Choppy: A Wooden Balance Bike for Kids

An Innovative and Sustainable Design by Aldis Blicsons

For Choppy’s designer and engineer team, this balance bike was the logical next step after their previous project - the award-winning Brum Brum Bike. They aimed to create a sustainable product that could be assembled without tools, and they succeeded.

Choppy is a balance bike designed for kids up to 4 years of age. What sets it apart is its innovative and handsome design, as well as its sustainable and nature-friendly construction. The bike can be assembled as a construction game or building blocks without the need for any tools. The seat and handlebars can be easily adjusted to the height of the young rider, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. The springy bike seat is specially designed to protect the child's back.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Choppy is its ultra-lightweight construction. Unlike traditional balance bikes, Choppy doesn't have any standard metal bearings or screws. This not only makes it easier for kids to handle, but also contributes to its overall sustainability. The bike is made primarily from Latvian-produced veneered birch plywood, a material known for its durability and eco-friendliness.

Choppy's design and engineering team worked tirelessly to ensure that the bike is as nature-friendly as possible. The primary material, wood, is sourced from sustainable forests and is 100% manufactured in Latvia to avoid unsustainable long-distance transportation. In addition to wood, the bike's construction features different polymer composites and minimal metal components.

Even the packaging of Choppy reflects its commitment to sustainability. The box is made from FSC-certified cardboard and is put together without the use of glue. It is designed for long-term storage and transportation of the bike, and can even be used as a board game with its inlet featuring an adventure track printed on it.

Choppy has received recognition for its exceptional design and sustainability. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2022. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

With its innovative design, sustainable construction, and ease of assembly, Choppy is not only a great balance bike for kids, but also a testament to the possibilities of combining art, design, and technology to create a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Aldis Blicsons
Image Credits: Aldis Blicsons
Project Team Members: Aldis Blicsons Toms Grinbergs Gatis Grandans
Project Name: Choppy
Project Client: Aldis Blicsons


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