May 2010 Notable Toys — Vehicles - Riding

Suitable for ages 1 1/2 to 4, this vehicle features: extra-large, EVA Silent Ride Tires; a cup holder; a pretend steering wheel with electronic horn; an under-hood storage compartment; a seat belt; a push handle for adult steering. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. It is made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts. The steering wheel, tires, seatbelt and grille are made in China.
Awards: Gold Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2007
RECALLED MAY 12, 2010: The CPSC and Step2 recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies because the handle can detach and pose risk of injury. The buggies retailed from August 1999 through March 2010. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step2 at 866-860-1887 for a free repair kit.

Suitable for ages 1 1/2 to 3, the Push Around Buggy offers the following: a steering wheel with a honking horn; a storage compartment under the hood for snacks, keys and more; and a seatbelt. Except for the  seatbelt, it is made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. and it requires minimal adult assembly.
RECALLED MAY 12, 2010: The CPSC and Step2 recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies because the handle can detach and pose risk of injury. The buggies retailed from August 1999 through March 2010. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step2 at 866-860-1887 for a free repair kit.

The nic CombiCar is a basic vehicle with four different set-ups. It's now also availabe with a trailer. The set-ups are very easily interchangeable. The system is suited for use inside and outside, but should be kept dry. Made of beech wood.
— “In our view, it’s the best scooter toy that's ever been made," said Dean Ruggierio Smith, co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, NJ.

The Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler features a real FM radio, working doors and a rear storage area. The jeep drives two speeds forward (2.5 & 5 mph max.) and one speed reverse on hard surfaces and grass and comes fully equipped with a high-speed lock out for beginners and Power Lock brakes.

The Kiddi-o Layana Trike features quiet-running MaxXtread tires, a patented Limited Turn Radius and patented Quik-Adjust frame for easy adjustability. This trike has an ergonomically contoured high-back seat for added comfort and to promote better posture. Launch date: June 15, 2010.

The Kiddi-o Racer Trike features quiet-running MaxXtread tires, a patented limited turn radius and patented Quik-Adjust telescoping frame for easy adjustment. The trike also has an ergonomically contoured high-back seat for added comfort and to promote good posture. Launch date: June 15, 2010.

The Smoovy was developed together with child physiotherapists and has a child-friendly design and stable construction. With the low-noise wheels, children can navigate through the house practically without a sound. The seat can also be used as a leg rest and thus offers multiple motion possibilities. The Smoovy combines playing and movement for toddlers. Launch date: June 2010.

This scooter has 120mm wheels and ABEC5 bearings for a smooth ride and high speed. It weighs 6.4 lbs. and can hold a rider up to 220 lbs. Measurements are 27” x 38” x 13” (unfolded) and 26” x 10” x 4” (folded).
—    “It's perfect for the age group with the bigger wheels and [the] construction is stellar, and it's responsive. It's a medium price point, retails for $80, so it's not something that sells all the time, but does well. This is the time that will start picking up,” Eric Masoncup, owner of Gepetto’s Toy Box in Oak Park, Ill., told TDmonthly in March 2010.
— In early summer 2010, Brooke Andrews, owner of Millers Toys in Mamoraneck, N.Y., cited sales of 18 Micro Scooters a month.

Licensed from John Deere, this authentic-looking kid’s tractor features an adjustable seat, easy to reach pedals and a working steering wheel. It carries a 90-day limited warranty and weighs 22 lbs. Measurements are 38” x 19” x 22.5”.
—    Two retailers mentioned this tractor when asked about top-selling ride-on toys in spring 2010. The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., sells two to three per month, Owner David Ekwall told TDmonthly.

The Rockboard Scooter uses propulsion technology, allowing it to be ridden without having to put a foot on the ground. It can be used as a kick scooter or a Rockboard. When in Rockboard Mode it requires no kicking, batteries, charging or gasoline. It can also be folded up for easy storage and transport. The Rockboard combines fun, fitness and functionality into one product. "While standing on the deck in Rockboard Mode the rider shifts their weight back and forth, and this powers the drive chain. Propulsion is achieved with each rock, wasting zero energy and allowing the rider to reach speeds of up to 10 mph," Zane Andrews, Account Manager, M.Y. Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2009.
— Thanks to a product demo in the store, Learning Express of Newton, Mass., had sold at least 15 Rockboard Scooters in 2010 as of July, Owner Richard Gibson told TDmonthly.
— In a March 2012 survey, Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly that Rockboard Scooters were one of their best selling ride-on toys.

