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Changing the way that kids learn to ride bikes Rewritten by Andrew Tufts

CEA Winner in Retail and Hospitality

Ed Mondello, president of Glide Bikes, balance bikes, thinks differently when it comes to teaching kids how to ride a bicycle. After seeing his daughter’s frustration while learning to ride a conventional bike, he realized that there had to be a better way.

So, in his spare time, Mondello decided to invent a better solution. He came up with an innovative design that, unlike a typical children’s bike, does not feature training wheels.  Instead, his balance bike is designed at a specific height and angle in order to give riders the easiest possible learning experience. The low center of gravity allows riders to easily touch the ground in order to steady themselves while riding. When ready, they can place their feet on two conveniently placed pegs in order to glide around on two wheels.

Essentially, Glide Bikes teach balance as the first step to riding a bike, not the last. 

After his first prototype was a hit with his daughter and her friends, Mondello realized that he could be on to something big. Just a few years later, Glide Bikes expanded overseas, and is quickly becoming a globally recognized brand name.  

Today, Glide Bikes balance bikes come in several different models, including the Mini Glider, for 2 to 5 year olds, Go Gliders of 5-10 and the Super Glider, for older children with special needs, and even adults.

The demand for Glide Bikes, pedal less bikes has forced Mondello to outsource production to a facility in China. However, unlike many businessmen, Mondello personally traveled to the factory to ensure that his products were being made with the same, high-quality touch to which he is accustomed.  

Now, he is more excited than ever to see how his products will sell throughout the upcoming year.  

The struggle to find a patent

Despite Mondello’s design being original and innovative, it was difficult to secure a patent. After five long years, however, Mondello has finally received some welcome news: Glide Bikes have officially become a patented technology.

The difficulty in securing a patent arose from a crowded bicycle patent market. With so many similar designs, it can be difficult to prove differentiation between bikes. In fact, the U.S. Patent office has developed a special bureau simply to deal with bikes and accessories.

However, after showing the patent office his unique design, angles, and shapes, Mondello was finally granted his wish.

Today, Glide Bikes can be ordered from the company’s website. Alternatively, you can find them at stores throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Over the forthcoming year, Mondello plans to see Glide Bikes expand into several new countries. He also wants to increase distribution throughout the United States.

“We’re looking at hiring another sales representative to operate on the west coast…we see a real demand for our bikes out west, so we want to have someone in place there to help us reach more people.”

Ed is also hoping to expand his office staff from two full-time employees to as many as ten.

With both an innovative design and dedicated founder, Glide Bikes is clearly getting set for bigger things to come in 2011 and beyond.