2018 New York Toy Fair embraces Play Time

Toy Fair 2018
The New York Toy Fair, much like Spring, gives new life to one’s imagination. It wholeheartedly embraces the idea that human beings need play time. I always look forward to attending the event to discover innovative toys and gadgets.

Best of Toy Fair

Wading through a vast sea of toys and gadgets can be overwhelming. Every aisle at the Jacob Javits Center overflows with colorful sights and sounds vying for your attention. Some established toy companies present their wares in fortress-sized booths coupled with limited access for toy fair attendees. Others opt for a more open-ended approach. Small independent vendors burst with creative energy. Year after year, they drive innovation by taking risks the larger companies often avoid to ensure predictable yearly profits.

I’ve had the good fortune of discovering several small innovative toy and gadget companies over the years. Some of my personal favorites have been The Monster Factory, Sphero, Modarri, and IamElemental. Yet there’s one particular company that I’ve witnessed grow from a plucky start-up to a household name that’s never failed to capture the whimsy of outdoor play. That company is Razor USA.

Razor USA started its amazing run with Scooters and never looked back. In recent years they’ve come up with smile-inducing rides such as the ridiculously fun Crazy Cart and a variety of scooters and skateboards, both self-powered and electric. At this year’s Toy Fair, I was shown the next level of innovation including new ultralight and lithium-powered electric scooters, a new Drift Rider as well as a pair of Turbo Jetts electric-powered motorized heel wheels. The Turbo Jetts are available now. The new electric scooters and Drift Rider will be available in late Spring 2018 and Fall 2018, respectively. We’ll be testing out them out when they become available.

An overview from Razor’s press release:

Razor E Prime
Electronic brake, in addition to back wheel brake
Max rider weight 176 lbs (80 kg) for maximum performance
Speeds up to 15 MPH
Up to 40 minutes of continuous use
In-wheel motor
Compact, foldable
About 24-25 lbs
Larger wheels for smoother ride
Better scooter for older kid/adult and great for commuting
Available Spring 2018.

Razor Turbo Jetts
Razor Turbo Jetts electric-powered motorized heel wheels are already on the hot list for 2018. Simply step, roll and take off with powered heel wheels easily controlled via a hands free, foot activated 80-watt, geared-drive motor. The experience is a one-of-a-kind ride and boost to any pair of sneakers. Turbo Jetts are an innovative expansion to the already popular Jetts heel wheels collection, taking ride-on fun to a whole new level, adding an electric motor. Available now.

Razor Drift Rider
Drift Rider is an electric powered drift cycle featuring one-of-a-kind 3D steering. This cool ride steers like a bike and corners like a motorcycle, bringing the two together in an insanely fun blend of motorcycling corner and drifting action you control! Available Fall 2018.

I often wonder if Razor USA’s demographic is kids or Dads. I’m guessing both. I certainly have my eye on the upcoming E Prime as a viable commuting alternative.

I captured many images from the 2018 Toy Fair. I particularly was impressed by the work of special effects legend, Rick Baker. He created a DC Collectibles New Ultimate Edition bust of The Joker that was stunning as well as disturbing. There were also an assortment of unique Batman statues created by a variety of artists. Diamond Select toys left a lasting impression on me with some fun new figures this year well worth checking out.

Enjoy the gallery. What toys or gadgets are you looking forward to this year?

Images from 2018 New York Toy Fair