October 2009 Notable Toys — Vehicles - Riding

Denny the Dog features a rattle or squeak toy in one ear. Press the other and you'll activate a classical music selection. He's easily assembled and doesn't need to be taken for a walk.

Smart Trike “Classic” is a sturdy tricycle, suitable for babies 10 months and up. The product contains a 3 in 1 concept that grows with your child, easily converting from a safe and comfortable baby tricycle to an independent tricycle. The Smart Trike Classic is equipped with a long back rest with shoulder belts, providing back support, comfort and safety.

The unique 3-in-1 concept designed for quality and functionality for a baby 10 months and up. It converts easily from a safe and comfortable baby tricycle to an independent tricycle. The product includes shoulder belts for security and a sun canopy that protects the child, guaranteeing a fun and safe ride. Smart Trike “Plus” is the winner of a “Right Start Best Toy” Gold Award and winner of a “Bizzie Baby” Silver Award.

The unique 3-in-1 multi-featured tricycle is designed for quality and functionality for a baby 10 months and up. The Smart Trike Deluxe is equipped with an adjustable telescopic 5-position steering handle that allows the parent to take control of the trike while the child is learning to ride. It also includes a bottle holder and play phone for the child's amusement. The built-in clutch gives the option of ride control to the parent or to the child. The product includes a washable, quality seat cover available in a range of colors together with a useful functional bag. Smart Trike “Deluxe” is a “Right Start Best Toy" Award winner.

This action stroller/jogger/trailer for active moms and dads can be used as a stroller or trailer immediately out of the box. It converts into Jogger Mode with the optional Zigo® Jogger Kit. With dual-disc brakes and 20” Pushbutton Release Rear Wheels, the Mango™ is designed to handle all terrain with ease. Launch date: September 2009.

With this mom- or dad-powered family transportation system, the user places one or two children in the ChildPod, puts on a helmet and is ready to ride. The LeaderLink System allows the Leader to uncouple in 30 seconds or less, transforming it into the separate elements, Zigo ChildPod and Zigo Cycle. The Zigo Leader can be used as a Carrier Bicycle, Stroller, Jogger (with accessory), Bicycle or Trailer (with accessory). "The Zigo Leader is the only product that allows parents to transport children in full view, unlike a rear bicycle trailer," Michael Ehrenreich, CEO of Zigo, Inc., told TDmonthly. It received a JPMA Innovation Award 2008. Launch date: April 2009.

The Englacha Triple Model is a three-in-one top-swiveled stroller with seat, car seat and bassinet. It boasts a "360-degree top-swiveled function by using two fingers only," Daniel Fan, president of Englacha USA, told TDmonthly. It received a 2006 Innovation Award at the 2006 Kind+Jugend in the category "World of Mobile Baby." Launch date: December 2009.

The Wave LX (Light Xtreme) offers an ultra-lightweight design that's built for extra speed and stability. Like the original Wave, the Wave LX runs on two wheels rather than four, with a flexible platform that gives you the ability to perform precision 360s in small spaces, carve downhill, and even ride uphill. In addition, the Wave boards encourage riders to perform all manner of skating tricks, including manuals, board leaps, ollies, acid drops, kick flips, and more. The Wave LX's wider concave platform allows for more stability and traction, while the reinforced web deck is lighter than before. As a result, you can cruise farther and turn with less effort on the Wave LX. The lightest casterboard of its kind, the Wave LX is also the first of Street Surfing's boards to offer the sleek Xtreme body design, which also helps boost speed.

Made for intermediate-level riders and designed to help younger children master balance while allowing them to keep pace with older siblings or more accomplished riders, this scooter is available in red or pink. It features extra-wide wheels, an ultra-low deck, a rear foot brake and limited steering to ensure maximum safety and offer parents peace of mind without sacrificing style. It comes fully assembled with minimal packaging and folds for storage and travel. "The scooter helps children maintain their balance while learning to ride a two-wheel scooter," Blessly Thomas, marketing coordinator for Radio Flyer, told TDmonthly. It has received an iParenting Media Award. Launch date: July 2009.

The Radio Flyer Push, Pull & Ride offers three interchangeable modes: stroller, ride-on and pull wagon. The large, easily removable bucket encourages children to build cognitive skills by loading and unloading objects, while the free-rolling wheels permit easy forward and backward motion and encourage active play. Toddlers can push their favorite toy in the stroller mode, scoot across the floor on the back in foot-to-floor mode, or pull their favorite treasures in wagon mode. It is a National Parenting Center Seal of Approval winner. Launch date: July 2009.

A low center of gravity and wide wheels give this classic wooden push trike stability enough for the tiniest of tots.

The Trikke T67 Three-Wheeled Carving Scooter lets the rider "surf the street" and exercises the whole body as a side-to-side motion propels it forward. This model is adjustable for anyone 4'6" to 5'4" and up to 200 lbs. "There is a trick to making them go, which must be learned, but children seem to have an easier time than adults. Though it is not necessary, Trikke can provide an instructional DVD to loop in the store," a company representative told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 1, 2003.

On the farm, in the dirt, through the fields this kart is boss. Pneumatic tractor tires and sealed bearing in each wheel keep you rolling. Pedal forward, coast while the pedals remain static, use the hand brake to stop and then pedal in reverse to back up. Also available in a 3-speed model with three point hitch in the rear and optional lift bucket!

AF Wholesale $699 Retail $999
BF-3 Speed Wholesale $999 Retail $1399 (Pictured)

The unique 4-in-1 Smart Trike Recliner designed for babies from 6 months and up, provides the child with a safe and comfortable ride. The adjustable seat is equipped with a reclining position to allow baby to nap. The multi-position adjustable handle guarantees an easy solution for the parents to steer and, by releasing the clutch, the child takes control for fun, independent riding. The Smart Trike Recliner includes a washable, quality seat cover and is available in a range of colors together with a useful functional bag. It is available in green, pink and red. Smart Trike “Recliner” is the winner of the “Toy Innovation” Award in the Fun + Sport category and “Right Start Award” Overall Winner in the 0-3 category and “Gold award” in the Sit n Ride category.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Doesn't easily stay in a straight line; sun shade doesn't align with the rest of the trike.

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Product Demonstration

Combining the distinctive aspects of conventional kneeboarding and various wheeled products, the LandShark is designed to show off razor sharp steering and maximum maneuverability. It is ridden on the knees and powered by kicking or “pumping,” so users are presented with a sleek design optimizing a low center of gravity. Launch date: September 2009.

MOOV is a full-size construction toy designed so that children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from their parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multifunctional. The spare parts in the wood are specially designed so it's easy to remove the rings from the shafts. MOOV has received the following awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009; Toy of the Year, 2008, The Netherlands; Honorable mention, Reddot Design Award, 2008 (International Design Award); Toy of the Year, 2008, Germany; and Right Start Award, Toy Awards, 2008, United Kingdom. Launch date: June 2009.

Where to Buy: Escapade Direct

Steiff's update on the classic rocking horse, Leo Riding Lion, is made of high-quality woven fur and solid beech. With a handmade inner frame of stainless steel that can hold up to 300 lbs., this handcrafted rocker stands 28" tall and is surface washable. With a soft, full mane and loving face, Leo is marked with Steiff's signature "Button in Ear," representative of the company's trademark commitment to ultimate quality and workmanship. Launch date: September 2009.