Design and Features
Forget your dinky, the YBike is 2 cool 4 school with its rock 'n' roll motorbike look. It comes in blue, orange and pink which is perfect if you have a punk princess.
The YBike features a plastic body that is made by injected molding for strength and three large plastic wheels of which the back two are positioned together to create one big fat rear wheel.
Performance and Drawbacks
The YBike has some features that make it better for younger toddlers than many balance bikes on the market. The placement of the wheels means that it stands by itself which makes it much easier for a toddler to get onto and practice yet it still requires balance to ride.
There’s extra distance between the front and rear wheels that give it a wider turning circle meaning less spills and the steering has a bit of tension which means it won’t wobble about once it picks up a bit of speed. It also has a cover over the back wheels so that little legs don't get caught in them.
It’s a great size and height, a two year old's legs can reach the ground but a four year old is just as comfortable on it. Also because the wheels are wider than usual it handles uneven surfaces and can be ridden on grass and on the beach, which are safer places to practice.
The YBike gets the toddlers thumbs up. It’s been the most popular toy in my house while we have been testing it out. From two to four everyone’s had a spin on it with varying levels of competence but everyone has come back for more.
The YBike is seriously solid and all the parts are riveted together. Because it stands on its own, it's easier to store and it’s fine to leave it outside; it can take the tough weather (as well as a tough toddler).
Don’t forget the right sized toddler helmet and if you have a little ’un (2 years old) it might be worth investing in some knee and elbow pads.
Conclusion
There are quite a number of balance bikes on the market at the moment but the YBike is smarter than most in accommodating younger and older riders. It's also quite a bit tougher and more practical than average and priced at $85.00 it's pretty good value for a balance bike.
You can call (02) 4340 0122 to order your YBike or find your nearest stockist.
About YBike
The YBike is designed by Chrome Cherry Design Studios which are located in Cape Town, South Africa.
