Pedal cars are eco-friendly ride-on toys that come in various designs, from sports cars to fire trucks. They were first invented in the late 1800s and have evolved to include tractors, airplanes, and even helicopters. Vintage pedal cars are collectible items that can fetch high prices.
Most kids just can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a car, and that’s why the pedal car was created. Ride-on toys called pedals come in all sorts of body designs, from sports convertibles to fire trucks and more. Whatever the child’s imagination can imagine, there is surely a toy car to fulfill it. There are also several adult versions of the go-kart, usually built for racing.
Pedal cars are powered by the driver’s feet and legs, making them the first eco-friendly cars. The first assembled toy was probably a wooden pony on wheels, propelled across the ground by sliding its feet. In the late 1800s he brought a two-seater version for horse and buggy, complete with functional pedals and a set of reins to steer the horse. In 1930, a closed bicycle called the Velocar was invented in France, setting a precedent as the first use of a human-powered automobile as a legitimate form of transportation.
The body style of a pedal can be almost any type of vehicle imaginable. Retro toy cars can go all the way back to the Model T, complete with a wooden dash and spare tire behind the seat. There are a variety of tents to choose from, some with flames painted along the stylish side panels. Sophisticated models include a pink or turquoise Thunderbird and a cherry red Mustang. There’s even a sedan big enough for two. The pedals can be policemen, taxis, race cars, cranes and more. One of the best known is the modern plastic version called the Big Wheel.
The design of a pedal car is not limited to a car body by any means. There are pedal cars that represent tractors and dump trucks to suit the budding farmer or construction worker. There are motorcycles and fire trucks. There are airplane pedal cars with stubby little wings, but big enough for a child’s imagination. A helicopter-style go-kart might be just the thing for a kid who dreams of flying. Tugboats, speedboats, and cruisers can also be converted to pedals.
Antique toys are big business for antique collectors and dealers. Vintage pedal cars can fetch a tidy sum, depending on the style, rarity, and condition of the toy. Whether vintage, retro or modern, a pedal car is meant to bring joy to children, and it can also evoke pleasant childhood memories in adults.
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