Okiedog's Cheeky Chick: The Right On, Ride On

Our 18-month-old has bike envy.  You see, his 4-year-old big brother just got his first official bicycle and the baby wants in on the action, big time.  He has a tricycle, but is still too young to grasp the pedal concept and even if he did, his legs aren’t long enough to reach the ground.  That said, the last few weeks have been spent helping Owen learn how to ride his bike while Sam toddles after him, screaming ‘WANT RIDE!…WANT RIDE!’  Things were getting downright ugly … That is, until our Cheeky Chick arrived.  This award-winning ride-on toy designed by Okiedog and distributed by International Playthings is the perfect size and speed for a young toddler, but cool enough to make him feel like one of the ‘big boys.’

I knew I’d like the Cheeky Chick ($64.99) when I pulled itout of the box and realized that it came fully assembled.  Simply twistand pull down the wheels until they lock, and you’re ready to go!  Cheeky Chickis incredibly lightweight at 5 pounds; I love this, because it not onlymakes it easy for your little one to get from point a to point b…it’salso easy to for you to get from point a to point b, with the Cheeky Chick.The wheels collapse back into the body with ease, so it’s no hassle atall to toss it in your car for a trip to the park or a barbecue.

There are no pedals, just a single rear wheel and two front wheelswhich are wide-set, so Sam uses his feet to move forward and back. Cheeky Chicksits low — the seat measures just 9 ½-inches off the ground.Together, the wide-set wheels and low center of gravity mean that yourchild won’t be wobbly while he’s riding. Sam took to the Cheeky Chickright away, and that’s saying something because he’s normally anextremely cautious baby. But he tools around the driveway and patiowith ease.

My only complaint would be that the wheels don’t turn in differentdirections, and while Sam is tall enough to stand up and still straddlethe Cheeky Chick, he’s not strong enough to turn the Cheeky Chickby himself.  Unfortunately, that means that I have to hover nearby andbe ready to turn him as he’s plowing full-steam ahead into a wall orsome other obstruction.  Okiedog makes a similar toy, however, called the Fropperthat features caster wheels for quick direction changes.  If yourlittle one won’t be content to go in a straight line all the time, itmight be a better pick.

All in all, the Cheeky Chick is a nice ride-on for a youngtoddler who isn’t quite ready for pedals.  The low seat and raisedhandlebars are easy for little uncoordinated bodies to work with, andthat it’s easily transported from inside to outside or house to houseis a big bonus. Cheeky Chick is recommended for children ages 12-36 months, and has a maximum weight limit of 45 pounds.

– Missy