and bad insulation that exposes electrical wiring.

The recalled scooters, manufactured by Leoch E-Vehicle Co. of China, bear model number DK24350-3. They were sold in Target stores nationwide for about $200 from February 2003 through June 2004.

Consumers are advised to stop using the scooters and return them to Target for a refund. More information is available by calling the company at (800) 440-0680, weekdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT.