History of the Original Big Wheel®
The Big Wheel® was first developed by Louis Marx Toys and presented to the public at the 1969 New York Toy Fair. The Big Wheel® immediately became a national success.
In 1972, Carolina Enterprises introduced a Big Wheel® style tricycle
called the Hot Cycle®. By the late seventies, the two toy cycle companies
merged to become known as Empire Industries. Big Wheel® by then had grown
to become a house hold brand name. Most every family in America had a Big
Wheel® in the garage.
An additional boost to the success of the Big Wheel® was a report
released on toy safety spawned by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
The report stated that of many bicycle and tricycle related injuries, the
"low slung" Big Wheel® was far and away safer than traditional
bicycles.
Marketing survey's of the 70's, 80's, and 90's constantly place Big
Wheel® near the top of the list as one of the most recognizable
household brand names of all time. Over the years, countless Fortune 500
companies have used the Big Wheel® in promotional campaigns by
associating their product with that of the Big Wheel®. Late in 2003, a
major Florida theme park will open a new nostalgic-themed hotel property
with a three-story replica of the Big Wheel® as one of its main
centerpieces.
Big Wheel® continued to be a leader in the cycle category until Empire
industries was forced to close its doors in 2001. The Big Wheel® all but
disappeared from store shelves.
Today, the Big Wheel® has been revitalized by Alpha International,
Inc. of Cedar Rapids, IA under the Empire Toys™ brand and is more
colorful and safer than ever. Alpha's engineer's have been able to
re-develop the look of the original 1969 Big Wheel® with the safety and
appeal of our modern generation. The Big Wheel® was re-launched at the
2003 New York Toy Fair. In the spring of 2003, Alpha also re-launched the
popular 9" version for ages 2-3 years old.
Big Wheel® is ready to provide future generations the memories millions
of children have experienced over the past four decades. Big Wheel® will
continue to be a major pop culture icon of America.
Retro Pedal Cars .com carries three models of the Big Wheel; The Original Big Wheel, Orange County Chopper 16-inch Big Wheel, and Sponge Bob 16-inch Big Wheel
Information and images used with permission from Alpha International,inc.