The joy behind innovative toy car engineering
- Konrad and Michael handcraft toys built to last for generations
- They have patented their own wheel-steering system
- They give each toy model a unique, fun name
Konrad and Michael Mayer, an uncle-nephew duo, are the founders of Dynamiko, a company specialising in innovative toy car engineering in Bavaria. With Konrad's background as a carpenter and Michael's expertise as an engineer, they combined their talents and shared passion for each other's professions. Dynamiko was born from the desire to create a plastic-free ride-on car for Michael's then three-year-old son. After a period of extensive research, they began their journey towards producing high-quality wooden vehicles. The pair's playfulness and attention to detail is evident in features like soft-close mechanisms, smooth operation, and all-wheel steering systems, some of which they have patented. Despite their ingenuity, Konrad and Michael maintain a core belief: "Simpler is always the better solution." This principle not only drives their approach to design but also guarantees that Dynamiko's offerings are robust and durable.
Interview
- What inspires you?
- Our inspiration stems from the joy of play, the thrill of development, and the satisfaction of solving technical challenges, or exploring older books on forgotten innovations. As Bavarians, ideas often come to fruition during mountain climbs or ski tours, igniting further creativity and innovation.
- What was the first object you made?
- The first object we made was the wooden ride-on car Fred, designed as a truck with cargo, and then our caterpillar toy Emma. Both share the same chassis with all-wheel steering, enabling agile forward and reverse movements.
- What is something people might not know about your profession?
- Many people may not realise the stringent regulations involved in producing children's toys in Germany. Every small part must be tested for swallow risk, every gap for pinch hazard, and every paint and coating for health safety. Safety is paramount. All our products are not only CE compliant but also German-TÜV certified.
- How is your work connected to your local community?
- We source what we can locally. We also collaborate with local craftspeople and small, high-quality metalwork partners. Additionally, we work with a woodturner in Austria and one in Bologna. Our suppliers are very supportive, and we exchange ideas with around 20 well-known manufacturers in a specialised association.
Konrad & Michael Mayer are rising stars: they began their career in 2020
Where
Konrad & Michael Mayer
