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?

[JeanLM]

Uh...$10 bicycle? Last one I bought was more like $1,000. That's the ones I think get stolen. $10 garage sale bikes don't. Your point, however is well taken. A small expensive anything that's in demand will get stolen, especially in an urban environment where a thing like this works best.

I don't see the utility of this invention unless we redesign all our cities to accomodate them. A bicycle, if you want mobility at an average 12-15 mph, is much better and you get exercise too.

[nimc]

The next step to be reveled is the ultimate power source for these bots…I have an idea what that may be. The battery system will never do…It has to generate its own power. There are clues of what is to come.

[Riflema]

Well... this could be the biggest thing since... the Sinclair C-5

[texgal]

I don't get "IT". As a mom, I'm hauling kids & their stuff, dry-cleaning, groceries and all the other things that moms are requried to haul around. I live on the gulf coast where it rains a lot and I live in Texas where one destination is a long distance from the next.

I'm supposed to get excited about a mode of transportation that will not protect me & mine from the weather, take longer to get me there and allows me little or no space for the persons and things I must take with me? I don't think so. This thing's a toy! I'm thankful for my 6,000 lb UAV( Urban Assaut Vehicle - Big ol' 4 Runner w/"cow catcher" guard on the front) when I hit the freeways in Houston.

[mitchbert]

The potential ways this technology can develop are exciting. From use in large industrial complexes to recreation and urban transport and more. I live fairly central in a large city and I would definately prefer this device to a car for downtown-hopping, at least in decent weather. But where this may truly make its mark is large highly congested Asian cities. Once true mass production is reached you're looking at a form of transport much less expensive than a car and perfectly suitable for that environment. This looks to me to be a winner.

[OldFriend]

Probably only of use in an industrial setting. Can't imagine taking this thing into Starbucks.....LOL....can you?

[Walkin Man]

I think IT is a rich mans toy. I'm sure Bill Gates and Steve Jobs will buy one to tool about the mansion but your average American, I don't think so. I'm impressed by the technology it may have other uses but this scooter is impractical. Nobody is going to give up air conditioning in the summer, heat in the winter, and protection from rain and wind for a 3000 scooter! Lets get real. The bicycle beats IT in every aspect. A bike needs no power of any kind, you provide the balance and it is actually good for you unlike the Segway and at least you get to sit down on it. Of course they rearranged American cities just to accommodate the bicycle , HAHAHA. Just what America needs, another invention to make us give up what little exercise most fat-a$$ Americans get.

[midwestmidnight]

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

On cold wet mornings in Ohio in the middle of January, I still go up to Alum Creek and ride my mountain bike with a few friends. My wife calls it MORON SEASON!

[Bubba_Leroy]

It has been about 40 degrees and constantly raining where I live for 2 days now. Yeah, I'm going to trade my nice warm car in on a $3000 scooter. When monkeys fly out of my butt.

It is a very high priced toy. Someday, if they manufacture enough to get the price down low, it will become a low priced toy.

[KSCITYBOY]

Good for the infirmed other than that a toy for people who don't want to use muscles. Sun City AZ will benefit the most. Watch the lawsuits roll in as people run into each other.

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

Just like that last "rich man's toy", the personal computer, the application and usefulness of the Segway is unrealized as of now. Within 5 years, less than 5% of the population will have one (or a Segway 3.0), within 10 years 25% of the population will have whatever have evolved from this design, within 20 years, kids won't understand a world without individual transport like this. To them, skateboards and bikes will be sports equipment, not a way to run to the local grocery store for Mom. That will be done on an evolved model of what was presented today.

[No!]

Well I've been expecting another "Edison" for some time...

You may think this a toy (so was the TELEPHONE, by the way)

I see genius here....

And there is no telling what this incredibly gifted man will "Think of next"...

This man is John Gault?

[auggy]

I think it will revolutionize the transportation system. IT could be built to enclose your body from the elements. This is just the beginning. Watch what happens.

[BellStar]

"for people who don't want to use muscles" Or those who don't have them?
My dad can stand but he can only walk a little way before he has to sit down.<br5. People wit many handicaps would benefit from this.

[AGreatPer]

"Great practical importance."

I agree with you! However, where do I put the beer can?

[Budge]

I think IT would be a great addition to the RV. I'd love to have one!

[GreenLanternCorps]

IT is a nice enough item, but with all the hype I was expecting something on the order of a Faster Than Light Drive. This will not revolutionize the way most people live. Talk about your disapointments...

[jiggity]

"IT"'s a huge leap in technology that has far reaching implications for other applications. Mmmmmm…like a wearable, stand-up mobility suit for paraplegic perhaps?

Exactly! How much do those motorized chairs go for? About the same price as Segway. This thing allows you to stand up and move around WITHOUT using any handles - it moves by the way you shift your weight. It is completely self balancing and can even move through snow. For the disabled, this is a GREAT invention and worth the price.

[cake_crumb]

I see great possibilites for theme parks and shopping malls. Plus, the technology can be adapted for space exploration, eventually.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

I think "It" should be the mandatory form of transportation for drunk drivers. Other than that, I don't think much of "It."