Child's tricycle, Scuttlebug, manufactured by Mookie, 2014-2020

Folding child's tricycle, made predominantly from various red plastics and black metal tubing. The three small, red wheels are each at the base of a stalk. The moulded seat is textured for grip and is decorated with black spots which suggest those of a ladybird. On its front is printed a pair of eyes and a mouth with a protruding tongue. When folded, the front wheel and handlebars move beneath the seat towards the rear, and the rear wheels are folded forwards.

Bicycles are a common mode of wheeled transport that first appeared in the early 19th century. A range of shapes and types of bicycles have since been developed for both adults and children. Although bikes have always been popular with children, in the 21st century their popularity (and that of related products such as scooters) has exploded. They are now seen as a useful means to improve motor skills, balance and co-ordination, and to increase a child’s pram-free travel range and independence. A user will generally progress through stages of size and complexity, such as tricycles and balance bikes, before eventually graduating to a ‘classic’ adult bicycle. The demand has led to a broad market and a flowering of different design approaches for these modes of transport.

Mookie is a supplier, distributor and manufacturer of toys that was founded in Windsor Avenue, Edgware in the garage of Mookie and Aviva Orr. Swingball and The Bugs range of early years bikes and scooters are among their best-known brands.

The Scuttlebug was originally designed in 2004 by Ideation Design for Australian company Funtastic Limited. In 2014, Mookie acquired the intellectual property for Scuttlebug and Scamblebug children’s bikes from Funtastic, for whom they had previously distributed the product in the UK. The Bugs range consists of three tricycles, Scramblebug, Scuttlebug and Scuttlebug XL, and one scooter, the Scootiebug. Between them, they can support children between one and five years of age. Products from the range have won several awards since they first appeared on the market in about 2007. The recognition of the Scuttlebug product in particular stems from its lightweight and compact design, as well as the ability to be easily folded for storage and carrying.

A patent application for the Scuttlebug was submitted by Matthew Golias for Ideation Design in November 2004.

In 2014, Mookie acquired the intellectual property for Scuttlebug and Scamblebug children’s bikes from Australian company Funtastic Limited, for whom they had previously distributed the product in the UK.

B.2-2022