Space Hoppers

Space Hoppers are fun!

2010-03-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

If you’ve never been on a Space Hopper, you’re missing out on some big fun.

I remember these things from way back in the 70s when I was a mere slip of a lad – but of course I’m much older and wiser now – or so you’d think!

I haven’t been on one of these for years, but a couple of weeks ago I went for a visit at a friend’s house and there, tucked away in the corner of their kids’ playroom, was the maniacal face of a huge orange space hopper.

Well it was too much to resist and I had to have a go.

Ah, it was like I’d been transported back 30 years in time! I even managed to fall on my backside just like I did back then.

Space Hoppers - alternative names

2010-02-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

Space Hoppers are called different things in different parts of the world.

A Space Hopper may also be known as a Hoppity Hop, Hippity Hop, Hop Ball, Kangaroo Ball, SkippyBall, Mega Skippyball, Bouncer.

Space Hopper Records

2010-01-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Ashrita Furman of New York has set over 130 official Guinness Records and is the holder of the most current standing records. More importantly he holds two Space Hopper speed records.

Fastest time for 100 metres
In November 2004 covered 100 metres in 30.2 seconds.

Fastest mile
In January 2005 he set the record for the fastest mile on the Great Wall of China, at Juyonguan outside Beijing. His time was 15 minutes and 3 seconds.

Space Hopper Video

2010-01-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

The History of Space Hoppers

2010-01-28T03:26:00.000-08:00

The Space hopper was invented by two British inventors, Reginald Thomas Bennett and John Edward Orme, who patented their invention in the UK on 27 January 1968, under GB Patent number 1147314, they also Patented their invention in the US,filing it on 8 April 1968 and having it registered on 14 July 1970 under Patent number 3520534. They named their invention Ridable Bouncing Ball.

Space hoppers were introduced to the UK in 1969 — the Cambridge Evening News newspaper, England, contained an advertisement for the hopper in November of that year and described it as a "trend". Although in practical terms they served absolutely no useful purpose whatsoever (in that they didn’t allow the user to go faster, bounce higher, or run further than they could on foot), nevertheless they became a major craze during the late 1960s/early 1970s.

Welcome to Space Hopper World

2010-01-28T02:43:00.000-08:00

This blog is for all Space Hopper enthusiasts. It will include the history of Space Hoppers and current information about Space Hoppers.

We hope you enjoy it!