Electric Pocket Bikes: Kettler Aero Air Tires Pedal Car Review

Looked at LOTS of pedal cars hoping to find one my extremely tall 5-year old can hang on to for a couple years, and maybe pass along to his little sister. We have a roughly paved 1.5 mile running course around the neighborhood, and I wanted to find a ride for Jr that he could burn off some cals while I struggle through my knee-rehab walks. I checked out other models at the local stores and found a common problem. Hard plastic wheels and short wheelbases/frames. Not a good combination for a tall child and a rough path. The air-filled tires and longer frame on this car solved both of those issues, and I can report it rides VERY WELL on our path.

It's no picnic to assemble, and as the other review noted, the build quality isn't great, but let's be realistic about expectations. The tires/rims alone would run $50+ in a hardware store (they're basically wheelbarrow tires)so that doesn't leave much for quality control. Any child's bike runs $50+, that gets you a frame with chains/pedals. $200 is not a bargain, but now at $160, it's approaching a must have. While not drilled particularly well, and I can see how a bolt/hole might be missing, but it is very sturdy, and that's important for an abusive rider.

Never satisfied, I've already modded the unit. First prbblem...hills. My little guy can't pedal up the ones on our course, and although the back of seat has a handle on it, bending over to offer a little assistance was a back breaker. I used some conduit and fashioned a tall, U shaped push handle, attached it to the back of the seat with the conduit straps (4). Covered with standard pipe insulation. Works like a champ!! $5 in materials, but I already owned a conduit bender.

Something to look out for...the brake works, but it's not intuitive for a 5-year old. They respond to terror on the downhill but putting their feet down Flintstone style. I had to teach Jr how to use the brake and reinforce it very often by playing a little "brake" game on the flats. He's got it now, but the first run was spooky, worsened by the fact you have to take one hand off the wheel to use the brake. Make sure Jr has that nailed BEFORE the first downhill! No seat belt either...I'm thinking of a velcro strap solution like the one he has on his battery powered yard jeep.

Regarding the comment about how a 9-year old might only get one season out of it...probably true. It's not a large frame, and the company says 5-9 years. The geometry just doesn't work as the kids get older, so this is definitely a starter machine in the age category. There are larger ones out there for the older kids, but the price points push $300, and I think by th

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Product Description:
Kettler Aero Racer Pedal Car with Air TiresThe Kettler Aero-Racer Kettcar is a chain-driven pedal car that is equipped with safety freewheeling for coasting and an easy-to-reach handbrake. The oversized, anti-slip pedals and steering wheel make it fun and easy to control, while the adjustable seat offers comfort and the all-terrain, rubberized tires provide traction.A high-quality go-cart that grows with the child from 5 to 9 years.

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