Runbike Puky: features, lineup and selection
The runbike is a great alternative to a bike for toddlers aged 1 year and older. Basically, it's a two-wheeled bike, but without pedals.
This type of child transport, thanks to its reliable design, is completely safe for the child.
And the striking design, comfortable seat and adjustable handlebar height make comfortable riding of the child on a variety of roads.
The children's transport market is represented by a huge selection of products from various manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. Therefore, choosing a balance bike will not be difficult, it is important to decide on the price category and design of the transport. German build quality has always been distinguished by good wear resistance and reliability. One of the leading places in the balance bikes market is occupied by Puky, which is located in Germany.
Brand info
The Puky company was founded in Dusseldorf back in 1949, initially and until 1956 it was called Puck (translated as "puck") and specialized in the production of scooters, and only later began to expand its horizons, starting the production of bicycles.
Every year since 1950, Puky has been introducing new products to customers at the Toy Fair for children, which takes place in Nuremberg. Very quickly, the Puky children's transport is becoming popular with buyers.
In 1959, the plant moves to Wülfrath, where new products such as the tricycle and four-wheeled trolleys are introduced as the product range expands. In the European market, Puky has made a name for itself as a manufacturer of a children's tricycle with a padded leather seat. In 1977, the tricycle with a handle for parents became a hit.
The company began to produce runbikes in 2003, although bikes with a wooden base have been produced in Europe since the end of the 90s. With advanced construction and striking design, the Puky balance bikes are quickly finding widespread demand in the children's transport market. The brand produces not one version of products, but several models suitable for different ages of babies (from 1 year to 5-6 years).
It is interesting that only since 1994 the brand has come up with a symbol for itself - a cute bear cub becomes it.
Advantages and disadvantages
All Puky products are different high indicators of strength and long service life.
Listening to the opinion of consumers, the company never ceases to improve the production technology of balance bikes, therefore, for more than 65 years, the brand's products have been in great demand in the children's transport market.
The company's products have a number of advantages that are key when buying two-wheeled pedalless bicycles:
- all finished products undergo regular safety testing, which is carried out under the guidance of children's doctors;
- a wide range of products consists of ergonomic models created for a certain age of children;
- the manufacturer gives a five-year warranty for all its products;
- a high indicator of wear resistance will allow more than one generation of children to use the balance bike;
- models are made for different ages and heights of the child, differing from each other in such technical characteristics as the weight of the product, the presence of a brake, the height of the frame, the type and size of tires, the general design of the structure;
- the ability to adjust the height of the seat and steering wheel for convenient use of children's transport;
- the handlebars (grips) have a soft rubber coating, which helps to firmly fix the palms on the steering wheel;
- there are three- and four-wheeled models of balance bikes for toddlers over one year old (Pukymoto, Wutsch);
- Most two-wheeled bike rides include a parking stand;
- more advanced models, for example LR 1L Br, have a hand brake on the rear wheel, while the Puky LR 1L XL balance bike is equipped with a professional adjustable V-brake;
- the Puky LR Ride is made of aluminum, which makes it lightweight and very easy to handle for a child.
Popular models and their characteristics
The Puky range of balance bikes includes not only two-wheeled non-pedal bicycles, but also balance bikes, tricycles and four-wheeled products for the youngest children. On the children's transport market, you can see models such as Puky LR M, Wutsch, Puky LR XL, Pukylino, Puky LR Ride, Puky LR 1L Br.
Runbike Puky LR M
Available in three colors: blue, red and pink. Designed for children from 2 to 4 years old, height 85-96 cm. Light weight (only 3.3 kg), solid PVC tires, as well as adjustable handlebars and saddle make control free and comfortable for any kid.
The handlebars are equipped with an AirBag, and the shockproof powder coated frame significantly extends the product's lifespan.
A parking stand can be purchased separately. The manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty.
Run Bike Puky Wutsch
It comes in four colors: berry, silver, red and light green. Designed for children 80–92 cm in height. A feature of the model is the presence of a swinging rack for the steering wheel, which limits its tilting to the side. Such a balance bike is suitable for the smallest children from 1 year oldwho have already learned to walk independently. It weighs only 2.74 kilograms, so it is easy for the baby to control it.
