Why Do Jogging Strollers Have A Fixed Front Wheel?

Strollers are supposed to be simple. As a parent who runs…that was what I hoped!

However, only a parent can understand just how complicated these things can be, especially when you look at all the different types available.

Jogging strollers have either a fixed front wheel or a lockable one, but why do they have a fixed front wheel?

The fixed or lockable front wheel that you find on a jogging stroller is a safety feature to stop vibration at speed. This wheel is the most important safety feature on a jogging stroller. It provides stability and adds durability, while all three tires offer comfort for your child. 

With that out of the way, we can dive deeper into everything that you need to know about jogging strollers. I will list all the pros and cons, or at least the most important ones, while also discussing whether you really need one. In fact, in this article, we are going to discuss a lot more. So, I suggest that you keep reading.

3 Main Differences between a Regular Stroller and a Jogging Stroller

There is more than one difference between a regular stroller and a jogging one. Understanding these differences can either help reassure you that you made the right choice in buying a jogging stroller, or it can help you decide whether or not you should get one.

1. The Fixed Front Wheel

We have established that the fixed front wheel is for safety reasons. This wheel is the most essential difference between the two types of strollers. The fixed front wheel and lockable front wheel also play a role in a jogging stroller’s added durability.

Because the front wheel is fixed and stable, it helps to prolong the lifespan of the stroller. This is because the front wheel does not wobble as much, and all the components take minor damage.

2. Jogging Strollers Often Use Air-inflated Tires

Yes, we are still discussing the tires of the stroller. Another massive difference between a regular stroller and a jogging one is that jogging strollers have air-inflated tires.

Air-inflated tires provide a softer ride for the child, and it also prolongs the stroller’s lifespan. The air-inflated tires have more cushioning and are more durable than plastic or rubber tires.

It is also important to remember that there is a more extensive variety of air-inflated tires than plastic ones. For example, you could either get tires for the road or if you jog on trails, you can get off-road tires for the stroller.

It is for this reason that I recommend doing your research before buying a stroller. Try and make sure that you get one suitable for the type of terrain you jog on.

3. Jogging Strollers Are Lighter

When jogging with a stroller, you want to exert as little energy as possible to push the stroller. It is for this reason that jogging strollers are generally lighter than regular ones.

It all has to do with the materials that the stroller gets made from. 

At the same time, you will notice that jogging strollers are often bulkier, especially at the back than regular strollers. I understand that this might seem contradictory. However, a lot of what goes into a jogging stroller is there for safety features.

Again, we will sound contradictory by saying that even though a jogging stroller is bulkier, it often has limited space compared to a regular stroller. The limited space is because the bulk of the stroller does not contribute to storage space.

Pros and Cons of a Jogging Stroller

The table above is there for you to add a bookmark of this page or print it out. Doing this means that you have a reference for when you go shopping for a new stroller. However, we are going to discuss those pros and cons in a little bit more detail below.

Pros of a Jogging Stroller

• Better safety features: Jogging strollers are built with the safety of your child in mind. Safety is not all about the fixed front wheel. Jogging strollers have better safety features than regular ones overall.

• Easy to push: The lightweight frame and air-inflated tires make pushing a jogging stroller relatively easy. 

• Comfortable ride: Jogging strollers have inflated tires larger than the tires that you would find on regular strollers. The larger tires make the ride a lot more comfortable for your child. Premium jogging strollers even have suspension systems that absorb bumps and shocks.

• Different tires for different terrain: You can select what type of jogging stroller you need depending on the terrain you will use the stroller on. The size, thickness, and tread, of the tires, will differ depending on what terrain you will use it on.

Cons of a Jogging Stroller

• Harder to maintain: With the air-inflated tires, you might need to carry a puncture kit around with you. It would be best to consider all the extra bells and whistles, such as the added suspension on a jogging stroller. All of this makes maintaining the stroller more costly or more difficult.

• Costs more: Jogging strollers can cost a few hundred dollars more than a regular one. Obviously, this depends on the quality of the stroller.

• Bulky: The frame of a jogging stroller is a lot thicker than a regular one. Remember, you have more features with a jogging stroller, which adds to the stroller’s bulkiness.

• Limited space: Again, if you plan on using your jogging stroller for shopping, you can get away with it. However, it is essential to remember that the jogging stroller has less space than a regular one, and you might struggle to fit even a small amount of groceries and your child in the stroller.

Do You Really Need A Jogging Stroller?

The answer to this question depends entirely upon what you want to use the stroller for. If you go running, jogging, or even on morning or afternoon walks, you should get a jogging stroller. The safety features such as the fixed front wheel provide that extra bit of safety for your child.

Also, as we have discussed, the air-inflated tires will add to the stroller’s durability offering a comfortable ride for your child, which, as parents, is important.

However, you could also use a jogging stroller for everyday use, such as going to the mall or the park. The problem with this is it is not as practical as a regular stroller. Remember, jogging strollers are bulkier than regular ones. They also have limited space which means doing your groceries is not as convenient as it would be with a regular stroller.

Is It Safe To Jog With A Regular Stroller?

It is not as safe to run or jog with a regular stroller as it is with a jogging stroller. The front wheels are not built to do so. Without a fixed front wheel’s stability, standard strollers will lack the necessary safety features for the intensity of jogging on the road or a trail.

It also helps to consider the wear and tear of a stroller. Let’s say you are 3 miles away from home, and one of the front tires becomes too damaged to carry on due to the constant pressure exerted on the wheel and its components by the constant wobbling. If this happens, you might be slightly stranded quite far from home with your child.

Conclusion

If you have been using a regular stroller for a long time, I understand that switching over to a jogging stroller, while not entirely complicated, can seem more technical than it should be. You should embrace the safety features such as the lockable or fixed front wheel because, at the end of the day, the safety of you and your child comes first.