Compiled by TOM KELLY
Evolve Folding Recumbent TrikeI've seen this described in a few places as a bike, which seems to be about 50 per cent at odds with its three wheels. Recumbent two or three wheelers are still a pretty unusual sight on Irish roads, but users swear by them. The cyclist's body weight gets spread over the length of the seat rather than being focused on the often painfully-small seat and on the handlebars. But the complex engineering needed to deliver this more ergonomic weight distribution means there are precious few foldable models – so cutting back on its appeal for the commuter market.
Aussie bike-maker Evolve is just launching this provisionally named F16 (all you fighter pilots can stop sniggering up the back) which they claim – indeed they show on a video – can fold-up without tools in less than 20 seconds. And this folds up small, even to fit in a suitcase.
CostPrice to be confirmed, evolvetrikes.com.
WaterbuggyLooking not unlike a dodgem car that has somehow been bumped into the drink, the Waterbuggy is sure to start appearing in water resorts soon. Needing only about a metre of water, it's a perfect little runabout for lakes or sheltered seas. One key safety element is that its max speed is only about 10km/h, so no kiddy-boy racer stuff here. Instead, there's a gentle, though responsive, turn of pace.
In fact, the real fun is in just how responsive it is. Like a bumper car, it can spin around in a very tight circle and is controlled by a joystick making the ride a video-game experience.
There are simple stop-start buttons, which will allow adults to understand driving it just as quickly as the kids. Takes three people.
CostFrom $9,900 (€7,140) depending on engine choice, waterbuggystore.com.
Kid's T-SeatAs someone who still winces recalling the time my leg got caught in the spokes of a bicycle while getting a backer, I can really relate to this.
The US-made T-Seat gives a makeover to the existing kids’ seats and makes it comfortable and safe.
Sitting up front on the bike always seems better fun than behind – you get to see what’s happening; parent and passenger can interact more easily and there’s none of the back spray and splashing.
The T-Seat leaves more room for your knees and gives a more naturally comfortable ride for your young fellow traveller.
There’s even a steering wheel to hang onto, but why not handle bars? It’s easy to attach safely and meets British Safety Standards for bike seats.
Cost€110 (€80), from ibertinc.com.
SuperCollar Sussing lampposts with a single sniff. Detecting chocolate at extraordinary distances. Giving unmitigated affection at all times. Perhaps your super-dog deserves a SuperCollar.
But it’s not one with a bright red, flowing cape. This is a collar with a lead built-in. Not just any lead you understand, it has more than 100lbs breaking strength, enough to tow a car. If you had to.
It’s been developed by a vet and seems to cover the bases. There are three sizes for different weights. Reflective patches will make your best four-legged friend more visible in these darker evenings and there’s no more searching for the lead. Simply open the catch and pull the strap. The lead extends as a pair of steel cables.
Of course, that means your mutt can’t go into a frenzy of excitement anymore at the first sight of the lead. That might be a good thing. Lead measures one metre.
CostFrom $39.99 (€29), supercollar.com.