AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids learn to ride a bike at between ages 4 and 7. Woom's newest balance bike aims to accelerate the learning curve.
In development for three years, the woom WOW is a self-balancing bike for kids as young as 9 months old. Woom Head of Innovation Chris Small told BRAIN it bridges the gap between a ride-on toy and true balance bike, "combining the intuitiveness and safety parents expect from a toy with the geometry, dynamics, and developmental benefits of a real bike."
The key feature is a self-stabilizing wobble effect that the brand says promotes balance. The handlebars have a self-centering steering feature that also helps maintain balance. "The gentle side-to-side wobble simulates the dynamics of real riding," Small said. "When a child pushes or leans, WOW naturally returns upright — until a certain lean angle, when it tips, teaching cause and effect. That small, forgiving instability helps develop coordination, balance, and confidence — long before they even realize they're learning."
While Small said the WOW is "very much a bike," it is available for $199 at select toy stores expanding woom's distribution beyond conventional bike retailers and direct-to-consumer networks. Also included are the plush toy "Buddy" and an illustrated activity book.
"We see WOW as the first step into the world of cycling, so we'll remain selective about where it's available," Small said.
The evolution of the WOW was aided by direct observation of how young children move and interact with their environment, working hands-on with kids during the design process, and incorporating insights from pediatricians and developmental psychologists, according to the brand.
"It started with a simple question: Could we bring the joy of movement to an even earlier stage of childhood?" Small said. "From there, we spent countless hours observing, sketching, prototyping, and refining every detail until the concept felt just right for riders as young as 9 months."
Physical requirements for kids to fully enjoy and benefit from the WOW include:
- Height of at least 27 ½ inches.
- Ability to sit independently.
- Ability to stand up independently when holding onto something.
- Ability to reach the handlebars with their arms slightly bent and with their feet touching the ground when sitting on the WOW.
Weighing 6 pounds, the Wow is not suitable for kids weighing more than 44 pounds and older than 36 months. The frame is made from aluminum and the extra-wide tires of EVA thermoplastic polymer. The saddle has 30% recycled content, and bike color options are pop peach, soft sprout, and dreamy sky. The rounded design and a flat oversized handlebar ends enhance safety and the handlebar can rotate 90 degrees and lock for carrying and storing. It comes fully assembled.
Manufactured in Portugal, the bike is made of up to 98% recycled composite material and close-partner production. "That proximity allows us to maintain strict quality standards, shorter supply chains, and a more sustainable manufacturing process," Small said. "With WOW, we want to give children their first feeling of freedom, that spark of movement and independence that cycling brings. It's also about inspiring parents to start that journey earlier, with trust and confidence. Ultimately, WOW represents the beginning of a lifelong love of riding, and that's what woom stands for."
