Holiday Preview - Ride-on Toys

Hobby-Bike, a learning bicycle for children with a removable drive system (crank, pedals,chain, etc.), allows for two modes of operation: learning and riding. The bicycle's primary purpose in the learning mode (without drive system) is to teach young children the basic skills (balancing, braking and control) needed to ride a bicycle without the use of training wheels.  Without the pedal system it is lighter and easier for a child to maintain balance and steer. Once these skills are mastered, the drive system is fastened and the bicycle is ready for use in the riding mode. The Hobby plush toy serves as the handlebars protective padding to protect the child from direct impact with the handlebar. Available in red, blue, yellow, and pink. Comes with a comfortable saddle and pneumatic rubber tires, making rough and bumpy paths comfortable for the rider. Awards: Mom's Best Award 2010

Lil Red Tractor is a high-quality, rechargeable, battery powered mini-tractor for boys or girls. It can be driven up to 2 mph indoors or out, on semi-hard surfaces. It has a large, adjustable seat for growing legs, and on-off foot pedal, and a one-year limited warranty with a free second year extended warranty and toll-free customer service. It is made in Canada. "Lil Red Tractor is a very high quality product, powered by a rechargeable battery (included). Kids love the bright shiny red finish and it's the perfect size for use indoors or out. [It is] not distributed in big-box stores," Ken Maxwell, VP of marketing for Peg Perego, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

The Super Glider is designed so that adults or older kids who are a little unstable on a bicycle or perhaps have an injury or learning disability can benefit from the extra stability it offers.

The Aero Racer is described by Kettler as a “Racecar engineered to scale to kids.” The design is sporty and made for speed, but the dual hand brakes and oversized anti-slip pedals are made for safety. It also comes equipped with a lever to switch to freewheel coasting, and carries a one-year manufacturer's warranty. Launch date: January 2009.

The ZAXX MEGA JEEP is an outstanding battery powered off road jeep, a fantastic value ride on jeep, great fun and easy to drive. The Jeep is equipped with two seats, mirrors, head lights, a horn and seat belts. This ride on jeep will suit children from 3 to 8 years old. The seats are fully adjustable so the jeep will grow with your child. A practical “spare tire cover” that serves as storage is also included. Powered by two powerful 25 watt motors and controlled by a single foot pedal, this robust and reliable 12V jeep can achieve a top speed of 6 km/h. A real shifter 2-speed forward and reverse gears, this fun and unique model makes an ideal outdoor toy. Such a big and robust jeep will give your child hours of fun! This product is available in camouflage green, surfer blue and sunshine yellow.

This sled is available in assorted colors and measures 22” x 14” x 2”.
— Sleds from ERA Group in Canada were good sellers at Twirl Toystore & Playspace in Taos, N.M. in late 2008. “We had some great snow over the holidays!” Owner Molly McMullin told TDmonthly.

This lightweight running bike is designed to help children gain practice in balance and control as they ride without pedals. It features a steel frame and handlebars and has Launch Pad™ footrests. The handlebar and seat height are adjustable to accommodate riders from 30" to 44" tall. Rider weight limit is 50 lbs. The bike is available in green, red, blue, yellow, orange and pink.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 140 review on Amazon.com.
— "We've sold 10 of the 12 [bikes]," Fred Meyer, owner of Meyer's Toy World in Battle Creek, Mich., told TDmonthly of this new product in his store in April 2010.

This three-wheeled cruiser boasts features that distinguish it from the rest of the Tri-ton line - namely, a reclining seat back and folding design for portability and storage. In addition, it has an adjustable front frame, caliper hand brakes and free wheel maneuverability. Launch date: February 2009.

The Fuzion Spencer Hawk H4 builds on current Fuzion 4-wheel Steering Technology (FST). With four oversized cast urethane wheels and a floating axle design, the Spencer Hawk H4 offers the ultimate in road hugging, ground slicing, street carving abilities. Integrated pro rubber grips and 360° rotation are designed to allow for maximum trick potential for athletes of any caliber. "Spencer Hawk represents a new generation of participants in the action sports arena. The H2 and H4 products will shed new light on an up-and-coming genre and help exemplify the traditions and quality standards associated with the Fuzion brand and Hawk name," Darren Yuen, marketing manager for Nextsport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Smooth rounded corners with 2 easy grip handles. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Includes self-mounting stickers. Danish designed, made in Denmark. Maximum weight 150 lbs. 42"L x 15"W x 16"H. Ages 3 years +. Launch date: February 2009.

The Surfer Balance Bike teaches balance and coordination and has a limited turn radius to help prevent tipping. It features 12" tubeless air tires on sealed ball bearings, is height adjustable with a padded saddle, and has a low step-through frame design. It also includes a rear-wheel handbrake and a spring-loaded kickstand. Launch date: April 25, 2009.

Only for the exclusive few, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 is every bit as desirable as its adult version but even harder to get your hands on. You now have the chance to own this fabulous supercar. Its extraordinary looks are the first thing that hit you - this is a car that screams opulence and exclusivity. This is a car against which all other childrens cars will be measured.

