Bobs for children and the whole family

What is a bob and how does it differ from the classic sledge?

Bob (plastic sledge)

A bob is made of robust plastic. You sit low in a seat shell, your legs stay inside the bob - this lowers the centre of gravity and allows precise, tight turns. It's steered in two ways:

• Bob with steering wheel: turns like steering - turn the wheel, the direction follows.
• Bob with brake steering: pull left/right on the side brakes, and the bob turns in the direction you apply.

The bob's material is usually plastic, which makes it slightly flexible and lets it absorb bumps. The bob therefore runs precisely and is usually lighter to carry.

Sledge (wood)

The classic sledge runs on two runners. The seat height is higher, and you steer and brake by shifting your weight and with your feet in the snow. Wooden sledges are very robust and pleasantly smooth-running on long, calm descents - but usually heavier. You feel bumps more than on a bob.

What types of bobs are there?

Bob with steering wheel - precise steering

A steering bob is a plastic sledge with a steering wheel. The wheel is connected either directly to the bob's steerable runners or directly to the single front steering runner. Products of this kind are especially popular, as they can be steered very accurately and offer a riding feel similar to a soapbox car. In the middle of the steering bob there is usually a brake lever with which the bob can be slowed down as needed. Are you looking for a bob that can be steered particularly accurately? Then the bob with a steering wheel is the perfect sledge for your winter season!

Bob with brakes on the left and right

The plastic bob with brakes on the left and right is probably the most widespread model among plastic sledges. The two brake levers not only reduce speed, they also steer the bob. If you want to go left, you simply push the left brake lever into the snow and the device makes a left turn. Products of this kind are very cheap and still offer children a lot of fun.

Bob without brake and steering

Snow sliders (also called snow discs) are the simplest form of bobbing: you sit on a round plastic disc, hold on to side handles, your legs stay in the air - balance is required. There's no steering and no brake; you only steer by shifting your weight, so precise turns are difficult and speed can quickly increase. Snow sliders feel most at home on short distances and small, gentle hills. Their plus: ultra-light, cheap, robust and ready to go at any time - sit down and off you slide.

Suitable age for the bob

Our bobs are all suitable from the age of 3. They are light, have a safe seat shell and easy-to-reach brakes.

What's decisive, however, is less the age than coordination: can your child sit stably, follow instructions and operate the brake levers themselves? Then a bob is a good fit.

Is your child already very confident on the sledge? Then a snow slider can be the right choice. It requires more experience, because it has neither a steering wheel nor a brake and is usually faster than a bob. Best used only on short, open slopes - with a helmet and supervision.

Under three years, we recommend baby sledges to pull.

When is a snow bob the right choice?

A bob is ideal for racing down the most beautiful sledging runs in Switzerland or simply the hill behind the house. It's light, easy to carry and ready to go immediately. On short to medium, winding runs it plays to its strengths: thanks to the low seating position and strong brakes, turns can be taken tightly and precisely. On hilly ground the flexible plastic has a cushioning effect - small bumps are simply forgiven.

Frequently asked questions

Buying a bob - where in Switzerland?

At Funwheel.ch you'll find a carefully selected bob range - with various models, colours and versions that make your winter a highlight.

Steering bob with brake steering or classic bob?

The steering bob with brake steering offers even more control in corners but requires coordination. A classic bob is as uncomplicated and robust as can be - ideal for mixed conditions and everyday use.

What makes a good kids' bob?

Light weight, a safe seat shell, good brakes and a grip reach that suits small hands. It's important that your child can pull/carry the bob themselves.