Wheely Bugs

The Background Story

The Wheely Bug was first developed in Northern Queensland Australia by a husband and wife team called Wildchild, based in the artist town of Kuranda.

The idea was soon a big hit in Australia winning "Best Australian Made Toy" ITSA Quality Toy Awards 2000, 2001 and 2003.

It became a firm favourite with Australian daycare centres and was used both indoors and outside under sunscreen canopies which didn't have to be huge as the wheely bug turns on itself unlike the more traditional trike.

In the UK they were first distributed by a Company called Oneworld who originally imported and distributed them. After they proved successful Oneworld tried manufacturing the wheelybug in the UK but quality issues soon proved to be a problem. Eventually Hippychick took over the distribution and normal service resumed with the wheely bug now being manufactured in China.

The Review

Over the years I have sold thousands of wheely bugs, and it is one of the few products that I have sold where people will take the time to email/write to tell you how good the product is. It is many families favourite toy bought under the age of five.

There are 2 sizes the small which is an ideal 1st birthday present (age range 1 (or when walking) to 2.5 years approx) and the large (age range 2.5 years - 5 years approx).

Both look small to an adult as we tend to size them in comparison to a more traditional trike but the large has considerably more girth and both feet need to be flat on the floor in order to sit and ride on it properly. Lots of children at the younger end are more interested in pushing the wheely bug around and playing with the antennae but they soon learn that the real fun comes in the riding.

Falling off.

Unlike a traditional trike or bike children tend to slide off the bugs back rather than the more abrupt fall from a trike. However you need to make sure a really small child doesnt topple forward over the handle in an attempt to reach the bottom of the feelers and the bugs should be used under adult supervision.

The casters on the wheely allow it to move easily in any direction and turn fluidly on itself 360 degrees. They are rated to take 30kg each and with the solid moulded body means that even much larger kids can have a ride.

They work best on smooth surfaces, but with more effort can be used on short pile carpet. Children are really attracted by the simple but effective design and its a toy that proves something doesnt have to be over elaborate for it to be a great success with a young child. Wheely bugs dont have buttons, switches electronic noises or unnecessary distractions. They are strong and good fun and my daughter who had a small ladybird for her first birthday still has the occasional ride on it now aged almost six!

Prices

Smalls are around the £50 point and larges around £60. Expensive? I don't think so considering how long they are used for and their build quality.

Rating: 5/5 in my view the best sit and ride toy for younger children.

Final thoughts
The only other thing I would say about wheely bugs is let your child come to it in their own time. you know its a sit and ride but they may prefer to push/pull it play with the feelers. Let them they will ride it in their own time. To get all the moves may take a year or more, so if they don't whizz around straight away have the patience to let them learn.