Children

Roller Buggy – the baby stroller/scooter hybrid for kids on the fast track

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Being a single, childless (as far as I know), male my experience with baby strollers is largely limited to trying to avoid parents using them as battering rams at my local shopping center. That task could get a whole lot tougher if the Roller Buggy gains widespread popularity. A simple pull of the lower body extends a platform and transforms the Roller Buggy from a run-of-the-mill baby stroller into a scooter that lets parents transport baby around town at breakneck (hopefully not literally) speed.

Before the cries of “won’t somebody think of the children!” ring out, we should point out the Roller Buggy features a specially-made hydraulic brake system with two disc brakes to slow and bring the buggy to a stop. However, you’ll want to ensure junior is strapped in using the buggy’s safety belt lest your little bundle of joy is sent flying when you slam on the brakes.

It is recommended only for children older than 1.5 years (I’m in) and speeds should be kept below 15 km/h (9.3 mph) – which might be difficult when traveling down particularly steep hills. Depending on the driver, the Roller Buggy will either have the child in the baby seat giggling with joy or screaming in horror. It almost seems like a child bicycle helmet should be sold with this contraption.

It could be seen as irresponsible parenting or a hell of a lot of fun (for the driver at least), but that still doesn’t explain why the Roller Buggy was awarded third prize at the 11th International Bicycle Design Competition in Taiwan. Although, the baby seat can also be removed so the device can be used solely as a scooter.

Designed by Valentin Vodev of PIXSTUDIO, the Roller Buggy is constructed from aluminum, plastic and rubber and weighs in at 20kg (44lb), with dimensions of (HxWxD) 90 x 60 x 90cm (2.9 x 1.9 x 2.9ft). So far only a prototype has been built, so parents looking to turn their child into an adrenalin junkie will have to find another method for the time being.

Via babyology

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8 comments
rdinning
The major problem with it is experts have known for many years now that the ideal stroller or buggy is one that lets the child see the parent that\'s pushing it. It results in many fewer crying kids.
heldmyw
Now, a nice fuel-injected aluminum block engine with quick shifting 6-speed transmission, some all-weather performance rubber, and make that 4-wheel disc braking (Brembo, perhaps?), a nice windshield, fairing, safety harness...
Um.
Did I just design a car?
gthunder77
Just add battery power option for another innovation...
Wesley Bruce
Oh great so baby gets to be the bumper bar! Ouch. Can you imagine the consequences of a pranged pram at that speed. Baby wants a crash helmet.
Rachel Stewart
Oh no, I have images in my head of my son screaming to my partner \"GO FASTER DADDY!\" and not one of them having the sense to curb the impulse to go really fast down hills.

But hey, looks like it can have a car seat click into it, thats pretty cool, a total travel system, fun for the whole family ;)
jochair
The weels are too small.
TomCurrie
Probably not (quite) the dumbest "invention" in the collection but undoubtedly one of the dumbest and most dangerous. With no steering, this "scooter" is just a battering ram for other pedestrians - with the child endangered by any parent or caregiver stupid enough to use this thing.
cindy
I'm with jochair. The wheels are too small. This is no less safe than a jog stroller if it has brakes that work, but the wheels should be as large as that if you don't want to be derailed by every little bit of gravel.