Smart Cycle
Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System is a stationary bicycle for children ages three to six.
Background
The Smart Cycle, by Fisher-Price, was designed to encourage active play in children, drawing from research in neuroscience which indicated the human brain grows and learns better during exercise. A child-sized exercise bike, the Smart Cycle connects to a television's A/V jacks. The accompanying software provides word and number games that children play by pedaling the bike and using the onboard joystick. The gaming action increases as the child pedals faster. Children can play learning games and have races with friends or against the computer. Learning games include matching, spelling, numbers, shapes and motor skills activities.
Partnership
Fitness expert Richard Simmons joined with Fisher-Price in advocating active play for children at the February 2007 American International Toy Fair.[1]
Criticism
On January 22, 2009, Fisher-Price's Smart Cycle was nominated by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood for its 2009 TOADY (Toys Oppressive and Destructive to Young children) Award.[2]