(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best tricycles, scooters & wagons

I FEEL YOUR PAIN!!!! My inlaws keep buying my kids huge toys, and I officially have no fucking space left. You know, in my 3 bedroom detached house that we’ve only lived in under 3 years. DH said that he had spoken to them about it, then for DS’s birthday in September they walked in with this fucker. Bonus was that they put it together before bringing it over so it’s not like we could return it, and I don’t feel like being the asshole in my kids’ eyes by taking it away when they’re so obviously stoked. Now here’s the conundrum this Christmas: when I was a child, my dad built me a Barbie house and it’s been in his basement for the last 25 years until I had kids of my own to pass it on to. Last week we moved it and I’m working on painting it and changing the carpets. Now, I’m not even sure where we’re gonna put it since IL’s gifts are taking up all the space, but if I have to I’ll be getting rid of a few. I also made and Amazon wish list with Calico Critters sets to fill up the house (DD is only 4 and I think she’ll enjoy those more than Barbie). I plan on sending a link to my mom, and I told DH that my ideal scenario would be for his parents to buy directly from the list. He said that he felt like that would take the “fun” out of it for them. Smoke practically came out of my ears. First, their “fun” has so far meant that I haven’t been given the courtesy of choosing whether I want to house massive toys or not. Second, following the list would mean that DD has a completely furnished dollhouse by the end of Christmas, with no doubles or extras or empty rooms. That would be pretty awesome for her. Third, DH only told them “calico Critters stuff”, no other details. Knowing them, they’ll buy something like this instead of something like this. I’ll get to be the jerk that takes away the cutesy dollhouse because we don’t need a second one (btw, my dollhouse is massive and the shit. All my friends were crazy jealous lol). Fourth and lastly, I feel like not listening to us when DH said to tone it down deserves consequences, namely being told exactly what to buy even if it’s not as fun. I could give a fuck about their fun, when I have to manoeuvre around a trashed train table every single day because my kids are too young to play gently with a toy that has about a hundred detachable parts.

Solidarity.

Balance bikes are not one-size-fits-all, they come in many sizes – the smallest bikes fit toddlers in 18-months clothes while the largest are actually designed for adults. Typically, toddlers and kids enjoy balance bikes from ages 18 months to 5 years old. Just like reddit! bike that made to fit from ages 2 to 5 years old, Kids can fit on a balance bike whose minimum seat height is an inch less than their inseam (measured crotch to floor).

We've got a wagon, and it was good from like 8 months to maybe 15 months, but now they're just too big to sit in it without freaking kicking each other. It was loads easier to use than their double stroller then. I have heard good things of the more structured ones with seats and we might get one of those next.

Parts list:

Motor and drive train combo: 2 x 550 30000RPM Gearbox with 12V Motor,Electric Motor with Gear Box for Kids Electric Cars and Motorcycles High Speed RS550 Drive Engine Match Children's Ride on Cars https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Q3XTWB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PiZADbZK937A2

Transmission to wheel adapter: Transmission Gear External Gear Accessories Connect Gearbox Motor and Wheels for Kids Powered Ride-Ons, 550 Gearbox Accessories Kids Ride On Car Replacement Parts E https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HW2W98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TlZADbWF68M45

Variable speed controller: RioRand 7-80V PWM DC Motor Speed Controller Switch 30A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NQ5G71/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LjZADbQSB11QY

Connectors: Amass 10 Pair XT60H Bullet Connector Plug Upgrated of XT60 Sheath Female & Male Gold Plated for RC Parts ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PN6N4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nkZADbG4NVM0E

Spade connectors: Supco T1112 Quick Disconnect, High Temperature, 12-10 Gauge, 1/4" Female Tab (Pack of 15) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071NC78C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_olZADbX56T2WB

Battery terminal: https://www.ereplacementparts.com/contact-plate-holder-p-154719.html?osCsid=ijjl2im5cg4p7n3dm3k1cbpjv6

Voltage meter: MICTUNING MIC-VM DC 12V LED... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078LVLHNF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Note: no affiliate links. All straight links!!!

This all started off with my wife saying that Lightning was a little too slow! I said no problem I got this.

So my first step was to investigate what was the best way to go about this. After a while of researching the best way, I realized that they are more or less oversized versions of my rc cars that I race. With that in mind I was able to do everything.

I started the conversion using just one of the motors. This was so I could make sure I was mentally doing it all right. While the transmission was close to the stock one, it was not a exact fit. I ended up having to trim away some extra plastic and make the opening larger.

