© woom GmbH
Bicycles have been used for over 150 years. As a sports and leisure device, as a lifestyle product, as a sustainable means of transport in the course of a mobility revolution, the bicycle has returned to the centre of society and everyday life in the past decade, even in Western countries. Bicycle brands are often cult, and their design is a decisive factor in their success. While adults are only just learning to switch to bicycles again, children have always been subscribed to getting around by bike. Design and brand image also play an important role in the children’s bicycle segment. As part of the “Collecting in Focus” series, the Vienna Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) is presenting a total of seven “woom bikes” from 24 May to 6 August. The six children’s bikes from the “woom Originals” series and one “woom Now” were donated to the museum for its design collection. They were designed and developed by “woom”, a company that has won many international design awards and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The bicycles for children make riding more fun. They are light, well thought-out and of high quality – and are in no way inferior to adult bicycles.
The company’s bicycles were already awarded “Gold” at the German Design Award (GDA) 2018. The jury’s statement said: “With its children’s bike range, woom presents first-class designed and quality bikes for children aged one and a half to fourteen years. Durable aluminium components and a graphic design language suitable for children, which is carefully adapted to the ergonomic needs of the respective age groups, offer maximum riding comfort and thus lots of fun. The bikes are also pleasantly light. A thoroughly intelligent approach for the bike-loving family. Perfect for learning.” In 2021, the e-bike “woom Up” was honoured at the GDA as “Winner” and the mountain bike “woom Off Air” with a “Special Mention”.
According to the museum, the presentation “focuses on the bicycle as a cultural asset and means of transport that has had a lasting impact on and changed our society. It explores the visionary industrial design of woom bikes, which celebrates ergonomics, sustainability and environmentally friendly mobility, and invites you to look behind the scenes of the design process”. All components of a woom children’s bike are specially developed for the needs of children and ergonomically adapted accordingly. A low seating position ensures stability, a flat steering angle and a long wheelbase provide a smooth ride. The example of three elements – the bicycle frame, a front carrier and a frame bag – illustrates how the woom team works and what makes up the design of the bicycles.
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