Awards

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2009

Stephanie Oppenheim is the co-founder of the independent consumer organization, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio (www.toyportfolio.com), along with her mother, noted child development expert Joanne Oppenheim. Together the Oppenheims have been reviewing children’s media since 1989. For the past 15 years the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio annual guide included the results of a year’s worth of reviewing. Stephanie is also a Contributor to NBC’s TODAY Show and has appeared on Oprah, CNN, MSNBC, CBS Nightly News and Fox News. Prior to starting the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, she practiced corporate law in NYC. (Can you guess which job is more fun?) She also holds a Masters in Psychology from NYU with a specialization in parenting. She lives with her husband and two sons in NYC.

NATLL Good Toy Award 2007

The Mini-Micro scooter won a prestigious Gold Award at the NATLL Good Toy Awards on Monday 18th June 2007. In its category of Outdoor and Large Play, the mini-micro outshone all competitors to scoop the top prize.
In the UK, the Mini-Micro is the success story for Micro Scooters Ltd, set up by two mothers, Anna Gibson and Philippa Gogarty in 2004. It was initially sold around the country by a network of mums and is now stocked in stores nationwide, including John Lewis and the Early Learning Centre. "We are thrilled that the mini micro scooter has won this prize. It proves what we all know, that the scooter really is a must for every child under the age of 6 years," say Anna and Philippa. www.natll.org.uk

Parents Choice Awards: Approved

Established in 1978, Parents' Choice is the nation's oldest nonprofit guide to quality children's media and toys.

The Maxi Kick Scooter is a well designed, and much welcomed, addition to the world of kick scooters. Its sturdy construction and three-wheeled design allow younger children with less developed balance to keep up with the "big kids." It encourages children to get outside and increase their physical activity in a fun and safe manner. The packaging and product insert both detail scooter safety rules in clear illustrations.

Sharon Heuscher ©2009 Parents' Choice

“Toy Fair Awards 2009” for the maxi kick

After its premiere at the Middle East Toy Fair in 2008, the Awards will continue as a successful feature of the exhibition in 2009 to honour new and innovative products at the show in Dubai. The winners are chosen by an independent jury, taking into consideration local buying behaviours and appropriateness for the regional toy market.

“Universal Design Award 2009” & “Universal Design Consumer Favorite 2009”....the maxi kick

The International Award was presented on March 4, 2009 at the CeBIT Show in Hannover. This competition honors products for design that improves the quality of life for as many people as possible, no matter their age or ability.

Out of 92 entries submitted from 18 countries around the world, 19 received an award.

micro is very proud of this recognition, as we strive to make everyone's world a little better through good design and good fun.

reddot Design Award Winner 2009

And the winner is....the maxi micro Since 1955, the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen has recognized outstanding international product design with its prestigious "red dot award".

This year, more than 1400 companies representing 49 countries submitted 3,231 products to be judged on their design. Each company brings their best, knowing that successful participation in the "red dot design awards" guarantees greater visibility in the global marketplace.

Micro is proud to have moved the judges with our latest innovation: the maxi micro won the distinguished "red dot award" after just a few months on the market.

The Prize of Prizes - 2008

Companies cannot enter for the Design Award; instead, they are nominated by the Ministries and Senators for Trade & Industry of the German States or by the Federal Ministry of Ecomics and Technology. It is a precondition for this, however, that a product has already been awarded a national or international prize. This is the case of G-BIKE. No other Design Award sets its entrants such a strict criterion. Because of this the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany is called the "prize of prizes" by many opinion leaders in the world of design. www.designpreis.de

Eurobike Award

Even automaker Adam Opel (1837-95) was a fan, writing that "no other invention combines utility with pleasure so perfectly as a bicycle." In a growing industry, which also means increased international competition, the end consumer's focus is on innovation, quality and a design that transcends mere superficial appearances. Indeed, design represents the successful combination of technical know-how and innovation as well as of new products and product refinements in keeping with the brand. In a sea of products, quality characteristics that presuppose reputability, integrity and expertise are in great demand - and the iF seal of design quality also represents a decision-making aid for the consumer.

The evaluation criteria for the EUROBIKE AWARD are as follows:

• Degree of innovation
• Design quality
• Workmanship
• Choice of materials
• Environmental friendliness
• Functionality
• Ergonomics
• Utility value
• Safety
• Brand value/Branding