@a_otama The dowel is not connected to the wheel. Pushing too fast will break the contact with the wheel causing the wheel to not spin as much. Pushing slowly will keep the dowel in contact with the wheel and accelerate the wheel more causing it to go farther.
@Barftholomeaux @SylviaPlayhouse Haven't been but everything I've heard says super-expensive with minimal mileage, esp for first-time customers, but YMMV. Definitely depends on who you see. Check out TUSCL for reviews.