Hippychick Tiger Wheelybug
Approx. price: £59.95
Age range: 3–5
Website: www.hippychick.com
Review sample provided by Babyoka, the online baby shop.
The Hippychick Tiger Wheelybug is available in two sizes – small (for children aged between one and two and a half, priced around £49.95) and the large version (for children up to five).
We looked at the larger model, which measures 48cm long and 28cm high. It is compact and highly appealing, with the simple tiger patterning really catching the eye and the soft ears and tail giving children something to explore.
Kids don’t need telling what to do with this toy – no sooner do they see it than they hop on for a ride. It works best on smooth floors, where the multi-directional castors come into their own.
With the slightest push the Wheelybug is off. It glides along, responding to changes of direction quickly and easily. Children soon get confident and before you know it, they’re even pulling off “Tokyo drift” style cornering.
The Wheelybug is stable, but children can slip off if they get carried away and let go of the handlebar. It is also tough. Collisions with skirting boards and doors are inevitable but even after extensive use there was no sign of any damage.
We also found that the Tiger appealed to children considerably older than the target age range. It’s up to you who you let play on it, but in our tests six- and seven-year-olds loved it.
The polyurethane skin, which sits on top of foam padding for a comfortable ride, is durable and is easily cleaned if food or drink is spilled on it.
As well as having fun, of course, kids are also developing balance, motor skills and confidence – and there’s the added benefit of a portion of the profits from each sale of the Tiger Wheelybug going to aid the Sumatran Tiger Trust.
It adds up to a great ride-on toy that promises to have long-lasting appeal.
Durability: 4/5
Longevity: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Score: 91%
Conclusion: A great ride-on that children enjoy playing with again and again.
The Hippychick Tiger Wheelybug can be purchased direct from Babyoka.
