Let the children play

At Winther, we believe in the power of play. Play is just as important as eating and sleeping. Childen learn through play and develop their skills. And play is an essential ingredient of a happy childhood

We have long known that play benefits children's mental and physical health. The World Bank goes one step further, viewing quality play as the ideal way for a child to learn and understand the world. Their report concludes that children learn best through exploration, play and interaction with others. Another study from Norway shows that outdoor play strengthens children's cognitive abilities and develops their attention skills.

We add movement to play

In addition to giving children the opportunity to play, promoting children's physical activity level is also a focus area in modern life. The Danish Health Authority recommends that children aged 1-4 get as much physical activity as possible per day, and for children and adolescents aged 5-17 years, the WHO calls for at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. But with so much screen-based entertainment these days, it can be a bit of a challenge for parents to structure this advice into their child's daily life.
Cycling, however, is an excellent way to spark a child's enthusiasm for outdoor activities that unite play and physical activity. The ability to ride a bike offers experiences and freedom, and it is also a fun way to get around. All of Winther's trikes and bikes for children encourage play and activity, and they are designed to be used. They are sturdy enough to withstand being at the centre of many hours of boisterous play in the company of other playful children.

Push Bikes 1-3 years

Children experience so much joy when they can ride unaided across the playground, visit their little friends and explore and discover the world. And the same goes for very young children who have not yet mastered the art of pedalling. So it is a good thing that a pushing movement with the feet can serve as substitute for pedals. When a child pushes off using his or her feet, it helps them to practise the pedalling motion. That is good training before they attempt to use pedals, which could be the child's next achievement. And concentrating on staying on the saddle helps to improve their ability to balance as well.

Bike Runners 2-7 years

Winther's balance bikes are ideal for practising basic balancing skills. The ability to sit upright comes before the ability to operate pedals, but the legs and feet can act as training wheels. Contact with the ground gives the child a safe and easy start, which gives them confidence to do more. The child learns to push off from the ground, get moving and maintain speed.

A balance bike is a gentle and fun start to a life of cycling, and a great way to learn how to keep their balance on a moving bike. After a little practice, a balance bike gives children the opportunity to push off from the ground on a fastmoving bike, navigate at speed, and take part in group play that involves speed and movement.

It also challenges the child's motor skills. When riding a balance bike, the child has to push off with their legs, coordinate their arms and legs, assess the distance and steer clear of any obstacles encountered along the way.

Tricycles 2-10 years

By the age of three, when the child has developed a little more body awareness, they will be able to start learning how to operate pedals and steer the bicycle. The extra wheel also provides a good support for the child who has not quite mastered keeping their balance.

The sense of independence that comes with the ability to move around freely gives the child a confidence boost that makes all the efforts worthwhile. And just as importantly, they make their own decisions and control the direction of play. It is entirely on their terms. The children organise things themselves and decide what will happen. Along the way, they explore things in many different ways, which benefits their self development. At the same time, they strengthen their social skills by interacting with their peers through play.

Scooter 2-12 years

Many children are naturally bold and have a good inner drive when it comes to moving at speed. They will definitely feel like little kings and queens when they go whizzing past on a scooter. And it is really easy to gain speed. A scooter has a low deck and it is easy for children to use. No pedal training is required, and most children will intuitively understand how to use it.

Scooters are the epitome of fun and good exercise, so it is not surprising that they are very popular. It is a smart way to get somewhere quickly, and it provides excellent entertainment for the child. Scooters are also ideal for improving the child's balance.

Winther also has a three-wheeled scooter, where the extra wheel can provide support for children who are not quite ready for the two-wheeled version.

Bicycles from 4 years of age

At this age, the child now has the ability to ride all kinds of bicycles. And there is much to be gained from giving the child an opportunity to have an active life on two wheels: muscle building, blanace training, hand-eye and foot-eye coordination and sensory stimulation to name just a few.

Learning to ride a bike is also an experience that leads to increased self-esteem. Children sense the fredom that comes from getting around on their own, while also establishing a good fellowship with other cyclists. When children ride bikes together through the landscape or bike across a small ramp, they gain shared experiences and form bonds. So in addition to developing motor skills, it also serves as a way to develop social skills.
And once you have learned to ride a bike, the skill stays with you for life.

Vehicles for two and more children

When a small group of children share a bike or trike, it is an ideal opportunity to try out roleplaying activities. When children pretend to be busy police officers pursuing a criminal, or a chef making delicious meals in the sandbox they role-play adult behaviours that can help prepare them for adulthood. When they experiment with identities and imaginary situations, they learn more about their surroundings. They have an idea of how things work, and these theories are then tested out in reality. Role play is vital to a child's development. It helps to develop the child's empathy while also improving their ability to communicate with others.

Group play often leads to friendships. For example,when multiple children crowd together around a Winther Twin Taxi, their enthusisasm and engagement rub off on each other. They are encouraged to play even more, which often means that they stay active for a longer period of time.

Special wheeled toys

Motivating children to engage in physical activity requires an exciting and encouraging environment for play. Winther therefore also has a special series of wheeled toys that can challenge the child in new ways. For example, the child can test all their coordination skills with Winther FunCart's unique steering system. Cycling can also mean winding through the landscape like a snake on a Foot Twister, or it can be reminiscent of rowing, using hand pedals such as those on a Winther RowKart or Swingcart. These create an exciting and educational setting for the child, who will explore the different bikes with curiosity.
At the same time, the cleverly designed bikes are supported by fun accessories: a colourful petrol station or a hand trolley that helps interesting goods change hands. They ensure that the child's imagination runs wild so that role play and group play can flourish.