Big Wheels: Still Rolling After All These Years?

Big Wheels: Still Rolling After All These Years?

Remember the Big Wheel? That low-slung, plastic trike was practically a rite of passage. The feel of the hard plastic seat under your bum, the wind in your hair (helmet optional, back then!), and that glorious, screeching sound as you pulled off the perfect skid? Good times! But with all the fancy gadgets kids have these days, you might be wondering if Big Wheels are even still a thing. Well, buckle up, because the answer is a definite yes – and the story behind this classic toy is full of surprises.

Let’s rewind a bit. The Big Wheel zoomed onto the scene in 1969, thanks to Louis Marx and Company. It wasn’t just a toy; it was the toy to have . Suddenly, kids were ditching their clunky metal tricycles for this sleek, plastic machine. What made it so popular? A few things, actually. For starters, parents loved that it was safer than those old-school trikes. Being so low to the ground meant fewer nasty spills . Plus, it didn’t cost an arm and a leg , and those chunky plastic parts could take a serious beating . Remember those bright red, blue, yellow, and black colors? Classic! And that adjustable seat? Genius! It meant you could keep riding even after a growth spurt . Oh, and let’s not forget the handbrake they added in the 70s – essential for mastering those epic spin-outs .

But like any good story, there were a few bumps in the road. The company that started it all, Louis Marx and Company, hit some hard times in the early 80s . The Big Wheel changed hands, landing with Empire Plastics . But by the late 90s, the Big Wheel’s popularity started to fade, and eventually, Empire Plastics closed up shop in 2001 .

Now, you might think that’s the end of the line for our beloved Big Wheel. But hold on! In 2003, it made a comeback! Alpha International, Inc. brought it back, focusing on making it safe and cool for a new generation . Alpha International closed in 2007, and in 2021, Schylling Inc., a company specializing in classic toys, acquired the Big Wheel brand, ensuring its continued existence . Talk about a comeback kid!

And get this – today’s Big Wheels aren’t just a rehash of the old design. Sure, you can still find the classic model, but there are some seriously souped-up versions out there. I’m talking Big Wheels for adults! Companies like High Roller USA are building these beasts with steel frames, beefy tires, and even custom paint jobs . Forget cruising around the block; these things are built for serious fun, maybe even a little racing . Then you’ve got the drift trikes – basically Big Wheels on steroids, with special back wheels that let you pull off some insane stunts . And if you’re feeling really futuristic, you can even find electric Big Wheel trikes . Who saw that coming?

Of course, even though Big Wheels are pretty safe, it’s always a good idea to be careful . Helmet, people! And give your trike a once-over before you hit the road – make sure those tires are pumped up and everything’s working right . And maybe take it easy on those high-speed turns – nobody wants to end up eating pavement.

So, what’s the deal? Why are Big Wheels still so popular after all these years? I think it’s more than just nostalgia. It’s about that feeling of freedom, that pure, unadulterated joy of being a kid again . It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the best. And hey, who doesn’t want to feel like a kid again, no matter how old they get?

Whether you’re looking to relive your glory days or introduce your own kids to the magic of the Big Wheel, you can rest easy knowing it’s still around. This thing is so iconic it has secured its place in the National Toy Hall of Fame . From the classic models to the tricked-out adult versions, the Big Wheel is proof that some toys really are timeless. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to go find one and take it for a spin!