January 2009 New Specialty Toys — Vehicles - Riding

Kids can make their own eco science lab and be a planet-saving sleuth. The kit covers hygometers, humidity, air and CO2, pH monitoring, water pollutants and more through step-by-step beginner activities and later challenges that build knowledge and exercise problem-solving skills. It includes a workbench young scientists can use to organize their methods and equipment. The Eco Forensic Lab was "designed by a world-leading children's science and technology edutainer and learning specialist with many global awards and over 30 years in the field," Agatha Pan, international sales manager for Tree Toys Corp., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This 4-wheel, dual-deck carve board makes it smoother and easier to start carving up the streets. Its fun and much easier to control than older 2-wheel generation boards. The 4-80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 Bearings are smoother and stronger and rarely need to be replaced. Due to the inline wheels, the Shred Sled offers the feel of snowboarding while skateboarding. Editor's Note: Effective September 2010, the recommended retail price for the Shred Sled is reduced from $119.99 to $59.99. According to a press release, "The affordably priced Shred Sled will offer all of its original features that have proven to be a major success, including 4 x 80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 bearings."

The Toot Scoot has no pedals or training wheels. Children sit on the seat while pushing off the ground with their feet, scooting themselves and the bike forward. By first learning balance, coordination and motor skills on the Toot Scoot, children as well as parents will find the transition to a traditional two wheel bike much easier than without a Toot Scoot. Available in Red, Blue, Black, and White.

Designed for children ages 1 1/2 and up, this ride-on made of birch plywood features quiet wheels and encourages toddlers to use their own leg power to scoot along. MSRP is in the range of $180 to $200.

Kids can rock the house with this simple rocker solution that epitomizes “play potential." It can be used as a speeding motorcycle, a galloping horse or even a balance beam. The open-ended design allows kids to bring their imagination to life and create an experience all their own. Its large size allows for two kids to grab a hold and take off. It is constructed from durable molded ply as strong as the log that inspired it. It's a "new-school version of an old-school classic ... the teeter totter," General Manager Matt Genova of 10 Grain told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2007.

The URoll is the perfect size for little racers. It boasts a cantilevered seat strong enough for dad and mom, and the floating form creates a dynamic toy car that lets junior cruise in style. With an incredible turning radius, it’s agile enough for small spaces and can maneuver around tight corners. Launch date: December 2007.

The Happy Plus Princess has the patented 3-in-1 Auto-Freewheel™, an integrated automatic free-wheeling system allowing children to rest their feet on the pedals while parents guide them along with patented features such as limited turn radius, which restricts the front wheel from turning more than 45 degrees in either direction, Parental Control® steering lock, and quick-adjust telescoping frame. The tricycle has a high carbon steel frame and the backseat has 4 adjustable seating postions. The Happy Plus Frog #8847-500 and Happy Plus Construction #8847-700 are also available. This ride-on has a weight limit of 400lbs.

Sitting on four rolling wheels to move forward and backwards, this construction digger can rotate 360 degrees and features dual action levers. Weight limit: 75lbs.

Finished in metallic blue and hot pink, this low step through frame designed bike is made of durable steel construction, with non-slip pedals and grips, rear coaster brake, front and rear fenders and reflectors, padded handlebars and seat, and 16" white tires. A boys version is also available in the form of the 16" Spider #KT901-169.