The MOOV by BERG is both a construction toy and a rideable vehicle for children, ages 5 to 12. Children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multi-functional. Once the model is complete, the fun continues. MOOV construction toys are available in three kits: Starter, Advanced, and Street. The Starter kit ($210.00) can create three wooden models, the Advanced ($300.00) seven models, and the Street ($376.00) up to 10 models. For each new construction, the old model must be taken apart.

The Pocket Mod is a classic rider with a new twist — the pink decoration and streamers. Just like the other Pocket Mods, this version carries up to 170 lbs., including the rider and the storage compartment in the seat. It can travel up to 10 miles on a single charge. Launch date: Spring 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 two-wheel drive BERG Freestyler 2WD is the quad amongst the go-karts. With its high seat and compact frame you’ll rapidly discover that you can do real stunts. On two wheels? On a bend? No problem. With the two-wheel drive and the disc brake you always have grip and stay in control, also on uneven ground. With its seat you can always take along a friend on the adventure! The BERG Freestyler is a combination of adventure, joint fun and stunts. Ready for the challenge? Available July 2009. This product is available by special order only.

This American-made, child-powered ride-on toy features an injection-molded polyethylene seat. Kids simply put their feet on the handlebars and swing the handlebars side to side with their hands to generate movement. The Flying Turtle, which comes pre-assembled, may be used both indoors and out, and holds up to 150 lbs.
— Deborah Smith, owner of Toys That Teach in Richmond, Va., listed the Flying Turtle as her best-selling ride-on toy in a March 2009 survey. “In spring and summer, [we sell] at least a dozen per month,” she said.
— Five percent of 60 retailers told TDmonthly in spring 2009 that Mason Corporation's Flying Turtle is a best seller in their stores.
— Three of 37 retailers named the Flying Turtle when discussing best-selling ride-on toys in spring 2010. Creative Kids Inc. in Columbia, S.C., sells about three dozen annually, Owner Melodie Ingwersen told TDmonthly in March 2010.

This brightly colored trike offers kids and parents a large array of features to adjust to various situations. The durable metal body supports an adjustable seat to accommodate the growing preschooler, and the tricycle easily goes from a kid-powered pedal-along to a push trike that the parent can easily steer. Patented internal gears allow the wide, stroller-style push bar to turn the front wheel of the trike, and free-wheeling pedals allow the rider to comfortably coast while the adult pushes. 
— “Radio Flyer Steer & Stroll Trike. [We sell] four per month,” Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Centre Inc. in Paoli, Pa., said of his best-selling ride-on toy during TDmonthly's March 2009 survey.
— Seven percent of 60 retailers listed Radio Flyer as the manufacturer of their top-selling ride-on toys in spring 2009.
— Two of 37 retailers named a trike by Radio Flyer as a top-selling ride-on in spring 2010.

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.

Manufactured by German company Holz-Hoerz, this wooden balance bike is constructed of sustainably grown birch and is finished with a linseed oil treatment. It has 12" pneumatic rubber tires and supports riders up to 100 lbs. Multiple accessories, including a ski bob conversion kit, are available. Launch date: 1991 (Germany); 2003 (United States).

The BalanzBike is a unique tricycle for children (and parents) as it is close to the ground, super maneuverable and super fast. The BalanzBike uses the body for steering. The small movements made when cycling train the abdominal, leg and buttock muscles, exercising the body while having fun.

Sleek as a classic red Italian sportscar, this sweet retro bike is made of handcrafted steel and features chromed front fork with functional suspension, a supple leatherette seat, a charming battery operated LED headlight, adjustable handlebar and seat, include rear luggage rack, and durable chromed steel spoke wheels with air tires. The removeable training wheels with wide stance make this an excellent first bike. Adult assembly and supervision required.

The Kettrike Happy Plus Baustelle features a four-position Quik-Adjust frame, a three-in-one auto freewheel design to pedal, brake, and coast, four-position adjustable ergonomic highback seat, limited turn-radius steering, a handlebar-mounted storage bag, an LCD fender light and a dual-wheel rear handbrake. "The Baustelle has a lifetime warranty on the main "D" Tube Frame and a five-year warranty on the paint against fading or rusting," Heather McGlothlin, national sales manager for KETTLER International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 20, 2008.

Introduce the thrill of off-road racing to young riders with the rugged all-terrain pedal go-cart. Its durable steel frame is built to withstand punishment and its heavy air tires effortlessly tackle both rocky trails and smooth pavement. Features hands-free clutch for freewheel and reverse drive, lever-style hand brake, and padded steering wheel. Adjustable seat and telescoping steering wheel (5” extension) for optimal driving position. Adult assembly and supervision required.

Red Baghera Race: Lightweight. Expensive, but will last a long time.

The scooter boards are soft, comfortable, durable and available in a variety of sizes and features. They feature high-density foam construction and non-marring rubber swivel casters. Launch date: July 2008.

Deck Dimensions: 37"L X 9"W 7-Ply Canadian Rock Maple Completes Come Fully assembled. 7" lightweight aluminum alloy trucks Bomb abec-7 bearings. Cast polyurethane wheels for ultimate performance.