Tesla has expanded its merchandise lineup with a $225 Balance Bike for Kids, a pedal-less two-wheeler aimed at children aged two to five. The move continues Elon Musk's pattern of using novelty branded products to generate buzz and revenue alongside the company's core electric vehicle business, following past ventures like the widely mocked $500 "flamethrower" that was essentially a rebranded blowtorch.

The child's bike features a lightweight magnesium frame, an adjustable seat and a "futuristic" design, and can support riders up to 35 kg. At $225 it sits above comparable products such as the Hornit Airo, which retails for £139. Preorders open on 31 July but are restricted to existing Tesla vehicle owners, a limitation that has already driven resale activity, with one unit spotted on eBay priced at $1,200 plus shipping.