Children

Infento offers transformable transportation for kids as they grow

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The reconstructible Infento lets young designers build 19 models of scooters, bikes, trikes, carts, and sledges
Each Infento kit includes all the tools and parts to build the models for that collection
Infento values parents and children working hard together to build meaningful projects
Detail on Infento parts, here the wheel system
Detail on Infento parts, here the shock aborbers
Detail on Infento parts, here the hand brake and steering system
The constructible Infento includes designs for a variety of bikes, trikes, scooters, go-karts, and transporters
An Infento recumbent bike can be reconstructed into a go-kart tomorrow
The Infento Arrow features reverse trike wheels, but could be redesigned tomorrow
The Infento Arrow features reverse trike wheels, but could be redesigned tomorrow
The constructible Infento includes designs for a variety of bikes, trikes, scooters, go-karts, and transporters
The constructible Infento includes designs for a variety of bikes, trikes, scooters, go-karts, and transporters
The reconstructible Infento lets young designers build 19 models of scooters, bikes, trikes, carts, and sledges
The Wallaby, Big Blizard, Bulldog, and Swing are four possible models with the Infento vehicle system
Infento's Junior Snow and Big Snow add-ons let children and adults ride winter contraptions, such as this take on the Swiss skibock
Infento's Junior Snow add-ons create fun vehicles for use on snow
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Looking to both solve the problem of children quickly outgrowing their rides and give parent and child a fun project to create together, two Dutch inventors dreamed up Infento. The name, inspired by the Latin for "infinite makes," is a collection of creative ride-ons for ages 0-13. With just a hex key and a couple of hours, an adult and child can make a sledge, a recumbent bike, a trike with a cargo box, and more.

Previously we have seen designers take a variety of different approaches to allow a child's ride to grow with them, such as the Leg&Go, Wishbone Bike, Audi's Mini Runner and the Grow bikes. But these options pale in comparison to the extensive array of models offered by Infento. The different collections are simply arranged by age, with each larger kit including the previous parts and adding rides for older kids (up to age 13) and slightly fancier builds.

The Wallaby, Big Blizard, Bulldog, and Swing are four possible models with the Infento vehicle system

The Junior Kit starts with models appropriate for toddlers and up, such as a balance bike and a tricycle meant to carry "cargo." The Creator Kit adds rides for slightly older kids, adding a hand brake and shock absorbers for heavier duty rides. Finally, the Master Creator Kit targets kids from 8-13 and includes a three-wheeler and a recumbent bike.

None of the vehicles for older ages resemble a traditional "bicycle," but there should still be something for everyone. And that's the point, because as soon as a child grows bored with (or grows out of) a model, it can be dismantled and drafted into a new design. However, the fancier builds clock in at six hours construction time, so this isn't something a child could do on their own, Transformer-style.

Given the inventors' northerly location, extra ski kits add winter fun and result in sleighs, choppers, glides, and a ride inspired by the Swiss skibock, a hands-free, foot-free seat on a ski that is steered and balanced by leaning and touching the ground. Even adults can use contraptions assembled with the Big Snow addon. Close inspection of Infento construction reveals an impressive attention to detail, yet all the rides can be assembled with just a hex key.

Detail on Infento parts, here the shock aborbers

Infento is offering its transformation transportation to supporters through Kickstarter, where pledges can be made for the three different kits sorted by age and number of models, along with two kits to add winter mobility to an Infento ride.

The Junior Kit with six models is offered as a reward for pledges of US$299, with the other bigger kits going for $499 and $599 respectively. Shipping is anticipated to begin in January 2016 if all goes to plan.

The videos below show the range of Infento models.

Sources: Infento

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6 comments
MarkRavingMad
did...did they just strap a bunch of bike parts to some 80/20? I mean...don't get me wrong. it's brilliant
WilliamMichels
Cool just like old erector sets!
Bob Flint
My kids would have loved this, hell I would build myself something in my late 50's.
If you are not mechanically inclined then this is not for you, but a great concept to let the parents & kids imagine, & learn together.
RichardU
This is perfect for prototyping RC buggies, and robotics its the ultimate Meccano kit for big boys. Really great idea.
morphick
... and when the kid's all grown up, dismantle it and build a 3D printer! Excellent!
bergamot69
I love it!
Not only does this kit allow the building of any number of rides for able-bodied kids, but I can see a real niche in being able to cater for disabled kids, without having to resort to super-expensive custom builds that won't grow with the child.
I wonder if it could be scaled up to adult-scaled transport? Or perhaps other useful accessories, such as custom industrial trolleys for specialist equipment, or bike trailers, for instance?