Pure Fun with PlasmaCar: Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

Santa sure has a lot of choices when it comes to toys to fill his nice list. Some days I browse the toy aisles and think "Wow, I wish we'd had those when I was a kid." Other days I think toys have become far too complicated. So many toys that are powered by batteries and so few that are powered by the imagination. The PlasmaCar is a rarity in the world of ride-on toys - durable, fun for kids of all ages, and best of all - no batteries required.

I write most of the reviews around here, but if a product has "Car" in the name, we've got to let the car guy (a.k.a. my husband Brett) weigh in.

When I first heard of the PlasmaCar, I wasn't even quite sure what it was. But when it arrived, I was intrigued with its design. I'd seen various kid-powered vehicles around, but nothing quite like this. Simple design, very sturdy construction, and good looks. The only thing left for me to fear, then, was the fact that there were parts in bags, and of course, a single sheet of paper that appeared to have the word "Assembly" on it. As I'm sure any parent knows, these are things that combine in some odd way to induce irritation, headaches, stress, shoulder and finger pain, gnashing teeth, and much to Handy Manny's horror (I imagine), general misuse of tools. Happily, there are only 5 parts to the whole thing, and a tool is thoughtfully provided for those who don't happen to have a 17mm socket wrench. So, as a worst case scenario, you'd only need Pat and perhaps either Felipe or Turner. Or a hammer and screwdriver for those Handy Manny virgins out there.

When someone else advises me in print or any other media that assembly takes only minutes, I immediately assume that this person is in direct possession of a completely empty shop space, equipped with all the proper facitilites constructed especially to carry out the quick, efficient construction in question. In minutes. Perhaps alignment tools, a chassis jig, some steel tables upon which the MIG welder in the corner can be used to mock up a quick set of scrap-steel guides... You know, the simple stuff. In my direct possession is a two-car garage with two cars and a motorcycle wedged in ever so gently among all the tools required to keep them running without the benefit of any mechanics about the town, baby equipment that is done being used, baby equipment that is being used, and the laundry facilities to wash all the baby equipment that fits and won't rust. So I grabbed my trusty rubber mallet and 17mm socket and headed out to the back porch.

After I unpacked everything and took a peek at the dreaded "Assembly" sheet, I was quite relieved that said sheet didn't read like stereo instructions from the early eighties that had been translated from their original Japanese into English by someone fluent in Hungarian. Rather, it was clear and straightforward, having correct grammar and spelling as far as I could tell. Not only that, assembly really did take only minutes. Pop the back wheels in with a tap from the mallet, pop the front wheels in with a solid tap as well (Don't forget the foam protector before you do!) Place the steering wheel in the right position and bolt that sucker down with your socket or theirs (the screwdriver mentioned earlier is to turn their socket). The last, most satisfying step is to snap the bolt cover on the steering wheel. All of this is illustrated by very clean line drawings and much more detail.

I have to say this was one of the most satisfying "builds" I've done on a toy of any kind, as there was minimal down time between the opening of the shipping box and riding on the toy. You know that time, just after the very peak of excitement on the part of your little darling when they learn the contents of that big box are THEIRS, when the box is opened, and everyone present lears there will be a delay of "only minutes". Yeah, that time when they become your "helper", removing all your tools from where you put them to places in your home previously unknown to you. When they begin climbing on your shoulders or punching the other side of the instructions sheet as you try to absorb what precious little information may or may not be there. That time. None of that. In fact, I finished so fast, I was riding the darn thing before my kid knew what was going on. Luckily, my tools had been thoughtfully cleared away by said kid to places unknown. Also luckily, I was able to drive just fast enough to prevent him climbing on my shoulders while whining, "How much longer, Daddy?"

Thus, I have to give this PlasmaCar two big thumbs up for being true to simplicity and quality. Oh yeah, the kid likes it too.

Fun for little kids...

Fun for big kids!

Designed for kids of all ages, the PlasmaCar will carry riders up to 220 lbs. on a smooth, flat surface and up to 120 lbs. on a rough, flat surface. It is not recommended for use on hardwood or laminate flooring, we like to keep it outside anyway - more room to get it up to speed! It's best to keep it on a flat surface, this thing can really get moving and could be quite dangerous on an incline. Being so close to the ground, falls aren't too much of a concern, but helmets might be prudent for young riders. The PlasmaCar comes in six colors and retails for $69.95. It can be purchased at select retailers and online at Target and Amazon.com.

GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to #191 - alwaysatryin!

Be sure not to miss my other current giveaways. You'll find a link list on the left sidebar.

Complimentary PlasmaCar was provided for review by PlaSmart, Inc. No other form of compensation was received. For more information about my reviews, please click here.