“IT” is here.

The secret invention of Dean Kamen that was overhyped for close to a year was finally revealed – a battery-operated motorized scooter.

Segway, the name of the new invention, is being heralded as a possible replacement for automobiles in metropolitan areas.

Let’s hope not.

One thing Kamen must have forgotten is that the passenger stands out in the open; they are not covered whatsoever. Kamen claims the scooter can handle driving on ice with no problem.

The problem however, is that it may very well drive nicely in slippery conditions, but it isn’t even enclosed. No one wants to freeze to death on a motorized cart.

Another dandy is the speed at which it can travel – 17 mph.

Most people have a hard time staying at the speed limit, yet this thing can’t even speed in a residential area.

Since January people in the media have been captivated by this “IT” or “Ginger,” as it was being called. “It could change the world,” everyone was told. And it very well may just do that. But its revelation as a motorized scooter certainly didn’t live up to the hype.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell