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American Morning

A Ride into the Future

Aired December 07, 2001 - 08:55   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JACK CAFFERTY: Looking back for a moment at the week's news, there was one story that didn't focus on the war in Afghanistan. It was "it." The question was whether or not it was the right time to launch a new product, even one supposed to revolutionize transportation.

CNN's Jeanne Moos takes us on a ride into the future.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It looks like a cross between a pogo stick and a lawnmower.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's amazing. It really is amazing. It's unbelievable.

MOOS: Just lean forward to make it go up ramps, through water, over rocks.

(on camera): Do you think you could handle one of these things.

UNDIENTIFIED FEMALES: Yes.

MOOS (voice-over): Before anyone new exactly what it was, it was code named "Ginger," as in Ginger Rogers, for her fancy footwork, though many people called it "it."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK, here "it" is.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MOOS: Until it's unveiling on "Good Morning America."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It just looks so futuristic.

With all the hype maybe you expect something out of "The Jetsons." But instead, what we got was...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Segway human transporter.

MOOS: Not quite the same transporter Captain Kirk used to beam himself up on "Star Trek." What a trek for this star. It's launch began in a midtown Manhattan park.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just want to know how fast I can make it go, that's all.

MOOS: For now, the top speed is 12-15 miles per hour.

(on camera): Run for your life.

MOOS (voice-over): Rookies tend to use the same word to describe their maiden ride.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is cool.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is so cool.

MOOS (on camera): Oh, my God, didn't that hurt you?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No because of the low air pressure.

MOOS (voice-over): Those who used to think that their scooters are hot find themselves suffering from scooter envy.

(on camera): What is this old-fashioned thing you've got on your shoulder?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is a kick scooter. I didn't know it was old fashioned though.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I had my left knee replaced earlier this year, so this will be phenomenal. It will pamper me.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know what I want for Christmas.

MOOS (voice-over): Maybe next Christmas. It will be at least a year before individuals can purchase one.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Will you need a license? Would you need a license to ride this?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

MOOS: But you would need more than 3,000 bucks, and a massive press conference...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm very excited to see.

MOOS: Some media folks were impressed. Others had their doubts.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And, plus, you bump into people. People are not really nice when you bump into them.

MOOS: Gyroscope and computers enable the battery-powered vehicle to read the riders body language.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it's really cool, but it has to, like, fly. MOOS: Ginger doesn't fly, and if you are in the mood for romance, proceed gingerly.

Jeanne Moos. CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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