Our children have a natural urge to move. Even the smallest ones are on the road all day long. We can inspire and support our children with targeted play material. If the child is no longer satisfied with the tricycle, but still too small for a bicycle, a wheel is a great companion in the transition phase. With the wheel, the child develops the necessary sense of balance that makes cycling possible in the first place.

What’s an impeller?
The wheel is a vehicle driven by the power of man, without pedals. Karl von Drais invented it in 1817. After him it was also called “Draisine”. By alternately pushing the feet on the ground, the wheel starts to move.
Even in Drais’ time there was a model for children, the “steerable Celerette”. In the 20th century there was the “Balance bicycle” for 2-6 year olds.
In 1997 the product designer Rolf Martens revised this children’s vehicle. Since then, the impeller has regained children’s hearts.

Why an impeller?
The vestibular apparatus is located in the inner ear of the human ear. Thanks to this sense of balance, we can keep ourselves upright, orient ourselves in space, perceive rotational movements and the acceleration of our body. “Being in balance” plays an important role in daily life, also in the figurative sense: being balanced, keeping balance, these abilities make it easier for us humans to master life with all its imponderables. The vestibule apparatus is trained when balancing on a wall, during slalom or even when cycling. The wheel is a good preliminary stage of the bicycle, because the child learns a comparable handling of the balance here.
Today, scientists and educators work together to develop optimal play equipment. From about the age of 3 a child can learn how to use the wheel. However, manufacturer information on this subject differs. Children develop individually, each has different needs and abilities.

It is not only the sense of balance that is important for a running wheel: a running wheel offers children the advantage of being able to place their feet on the ground at any time, which conveys traction and safety. The child must use its legs energetically, it learns to deal with speeds and to assess them. Sometimes the child has to run, sometimes the wheel rolls all by itself, even very fast when going downhill. The child acquires the ability to oversee the environment: Where are other people or obstacles? Are they moving or not? Are they coming at me, or are they moving away from me? The child learns to grasp and process all these processes and to perceive itself in space. It recognizes how to use its own power correctly. If the legs are tired from running, they can be placed on the wide running board with many models.
The impeller offers children a multitude of possibilities for further development in a playful way. When purchasing an impeller, parents should not stubbornly follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but take their own child into consideration.

What kind of wheel for my kid?
The wheel is available in as many different versions as children’s hearts beat. If one child wants to roll over the garden path with a pink wheel, the other wants to conquer the Sandberg on the meadow. Parents can choose from a wide range of wheels to suit their child.
On a running bike, the child sits on the saddle and alternately pushes himself off with his legs in order to move. Therefore, age does not play a decisive role in selecting the right model, it depends on size: When the child is on the saddle. If it can stand firmly with the feet on the ground, then the saddle height is correct. A variable saddle height is more versatile and grows with you. Height-adjustable handlebars can also be adapted to the size of the child.
The child should try out the new wheel in peace and quiet, only then can parents and their offspring jointly judge whether it is the right model. The more carefully the run is chosen, the longer the little cyclist will enjoy it. A wheel can be used up to three years a sporty.

What do I have to consider with which model?
Small wooden wheels are also sold as “learning wheels” and can be used earlier than larger wheels. Their wooden wheels, some with rubber tyres, are suitable for smooth surfaces. Without spokes, the risk of jamming is lower than with spoke wheels. On many wooden models, the saddle is fixed at a certain height, which means that it can only be used up to a certain size. The wood should be treated so that it does not splinter.
The pretty model Janod JO 3243, for example, is only recommended from the age of 3, so it is not intended for learning to walk. This wheel is based on an original Vespa. It even has inflatable tires, and the saddle is adjustable in height.

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Impellers made of steel or aluminium are available with different tyres: Plastic or aluminium rims with pneumatic tyres are usually of robust construction and have low rolling resistance. However, the child may be injured by the valve that stands out.
By sharp objects, like nails or shards, there is a “plate”, like with every other bicycle also.
Tyres made of the special PU foam material run heavier than pneumatic tyres, do not need to be pumped up for this and are not so easily destroyed. Nevertheless, the most models of pneumatic tyres.
The robust Speedy model from Kettler is similar to a mountain bike.

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The 10 inch tires have an extremely resilient profile and are suitable for almost any surface. The steel frame is scratch and light resistant and can withstand many loads. The saddle is height-adjustable, the handlebars are equipped with impact limiters and steering pads that cushion the forward fall. Non-slip handlebar grips allow full control of the hands while riding.
Some manufacturers give their wheels a special touch with small extras: the Cruiser Boy model from Hudora has front and rear mudguards.

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It is made of aluminium and therefore extremely light. The 12 inch tires have a good grip and can handle any surface. The low entrance also allows smaller children to safely climb onto the wheel. On the wide running board the feet can also be raised to rest from running. With the side stand, the wheel can be parked right next to Pop’s bike. Safety loops on the handles prevent the small hands from slipping off.

Do we need accessories?
There are numerous accessories that can be used to upgrade the little ones’ wheels: A bell can easily be screwed onto many models. Parents should, however, do without a basket on the handlebars. It could increase the risk of injury in a fall. The German Road Safety Association also recommends not using a front brake. The child has much more feeling when simply stopping with his own legs than when operating a handbrake.
Since the child collects important experiences when handling the wheel, it will fall from time to time, that is part of it. Therefore it is indispensable on the impeller to have a good to wear a sitting bicycle helmet. Parents should go to a specialist shop to ensure an optimal fit and protective function.

My kid needs a wheel:
An impeller is a wonderful way for toddlers to conquer their little world. The wheel is a great companion on a walk with the family. Now parents can set their own pace and the child will have fun rolling along with his wheel. It learns to stay in balance and collects self-confidence in dealing with speed and body awareness. Sometimes parents have to keep up, because downhill the wheel reaches a considerable speed. Real cyclists can use their companion for up to three years and will find it much easier to switch to the bike.
The challenges little heroes face on their wheels can be seen in the video “Dirt Kinderlaufradtest” on You Tube.