Big Wheel for Adults?
While reading through Christopher Byrne’s Toy Time!* I ran across a mention that Jakks Pacific — current owners of the Big Wheel riding toy — is launching a Big Wheel for adults in 2014. Byrne’s book reports:
As part of their promotion, Kids Only! produced two prototype models of the Big Wheel in a size that a contemporary adult could ride. They proved to be so popular wherever they were shown that for 2014, the company decided to put them into production and sell them for $199 — or about the cost of twenty of the originals in 1969.
I’m sure you’re not surprised that as soon as I read that paragraph I started searching the web for info. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything on Jakk’s official Big Wheel page. I did, though, find this NBC story about a competing Big Wheel for adults. The story closes with:
The High Roller will have competition next year as well. “Big Wheel” brand owner Jakks Pacific is planning their own model, which will run for about $400, for release in 2014.
Still not satisfied, I kept digging until I found this 2012 blog post where we get to see an adult on one of the prototype Big Wheel toys. Cool! I’ll have to try and swing by the Jakks Pacific booth at New York Toy Fair next month and get a look at their planned toy for adults.
Related articles
- Spotted Online – Trendmasters’ Godzilla Toy Commercial from the Nineties (battlegrip.com)
- What makes a toy memorable? (cnn.com)
They must exist! I recall last year actor, John Barrowman posting pictures of himself building an adult-size Big Wheels-type bike.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/kmallikarjuna/and-now-for-john-barrowman-riding-a-big-wheel
I had a friend about twelve years ago who modified a big wheel with ape hangar handlebars and rode it all over town – to bars, to work, everywhere. It was hilarious to see him roll up the street each morning on the way to the worksite!