From the very beginning, we wanted to create a safe balance bike. Not only by adding an adjustable speed limiter as a new safety feature, but also by thoroughly testing safety from every angle. We tested the SPLIM balance bike for more than a year in real-world conditions. We used it every day in a wide range of situations — in rain and cold weather, off-road, and on steep downhill rides in the mountains.
During development, we built five prototypes. With each one, we gradually refined the construction, controls, ergonomics, and the characteristics of the speed limiter. Individual prototypes went through dozens of development iterations.
We used SPLIM in the same way families with children will use it — on smooth surfaces and off-road, with beginners and experienced riders, on relaxed walks as well as active outdoor trips. The goal was to verify that the balance bike works not only in ideal conditions, but also in everyday use. That is why we also tested it in rain, mud, and puddles.
We regularly tested the balance bike away from smooth asphalt — on rougher paths, off-road, and in mountain environments. This is where you really find out what a balance bike can withstand during more demanding use. On steep mountain descents, the speed limiter proved to be especially helpful. The child does not have to focus on braking and can fully concentrate on handling uneven terrain.
The speed limiter helps the child when riding down a steep off-road slope.
We tested SPLIM in almost every kind of weather. In winter, we checked, among other things, how easy it is to operate while wearing gloves and how the balance bike behaves at low temperatures.
SPLIM can also be ridden in winter.
Because the adjustable speed limiter is a new structural element, we paid the greatest attention to it during testing. We tested not only its normal function, but also how much it could withstand under excessive load.
The speed limiter passed load tests on a steep slope with a gradient of over 15% and with a seven-year-old test rider who exceeded the balance bike’s weight limit.
The speed limiter must withstand excessive loads as well.
Long service life is important to us not only for reliability, but also for sustainability. After more than a year of almost daily use, SPLIM remained fully functional, and we measured only minor wear on the speed limiter. Its design uses industrial friction materials that are commonly used, for example, in motorcycle brakes and clutches. This means the SPLIM balance bike can serve several children in succession or continue its life with another owner.
SPLIM is designed to withstand rougher handling. During use, falls and impacts can occur, especially if you decide to ride with the limiter switched off. Drop and impact tests confirmed that the balance bike maintains its structural integrity and functionality.
During development, we made sure that the balance bike would be safe even for the youngest children. In addition to our own testing, the SPLIM balance bike was also tested in an accredited laboratory according to the European EN 71 toy safety standard.
Mechanical tests confirmed that SPLIM has no sharp edges or dangerous protrusions that could injure a child. It has no small parts that a young child could release on their own. Thanks to the enclosed band brake, there are no places on the balance bike where a child’s finger could get pinched. Chemical tests confirmed the safety of parts that come into contact with a child’s skin.
Long-term testing confirmed the reliability and durability of the SPLIM balance bike in real-world conditions. This allows us to bring to market a highly safe and thoroughly tested product that is ready to face a wide range of challenges on shared adventures with children.