It promotes the development of a sense of balance in the child, and also strengthens the baby's muscular apparatus.
The product is equipped with a special narrow saddle that facilitates the natural movement of the child on the bike ride. Four silent plastic wheels do not imprint on the floor surface.
Runbike Puky LR XL
Available in white, black and light green colors. Designed for children aged 3 to 6 years, whose height is 95-110 centimeters. The product has a handbrake that can be adjusted as well as professional inflated tires. The distance from the steering wheel to the seat is increased, it is possible to raise them up to 8 cm.
The maximum load on the balance bike is 25 kg.
The design of the model includes a step on the frame, delivery for parking, and a powder shockproof coating serves as a guarantor of good durability of the two-wheeled non-pedal bicycle.
Runbike Puky LR 1L Br
Available in four colors: light green with orange wheels, blue with blue wheels, red with yellow wheels and silver with white wheels. This model is designed for children aged 2.5–5 years old and 90–104 cm tall. It is equipped with professional inflated tires, height adjustable handlebars and saddles, and a hand brake attached to the rear wheel of the product.
The grips of the balance bike are covered with a special edging and a protective cushion that provides additional safety for the child.
Runbike Puky LR Ride
Designed for children aged 2.5 to 6 years, for a height of 90-110 centimeters. Available in three colors: black, orange and light green. The product is equipped with two-color inflated tires, a comfortable seat and a ball-bearing steering wheel that can be adjusted to suit the child's height.
The peculiarity of the model is that the structure is completely made of aluminum, therefore it has a small weight - 3.7 kilograms.
The maximum permissible weight is 25 kg. The frame provides shock absorption for the rear wheel, and the comfortable saddle has a training handle.
In addition to the products themselves, various accessories can be purchased separately for them: a cover for bicycle races, a bell, a footboard for parking, lights for wheels, bicycle gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, a protective helmet, a bag for a mobile phone on a frame, keys, etc.
How to choose?
A treadmill serves so that the child can independently prepare for riding a two-wheeled bicycle, since, while riding it, the child needs to constantly keep balance so as not to fall. Also, cycling helps to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and develop endurance.
This type of transport can be purchased for a child over one year old.
When buying a balance bike, there are several important criteria to consider: height, weight and age of the baby, as well as their compliance with the technical characteristics of the selected model... A good product should have a sturdy frame structure, an adjustable handlebar with rubber coated handles, a comfortable and soft saddle, thick and durable wheels.
Sitting on the bike ride, the child's legs, slightly bent at the knees, should firmly fall on the floor with the whole foot. Thus, the baby can easily lower them onto a hard surface if necessary.
Before you go to the store for a new purchase, it is necessary to measure the height and length of the child's legs. In this case, when choosing transport for your child, you will be sure that you will get the option that suits him.
Better that the bike ride was even a little "for growth."
The weight of the product itself is also important, since a balance bike, which has a large size, will be impractical for a child. For two-year-old children, models weighing no more than three kilograms should be selected. For babies who are 3 years old, bike runs no more than four kilograms are suitable.
Consequently, the older the child is, the more bulky the two-wheeled pedalless bicycle can be.
In addition to the transport itself, it is recommended additionally buy protection for knees, elbows and a helmet. This will ensure minimal injuries when the child falls, which cannot be avoided while learning to ride a balance bike.
It is important to know that there are several types of balance bikes.
Wooden options
Such models are considered the most durable and environmentally friendly, they are designed for children weighing up to 35 kg.
Due to its considerable weight, wooden products are not advised to buy for small children under the age of 3 years.
Lightweight balance bikes
Designed for babies from 1 year old to 2 years old. Such products are assumed to have additional protection - limitation of the steering wheel rotation.
Such models are light due to the material from which they are made, but short-lived.
Tricycle balance bikes
They have a massive structure and high cost, however, they are the safest to use, as they minimize the possibility of the baby falling.
They have a good service life and a high level of reliability.
The runbike is considered one of the most popular types of children's transport, and not only among parents, but also among kids, because riding on it not only physically educates the child's body, but also gives him a lot of positive emotions. And the main thing is that on a bike ride, walking on the street becomes much more fun and interesting.
For the characteristics of the Puky balance bikes and tips for choosing them, see the following video.