 Bikes
and Riding Toys Roll on with Style
By Karen Mendez Smith
May 1, 2003
Pink
Comet Pedal Car
Red & Beige 55 Classic
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Whether new or retro-inspired, riding toys and bikes are still
cherished by kids in the 21st Century.
Burning
Rubber
Girls with Betty Boop chic will be unable to resist a classy Pretty
in Pink Sedan ($204.95) from American Retro
or the Pink Comet Pedal Car from C
& N Reproductions ($189.00). And no all-American
guy could refuse a Red & Beige 55 Classic ($239.00),
also from C& N, with functional steering, detailed graphics
and real rubber tires.
Rocketeer
Wagons |
Way
to Go
One of the hottest things we’ve seen for the toddler set is
the Glide Ride line by Burns Novelty and
Toy Corporation. With a classic deco design and ball-bearing
wheels, their Rocketeer Wagons ($199.00, in red
or yellow) let little ones comfortably propel themselves in grand
fashion.
Little
Red Roadster |
Built
to Fly
When
it comes to classic wagons, trikes and bikes, Radio Flyer
has earned their place in the sun. One of our favorite ride-ons
for ages 1-4 is the shiny Little Red Roadster ($99.99),
a retro-styled vehicle with steel wheels, rubber tires, and a real
honking horn. Also making us want to go clickety-clack down the
track is Peg Perego’s Santa Fe Train
Set ($159.99) for ages 2 and up.
Black
and Red Power Pumper |
Power
to the Pumper
Ages 5-11 will get an aerobic workout using the push-pull rowing
motion of the Power Pumper’s latest products.
With a metal transmission and brightly colored plastic body, the
Power Pumper ($149.00) is fast, fun and highly maneuverable, and
comes in racy color combinations such as lime and purple or black
and red.
Green
Machine™
|
Green
Means Go!
Debuting at the February 2003 Toy Fair, Huffy’s
new Green Machine™ ($99.99) is like your
childhood Big Wheel on steroids. The Green Machine features a dual-joystick
rear wheel steering mechanism, wide “blow-molded” rear
wheels, a 20” rubber front tire for traction in fun rear-wheel
spin-outs, and a tough (lifetime warranty) steel frame. For ages
5-15.
Canopy
Trike |
Not
Your Father’s Tricycle
Also
from Huffy is the Canopy Trike,
a learning trike-cycle with the convenience of a stroller. The trike
has a mesh canopy and steering lock to keep Mom in control. The
handle has a rider’s footrest and a storage bag for snacks
or house keys. Pedals, front-wheel design and a three-point safety
harness let young riders roam when they’re feeling independent.
The Canopy Trike was the winner of the 2003 SGMA Sports
Edge Sports Product of the Year Award. Suitable for 18
months to 4 years old.
ElectricCruizer
SX |
Zap
Happy
Kids not quite car-ready will get a charge out of ZapWorld.com’s
ElectricCruizer SX ($499.99)--an electric bicycle
that travels for 15 miles at up to 13 mph. Paper routes will never
be the same.
Cruising
Deluxe
Need
a lift? The Cub Cruiser Wagon ($129) is perfect for toting goodies
or escorting your pals around the block. Featuring beautiful tear-drop
fenders, sturdy steel construction, tumblehome rear deck and a high-gloss
paint job, the Cub Cruiser is a classic way to get around the block.
The 1930s design will make collectors and riders alike the envy
of the neighborhood.
Writer's
Bio: Karen Mendez Smith has been involved in children's
media for over twenty years as a literary agent, writer, and creator
of animated television and film. Co-founder of Satori Organics and
M/Path Press, she is a parent to eight children and five incredible
grandchildren (and counting).
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