MyStopy: Does my child really need a balance bike brake?
Imagine your little speedster zooming down the sidewalk on their balance bike, laughter echoing in the air – and suddenly it gets serious. A car approaches, and your heart skips a beat. How many times have you wished your child would listen to "Stop"? With the MyStopy brake assistant, this should become easier. But is this really the solution you’re looking for? Let’s take a closer look at this topic together and weigh the pros and cons.
MyStopy Brake Assistant: Do I really need this balance bike brake?
My son received a balance bike for his second birthday. On that very day, he took his first laps and from then on became steadily more confident and, most importantly, faster. At first, I could still keep up with him at a brisk pace, but eventually, the balance bike outings turned into intense sprint sessions for me, as I couldn’t yet trust that my child would actually brake at every "Stop". And indeed: One day we approached a four-lane road, and my son nearly dashed into the street without looking, even when the light was red. It was a moment that gave me worry lines and opened my eyes.
That moment was quite frightening – just like all the other times he stopped only after I called him two or three times and, of course, had no grasp of the dangers that city traffic poses. The faster he got, the more certain I became that a brake was necessary for his Puky. The MyStopy brake assistant reacts at the push of a button, is claimed by the manufacturer to be installed in just a few steps, has an integrated rear light, and can safely brake remotely from up to 100 meters away when the little ones can’t (or don’t want to) manage it on their own. Because only the rear wheel is braked, the balance bike cannot tip over despite the external braking. But is this really the best solution for my child's safety?
Early traffic education is more important than any assistant
When I told my husband about the idea, he wasn’t as enthusiastic as I was: "Isn’t it much more important for our child to learn to listen to us?" That question hit home. Especially with a purchase price of nearly 70 euros, I wanted to be sure I was making the right choice and initially decided against it. It’s important that children don’t just rely on technical aids but also understand the basics of traffic education.
For my son, there has been a clear rule since that day: I count down from three, and if he doesn’t stop at my "Stop," we take a balance bike break. And not just for five minutes, but for the rest of the way. This has led to some tears and moments of frustration, but it has also ensured that my son almost always brakes immediately when I start counting. It’s amazing how quickly children learn when they feel the consequences of their actions. And fortunately, early childhood traffic education is emphasized not just in our home: At daycare, children are sensitized very early and repeatedly reminded to stop and calmly assess traffic.
I remember a trip with the daycare where the educators playfully taught the children how to cross the street safely. They developed a game where the children had to wait at a "traffic light" until it showed "green" before they could cross the "street." Such experiences are invaluable and have a lasting impact on children's safety awareness.
Brake for balance bikes – yes or no? Here’s my advice to other parents
After thoroughly researching the topic, I can understand both sides well: those who rely on MyStopy and those who choose not to. There are many arguments for and against the brake assistant, and it’s important to consider both sides before making a decision.
- High purchase price for relatively short use: The investment of 70 euros is not insignificant, especially considering that children grow quickly and the balance bike may only be used for one season.
- Only usable for certain Puky models: This limits the options for many parents who may already own a different model.
- There is a risk that children will rely on external braking: If children depend too much on technology, it could impair their own safety awareness.
Even though we decided against a balance bike brake, I understand why parents choose to buy the MyStopy brake assistant. Not without reason was the MyStopy kit the winner of the German Design Awards in 2023. In the city, there will always be dangerous situations for toddlers that they cannot realistically assess. The idea of being able to intervene from a distance when a child is in danger is tempting.
If you also decide to go for it, I would give you this tip: After every remote braking action, talk to your child and calmly explain why you intervened and why it’s important to be able to brake independently. Only then can you ensure that an awareness develops. Children learn through imitation and conversation, so use these opportunities to teach them the importance of safety in traffic.
If you’re interested in this topic, check out our article discussing whether daycare children can go home alone and inform yourself in our balance bike comparison. Ultimately, the decision lies with you and your child – and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the choice you make.
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