Now that the motor and trans is in for the right side I had to start looking at the wiring. The wiring that is in there stock was 18 gauge and while technically will handle the 18v I wanted to be sure we did not melt any wires. I swapped it out one by one using the same 12 gauge wire I use in my RC cars.

The first wires I did was the battery connector. I found the connectors online and used a epoxy putty to make the socket. This ensures the connection is good to the battery.

I then proceeded to replace wires in the harness one by one till they were all replaced. Once it was all setup stock it was time to add in the speed controller. This allows me to turn the speed down (by adjusting the voltage.) I put it online between the battery and the rest of the wire harness. I did it here because it was not able to handle flipping the polarity for reverse. (Popped a fuse finding that out lol. )

Once this was wired up I was able to add in the “fuel gauge”. I put it in what is the “gas cap” on the car. This is a simple dc voltage meter. Nothing fancy here.

Once all that was wired. I needed to make a “Y” splitter for the motors. I know this puts them in parallel all the time and down the road I might change that but for now just forward and reverse was good enough.

Since this car was a single drive motor previously I had to completely make a new hole for this second motor. This was a bit simpler then making room for the first motor.

One thing to note on wiring the second motor. You will want to do it in reverse of the first one as it is spinning the opposite direction of the first motor.

After this was done they only thing I did was relocate the dial for the speed controller from on the speed controller to on the back of the car under the rear fender. This was so I can adjust it without having to remove the seat to adjust it. One thing I may still add is a master power switch. I know this car has one but due to positioning I had to put the battery meter before that switch.

One thing that is still a work in progress is I bought a mltoys brake reduction system. The problem is I was not sure which wire it should go to. This is not the typical plunger switch gas peddle. It is a 6 poll rocker switch. Once they get back to me with that I will get it installed so it is not as jerky on starts and stops.

That's very sweet of you to want to do, but are you sure that his parents have the space in their home for something like that? I'd also say it's unlikely you will find a model plane that size for under $100. Maybe you could get him a ride on plane like this instead.

This is what I found, I hope it answers your question!

Selve03 points·1 year ago·edited 1 year ago

1 cat power is approximately 0.343 hp and a 189 hp car would be about 551.13 in cat power.

EDIT: To clarify, 1 hp is not the power output of 1 horse. The average horse can output about 14.9 hp.

Now the fun begins.

THE SETUP

This video depicts a man standing in a wagon pulled by 5 cats on a local street. The average weight of a man is 70 kg according to this. The wagon's wheels appear to be rubber and the rolling coefficient of friction between rubber and concrete is between 0.35 to 0.45 and so I used the value of 0.4. The wagon looked similar to this one, which has a weight of 2.47 lbs = 1.12 kg. The weight of the whole cart system and the normal force is thus, 71.12 kg which equals 697.69 N on Earth. I'm going to assume that the system is moving at constant velocity and so the force of the 5 cats pulling is equal to the force of the friction. A dash on a highway is 10 ft = 3.048 m and slowing the video down and timing the dude, I got his speed to be about 4.58 m/s.

THE MATH

Force of friction = coefficient of friction x normal force = 279.07 N

Force of friction = pull force of all 5 cats = 297.07 N

Power exerted by all cats = force x velocity = 297.07 x 4.58 = 1279.13 W

Power of 1 cat = power of all cats / 5 = 255.83 W

1 hp = 746 W & 1 cat power = 255.83 W -> cat power/hp = 0.343

189 hp = 140994 W -> 140994 W = 551.13 cat power

I’m pretty sure it’s a Power Wheels, Disney Frozen version. But it’s kinda hard to tell from this far away. Super cool...my girls dig it.

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Wheels-Disney-Frozen-Wrangler/dp/B00M1L326A

I'm not sure how old your son is but I saw one of those Power Wheels Wild Things on Amazon recently and thought they looked like sweet kid wheelchairs.



https://www.amazon.com/Power-Wheels-Wild-Thing-Orange/dp/B01G23LEFS

Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck w/ Remote Control, 3 Speeds, Spring Suspension, LED Light Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072865HYJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7PmSCb62BXMFM it can fit both kids in it. There is a handheld controller for parent override. The kid can control it too. With steering gas pedal. It even has a usb through the radio to play songs. It’s the definition of extra.

