# STEM-Inspired Balance Bikes Build & Ride by Adam Higgins Can Be Both Challenging and Playful By Kalin Ned | Published 2022-08-02 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-bike1 References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/07/31/university-of-wales-trinity-st-david-design-projects-schoolshows/) & [higgz](https://www.higgz.co.uk/n-e-w-s)  Adam Higgins, an emerging designer from the [University of Wales Trinity St David](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-preparation-toy), has reimagined the classic balance bike with an educational twist. For those unfamiliar with the term, a balance bike is a pedal-less bike with two wheels that is powered by a child's legs. Adam Higgins took this traditional play design and infused it with "[practical STEM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/science-activity-kits) [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] learning outcomes. Titled 'Build & Ride,' this balance bike challenges children to build their bikes, following a ten-step assembly guide. According to the designer, this experience will "enhance cognitive skills, improve hand-to-eye coordination, [and support the development of] fine motor skills." The new version of the classic balance bike is, therefore, reimagined for a society that values experience and education at every step of their everyday. Image Credit: Dezeen ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **STEM Education for Children:** The STEM-inspired balance bike introduces children to STEM education while encouraging physical activity. - **Interactive Learning Toys:** Toys that combine education and play, such as the Build & Ride balance bike, open up opportunities for interactive learning. - **DIY Toys for Kids:** Toys that require assembly by children, like the Build & Ride balance bike, offer opportunities for hands-on learning and development. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy and Game Industry:** The toy and game industry can innovate through the creation of more interactive learning toys. - **Education Industry:** The education industry can partner with toy companies to develop toys that combine education and play. - **STEM Education Industry:** The STEM education industry can explore the use of hands-on, DIY toys like the Build & Ride balance bike to teach children STEM skills. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Advanced Toddler Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toddler-bike.md) - [Self-Balancing Baby Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woom-wow.md) - [Senior-Suited Balance Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-fiber-balance-bike.md) - [Child-Friendly Balance Training Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super73-k1d.md) - [Youth-Focused E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/statyc-12edrive.md) - [STEM-Inspired Electric Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-electric-skateboard.md) - [Kid-Friendly Training E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kids-electric-balance-bike.md) - [Easy-to-Balance Youth E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-kinder-pro.md) - [Designer Kids Training Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Costway-Kids-Bike.md)