What do FReepers Think of "It"?

Good Morning America

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Good Morning America had extended segments with the inventor of "It", AKA Ginger, a personal mobility device. The co-hosts also participated in a demonstration of the device.

Curious if other FReepers watched and what their reaction is.

Is this an invention of great practical importance, or will it be assigned to the same wing of the Hall of Gadgets that houses the pogo stick?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

My two cents says it will be more of a toy than a useful item, because the rider is fully exposed to the elements and would be very vulnerable in traffic. It might be self-stabilizing, but that wouldn't prevent it from getting knocked down by a car, with disastrous results for the rider.

[twntaipan]

I think the point is that it would occupy some thing other than the highway or roadway, or that in city centers cars will be banned. I live in a very densely populated city (16,000/sq.mile) and the idea of not having to park the thing alone makes this IT worth the money!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Yes, I think I did read that among other applications they might use it in large factories, etc. Still, what are the odds that cars can or will be banned any time soon? Also, how would it handle snow on the road? And it sure would be uncomfortable in cold weather.

[TomGuy]

Rich "kid" toy. If it gains in popularity, trial lawyer ambulance chasers will see a boom in lawsuits from "traffic" accidents and bystander injuries.

I can see it now--sidewalks with a dividing center line, passing lanes, stop lights...

[AmericaUnited]

YAWN!

Other than that, how do you make sure you $3000 toy does not get stolen? People will steal a bicycle worth $10, forget about a $3000 item.

[ResistorSister]

It will eventually end up in the corner of the garage with the inline skates, pogo stick, motorized scooter, and Sir Clive Sinclair's - C5.

[JoeSixPack1]

Ginger can only survive as long as high gas consumption vehicle owners & commercial trucking continue to pay gas tax which provide funding for paved roads. Consistent with present taxation on fuels that power vehicles, this little thing contributes $0.00 to repair, upkeep or paving of the roadways or even sidewalks it is designed to be operated upon.

For the narrow minded greenies its part of their "better world". But, for the realists its a toy with a taxpayer funded gaming arena.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I tend to think you're right. Then again, when the automobile was invented many people scoffed too. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

[spectre]

I think it's a toy and will appear in the Sharper Image catalog when available to the public.

Ashame it doesn't have a seat, as it might be a good travel mode for the physically challenged individual as a replacement for the electric wheelchair.

But hey, Rich kids can beg Mommie and Daddie for one to replace their boring electric scooters.

sw

[umgud]

I'm getting ready to leave for work, which is one mile away. It's very cold and you can bet I'll be in my 4,000 pound scooter today.
Also.....where will the masses ride these things? On the sidewalk or in the street. They don't mix well with people or cars. But I'll buy one when they get near a few hundred $.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

I have sold all my belongings, threw away all my money and am rearranging my life to revolve around "IT", just as their creators said would happen. I am free. I am sooo happy. I am gold plating mine.

Does that answer it for you?

[RedBloodedAmerican]

The inventor already made a two wheeled wheel chair like it. It works.

[Orangedog]

Sure, it looks neat and might be fun to use in ideal conditions as an alternative to a car, but what about when the weather turns foul? I would have no trouble choosing the heated and dry interior of my car over "IT" on a cold and wet day in Ohio in the middle of January.

[spectre]

Cool!

sw

[chance33_98]

My mom would probably love one. Great for when she goes RV'ing and wants to get around. I can see something like this slowly gaining some headway but there (as posted here) a lot of things to be worked out. I would like to see how it does 'off road' like when I go to the creek to fish, how will it handle the uneven dirt trails? I can see where a a bike type seat will be added in short time. I am still waiting for a hover type board though you can take hiking :) Hook me up with one of those with a radio and internet, maybe a cell phone...man I am lazy.

[Sam's Army]

My short take: IT is s*it

[AmericaUnited]

Then again, when the automobile was invented many people scoffed too. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

By the time the "infrastructure" changes to accomodate "IT", the patent will have expired.

[Senator Pardek]

I don't think it will catch on simply because adults will believe they will look silly on one.

It reminds me of the punchline of that dirty "moped" joke: they'e fun to ride, but you don't want anyone to see you doing it.

[Snowy]

It's the first iteration of new technology. The first product of new technology usually isn't very good, but you have to take that first step. I can see where it has its uses. It wouldn't work for me though because I have no place for the groceries, kids, dog, etc.

~Snowy

[Ditter]

Don't you think a brisk walk to work in the cold would be better than a ride on IT? You would arrive warmer because of your walk, IT would get you there but you would feel like you had been standing at a cold bus stop. Besides walking is good for you.