Where to buy:
SOUTH

Built strong enough that you can help on the farm! Introduce children to the legendary John Deere quality with this officially licensed Kart – built BERG-tough!  Pneumatic tires keep you from slipping in the dirt, ball bearings in each wheel keep you rolling smoothly.  An adjustable steering wheel and seat will keep kids riding the kart for years!  Pedal forward, pedal back slightly for the coaster brake, once stopped pedal backwards to go in reverse.  While coasting pedals stay static.  Weighs about 40 lbs, measures 44 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 25 inches tall; 150 pound weight limit. Launch date: May 2010.

Best for heights up to 4’10" suitable for ages 5-8. Awarded both the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2004 and The National Parenting Center 2004 Seal of Approval, The Trikke T5 features durable steel construction, color options and encourage fitness disguised as fun for smaller children. 3 wheel contact and no foot pushing provide excellent stability.

T78cs is the base model for ages 13 and up and accommodates heights of 5’ to 6’3”. The steel T78cs Convertible carving vehicle comes with two rear polyurethane wheels that can be replaced with air tires. Designed to be a good starting vehicle for beginners.

The 3-in-1 Learning Zebra Scooter grows with your child and is ideal for little ones on the go. It easily converts from riding to pushing and scooting as your infant begins to walk so the fun keeps on rolling. Lights and music entertain as infants learn colors, numbers and sounds with this versatile toy that keeps going and growing.

The Chopper Balance Bike from Smart Gear Toys is for children ages 2 to 5 years. This beautifully eco-friendly balance bike promotes balance, grossmotor coordination and overall gross motor skills. A great therapy tool to employ with children who have weakness in these areas. The bike comes with a comfy cushioned adjustable seat, inflatable rubber tires and a convenient built-in handle for easy carrying or hanging (if you choose to store it that way). The Chopper also features motorcycle decals to give it the appearance of an actual chopper.
— "My own daughter, who just turned four, still has some issues with pedal coordination and this bike could really help her keep up with her big brothers when we all take a ride," Jennifer Shuman, owner of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

Designed to be the ideal first scooter for children, My 1st Scooter features an extra-wide base for maximum stability, and comes 100-percent assembled. Two wheels in the front allow for for stable steering, and the tapered base creates a clear kick path. The scooter folds for easy storage. Awards: 2010 TOTY Award
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 42 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 23 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Stable, lightweight, durable and appeals to 2- to 3-year-olds. CONS: Might not be versatile enough for children 4 and up.

The YBIKE balance bike is designed with a lightweight aluminum frame, rubber wheels and a narrow back wheel base. It's available in two colors and was designed by Chrome Cherry Design Studio in South Africa. Launch date: May 15, 2010.

The Mobo Shift is a three-wheeled cruiser with a reverse function, and is created with a large design and comfortable ride to offer a relaxing, safe and fun experience. "Key features include free wheel maneuverability, a dual-joystick steering system, a reclining back seat (with six angle settings) to optimize comfort and back support. Equipped with an an adjustable frame that fits most sizes, the Mobo Shift is a cruiser for the whole family to enjoy. The Mobo Shift can also can increase arms and legs strength, hand-eye coordination, and enhance cardiovascular function," Melody Hsieh-Hornstra, President, Asa Products Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.

The patent-pending Whiplash™ provides enough momentum to self-propel – so much so – riders’ feet never need to touch the ground. The revolutionary new ride is part scooter, part Wave® (caster board) and totally fun because you can ride it like a scooter and carve and drift like The Wave®. Centered around the award-winning design of The Wave’s® unique caster design and Torsion technology, Whiplash’s™ flexing deck and handlebar fuse together to provide riders with a cool, side to side, whip-like ride.