Richard Latham is probably the only toymaker to have turned down an order from New York toy retailer FAO Schwartz.But the designer of the Wishbone Bike is now gearing up to make good on that, having transported his burgeoning business out of a 20th floor bathroom to a garage in Island Bay, Wellington.
Wishbone Design’s “ultimate pre-bike” is the result of a bout of ingenuity born out of Mr Latham’s spare time as a stay-home dad. He came up with an innovative and sustainable improvement on a German-designed “running bike”, and with a fulltime business keeping the repatriated family busy.
Without pedals, the bike gives kids a running start at bicycle riding to develop balance and confidence. The design, which converts from a tricycle to a mid-sized two-wheeler to a larger two-wheeler, can replace myriad “cheap” bikes that a family might buy.
Even turning out 25 a week with help from his father-in-law, they were unable to keep up with demand and the manufacturing deal cannot come soon enough.
What I Like: Just coming up with an idea isn’t enough. Richard Latham didn’t just invent something on paper, he manufactures an actual, functioning product. I get so many emails each week from inventors who want to know what to do next. Like Latham, they need to start turning out product in their garage and selling!
Mike Smith on December 13th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Awesome idea and the perfect example of bootstrapping your business. It’s one of those “I can’t believe I didn’t think of that” ideas. I hope he makes MILLIONS!
Hatecable on December 13th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Excellent looking bike and good article. Hooray for home business and Dad’s that can stay at home.
I’ve worked from home for many years and it was great not to loose out while my girls were growing up.