Balance Learning and Play with Kiddimoto

Kiddimoto helps children to learn balance, leading to 2-wheeled cycling skills, helps them to be more aware of their actions and consequences of those actions. It will also give them confidence in their abilities which will develop in other areas of their lives. Children that develop balance at an early age also develop confidence. Confidence allows children to learn faster.

Research and plain old common sense explains the importance of children doing regular gentle exercise. Children`s heart rates need to be raised to 140bpm at least once a day in order to improve both physical and psychological health. Kiddimoto is a fun and effective way of achieving this with your child. Children will enjoy taking their Kiddimoto out for a ride and the exercise they are getting from it will benefit them in many ways. Regular exercise in early life increases the likelihood that they will continue exercising when they become adults. Attitudes towards physical activity are established at an early age; parents therefore have a prime responsibility to encourage their children to engage in active play. All children attend school from an early age and the routine of traveling to and from school provide an excellent opportunity for both individual and family exercise. With young children an escorted twice daily brisk ride may benefit both child and parent(s) as well as provide a positive parental role model for the child. With a balanced, enjoyable programme, children can develop a repertoire of motor skills, achieve success at their own levels, and feel confident enough in their own abilities to want to pursue more active lifestyles.

The best way to insure children can achieve high-level academic performance with less effort is to have them train their motor skills starting in infancy and continuing in childhood. Dr. Jean Piaget, a Swiss child psychologist and biologist, recognized that for children, sensory-motor intelligence represents the foundation for and integration of a child`s later ability to abstract, generalize, analyze, and synthesize natural and social phenomenon. In other words, a child`s ability to understand the world around him and communicate with others is based on early, adequate sensory and motor-skill development and integration, as well as a stable emotional development.

In early age we begin to learn to develop a sense of verticality, going through stages like turning, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. The final result should be well coordinated walking, and a balanced and vertical posture with smooth, fluid motions. A well controlled vertical posture and well-coordinated movement should be stable and of very good quality by the age of six to seven at the latest, when exams and tests at school begin. An optimally coordinated movement and vertical posture allow us to listen, communicate, act and interact independently. They are known and recognized today as the basis for developing age-appropriate speech, language and behavior. This level of performance (development) represents the foundation for later movement skills, such as drawing or writing when we are in school, and as adults when performing complex and high-precision motor activities like surgeons, airplane pilots, violinists, figure skaters, etc., must do.

A well-trained and developed sense of balance and coordinated movement are also fundamental and very important skills in developing attention, in concentrating, remaining focused for a long time when learning, communicating, or at work.

Safety

We want you to enjoy your child using their Kiddimoto. We really don’t want them to get bumped and bruised, so please take time to ensure your child is as much aware as you are of the following safety measures.

Is your child ready for Kiddimoto?

Remember that the recommended guidelines for Kiddimoto are for children aged from 36 months old and a maximum weight of 36Kg. Please don’t ever use it without proper protection and education. That goes for your child, their siblings and friends.

The first ride...

Your child will be quick to learn and quick to ride in safety and control if you follow these simple guidelines:

Explain to your child the dangers of bikes and roads and all the stuff below before they get on for the first time. Do this as you assemble the bike and check it according to the instructions.
Go somewhere with a soft surface, a lawn or carpet for the first attempts. You can help if you wish by giving them some support. Some kids take to it quickly, others may need more time, don’t rush them - they should get the hang of it.

From the start make sure they wear a crash hat and gloves, it will get them used to it. Don’t let them outdoors without; you wouldn’t ride your bike without a helmet would you? Set a good example!
Let them learn in a safe place and ensure they know how to stop, turn, and that they are being responsible before you venture out to open or public spaces.

Later on...

Use the kiddimoto on shopping trips, country walks and at the seaside. You will find that your child can cover long distances very easily. You may find that they are somewhat quicker than you too. So be aware of the dangers that crowded malls and sea front promenades might present. And be ready to have a lot of people talk to you about Kiddimoto.

Safety first, race `em later

Always:
> Make sure your child wears a crash hat and gloves, elbow and kneepads can help too.
> Before each ride ensure that the Kiddimoto is safe. Are the wheel axle bolts tight?
> Ensure that your child understands the dangers of roads and crowded areas.
> Only allow use of Kiddimoto under full adult supervision.
> Ensure that you understand the dangers of the environment where your child is using their Kiddimoto. Warn them about those dangers.

Never:
> Use on the road or on narrow pavements.
> Use near a swimming pool, lake or river.
> Use anywhere near stairways or steps.
> Use on gravel, sand or slippery floors.
> Use whilst using a personal stereo or mobile phone.
> Use near hills.

Be aware of Crowded areas.

In Summer:
Insist your child wear protective clothing even though they are hot.

In Winter:
Make your child as visible as you can, insist that they wear reflective clothing. Attach lights and reflectors.

Indoor use:
Watch out for table corners, furniture and ornament hazards that they may crash into.

Some simple tips for keeping your kiddimoto like new:

> Don’t leave it outside in the rain.
> Don’t lean it against hot places or leave it near open fires.
> Don’t eat it.
> Do teach your child to park the Kiddimoto responsibly.
> Do wipe it down after it has been wet.
> Do regularly inspect it for any wear or tear. Use the maintenance guide.
> Do touch up any chipped paint before it gets beyond repair.

And the big last word is for you adults. Oh yes, we know you will ride it, because it’s irresistible. We just want to tell you that it’s fine as long as you only weigh 36Kg, any more is a big NO NO. Have you got that?

Maximise the use of your kiddimoto. Why not use Kiddimoto as a way of educating your child about traffic rules or teach them racing lines around playground circuits? Use their bike as an example of responsibility through maintenance.