April 14, Wednesday

Biker Madness

The next thing in toddler bikes is here and it’s called the LIKEaBIKE. Originally from Germany, it’s already made a huge splash throughout Europe. It’s design is simple and stunning in birch wood and stainless steel, and besides being incredibly fun for kids, it's also beneficial for the development of their motor skills and sense of balance.

LIKEaBIKE has no pedals and is initially ridden -- by children ages 2 through 5 -- somewhat like a hobby horse. As they become familiar with the saddle, they begin to run with the LIKEaBIKE and as the vehicle picks up speed, it becomes easier to balance without dragging feet along the ground. Children who master a LIKEaBIKE can supposedly learn to ride a “proper” bike without the use of training wheels. With its inflated tires, the LIKEaBIKE can be used indoors and out. Equipped with a rear-wheel-mud-guard, it ventures off-piste easily, making rough and bumpy paths comfortable (and clean) for the rider.

Its vaguely Vespa-like appearance makes it a real head-turner on city sidewalks. (It's been nominated for several design prizes in Europe and won a German award for excellence in toy creation.) And because your kid will look forward to riding the LIKEaBIKE, running errands and arriving on time to preschool will suddenly become a reality.

LIKEaBIKE or LIKEaDREAM? You decide.

LIKEaBIKE is available online at likeabikeusa.com.