in some mall's i go to they have cars like those radio controlled but only radio controlled, i think it could be easier to buy one already radio controlled and hack it to be manual too, or give the kids the controller.

this one looks like it has both ways to control http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Remote-Control-Power-Wheels/dp/B003Y7NQFC/ref=sr_1_9?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1372799181&sr=1-9&keywords=ride-on+rc

I mentioned this in a similar thread here - one of my big projects in school was modeling a kids balance bike, pretty much this exact one:

https://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Balance-Toddlers-Toddler-Glider/dp/B0032JDTWC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=wooden+balance+bike&psc=1&qid=1572458767&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-4

Most pieces are pretty simple and assembly is straightforward, but for newer users it's a good challenge. You can pull the hardware off of McMaster Carr.

This is perfect for you! Since you need more 'realism' 🤣
https://www.amazon.com/Peg-Perego-Deere-Ground-Loader/dp/B00H2VSCK0

LOL, i mean something like these (I know there is a big difference between the two):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FXLY6LG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07FXLY6LG&pd_rd_w=NwdNM&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=kcelt&pf_rd_r=W7EXWC71RG64QGVQJF1V&pd_rd_r=43628759-8377-48f1-b9a3-1de5cf1e942d&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNkkxR1hYUFVGUjlLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTMxMTI1T0Q3MTYxSjk1QU8xJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3NDU5MjUzU1I5SVpPMEJMMVBVJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

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https://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Coupe-Patrol-Ride/dp/B001UE85CU/ref=sr_1_67?crid=TES5N0FF5610&keywords=fisher+price+car&qid=1573522261&s=toys-and-games&sprefix=fisher+price%2Ctoys-and-games%2C175&sr=1-67

I use a push/pull wagon! This one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077N4GLST/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ughCDb305GE5H

Its easy to maneuver, fits in the tiny trunk of my clown car Prius, has a neat canopy, cup holders, storage space, comes with a cooler. My kids can nap in it if needed. Right now the baby hangs out in his car seat carrier in the wagon and there’s still plenty of room for my 2yo to sit. She loves it— and this is a kid that hates strollers, usually

hiking and biking. it seems like she isn't geared for organized lessons and structured activities yet. if you have a place for it nearby, they make 3 wheel off road mountain bikes that I bet she would love. https://smile.amazon.com/Mobo-Triton-3-Wheel-Cruiser-Tricycle/dp/B009S56UUM/ref=pd_day0_hl_468_3/136-8869979-5571669?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009S56UUM&pd_rd_r=92a93420-60aa-11e9-ba62-03dfd07ff410&pd_rd_w=etRzu&pd_rd_wg=ZlRv3&pf_rd_p=ad07871c-e646-4161-82c7-5ed0d4c85b07&pf_rd_r=CW4MJ3R3V5K4Q2MH0Y7V&refRID=CW4MJ3R3V5K4Q2MH0Y7V

I'm a fan of active toys. We have a couple of these and they're a hit with boys and girls of all ages. Yes, even teens.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041WVE2G/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_okI3tb1GR3AD54JX

Last summer my son went nuts over this snail pool. We used it both with water and with ball pit balls. Hands down his favorite toy ever.

He's 17 months now and since his first birthday he's loved his slide, his basketball hoop, and his cozy truck.

We're looking to get him a water table for the back patio soon and I've been thinking about a sand box.

We're in SoCal so there will be lots of outdoor activities in the immediate future.

wagon?
We have this: [Radio Flyer 3-in-1] (https://smile.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-Fold-Wagon-Ride/dp/B01CTUGCOQ/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_21_bs_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZA4FZ12WGRB8FRBE7GY4) and love it. Makes walking any distance wtih the SmallChild so much easier.

We had these. Kind of expensive..

those were good but these were the real deal
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002616352?ie=UTF8&tag=lothma04-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002616352

I have this one, there is a slightly nicer one with built in seatbelts that came out after I got mine. I use some of my husbands old canvas belts through the bottom, there are small holes in the corners. folding wagon

There are also wayyyyy fancier ones with a push handle bar, canopy, etc. but run a few hundred dollars.

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Loader Ride On, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H2VSCK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Vtk6AbN287G4C

We have this folding wagon that is a freakin' godsend:https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CTUGCOQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It folds down small enough for a trolley and is going on the plane with us this winter :)

New Silver MP3 Kids Ride on R/C Remote Control Power Wheels Car RC Ride On Car
http://amzn.com/B003Y7NQFC