J.Neal Architecture & Design

Industrial Design

Maggie Waggie

Product Type: Prototype

The ‘Maggie Waggie’ was a product exploration aiming to create better options for young families to encourage flexible and efficient mobility about the city without the need for mass transit or a motor vehicle.  The prototype was created from a salvaged 1979 Workmen Industrial Tricycle discovered on the roof of a Curtis Bay bicycle collector. The bike’s original use likely being for internal deliveries about Baltimore’s historic industrial complexes.

The box/child seat is made of an FSC Extira MDF product chosen for dimensional stability and capacity for a smooth milling process. The box was design with finger joints so as to avoid any mechanical fasteners. Additionally, all updated bike mechanics were custom machined. The new seat cushion is made of antimicrobial foam, which is wrapped in sunscreen fabric and assembled at a local furniture upholstery shop.  Further the design took into consideration child safety in the event of the tricycle tipping or rolling over.

The prototype has proved tried and true, well loved by our firm owner, Jason Neal, and his eldest child – namesake for the product – Magnolia on their daily rides to and from the local pre-school.