The type of wheels installed on the pushchair.
The most popular in our time are
rubber wheels, including
air-filled ones.
Plastic wheels are used mainly in inexpensive pushchairs to further reduce the cost, while
gel ones, on the contrary, are considered a very advanced option.
Polyurethane wheels and
EVA foam-filled wheels are also widely used. Here is a more detailed description of each of these varieties:
— Rubber. Rubber solid tires, found in many modern pushchairs, are popular due to their affordability, quiet operation, and smooth ride over bumps. While less effective on uneven surfaces compared to air-filled and gel wheels, solid rubber tires are cost-effective, low-maintenance, damage-resistant, and suitable for various wheel diameters, including small ones.
— Air-filled. Air-filled rubber tires, commonly featured on pushchairs, offer a softer ride and facilitate easy maneuvering on uneven surfaces and high curbs. Despite their higher cost, they require periodic maintenance to ensure proper pressure and protection against cuts or punctures. However, users find air-filled wheels manageable, as they are thick and less prone to damage.
— Plastic. Plastic wheels, commonly featuring both tire and rim made from this material (thou
...gh some have metal rims), are known for their simplicity and affordability. However, they lack durability, reliability, and effective vibration dampening due to their hardness. Typically found in low-cost pushchairs with small wheels designed for flat surfaces.
— Gel. Wheels similar in design to air-filled tires (see the relevant paragraph), but filled not with air, but with a special gel. The main advantage of this option is its insensitivity to small punctures and cuts: coming out, the gel in the tire in contact with air almost instantly solidifies, effectively sealing the damage. In addition, such wheels are virtually maintenance-free — they do not need to be inflated. The disadvantages of gel tires include high cost and somewhat higher rigidity than air-filled tires (although in terms of softness of running such wheels are still noticeably superior to rubber and even more so to plastic ones).
— Polyurethane. Solid polyurethane tires offer excellent maneuverability, shock absorption, puncture resistance, and durability. They are unaffected by extreme temperature changes and are cost-effective, making them a common choice for various pushchair types.
— EVA. Wheels made of microporous foam rubber, specifically EVA material, offer high elasticity, excellent cushioning, and wear resistance. Lightweight and puncture-resistant, these wheels provide a smooth pushchair ride. However, they may stiffen in cold winter weather.The total weight of the assembled pushchair. For universal models (see "Design"), this paragraph usually indicates the weight with the seat unit installed: such an accessory is used for a longer time than the carrycot, therefore its characteristics are considered the most important. In addition, the difference in weight between cradles and walking blocks usually does not exceed 700 – 800 g (there are exceptions, but quite rarely).
Comparing similar models, a lighter pushchair may offer more convenience, but it often comes at the expense of reliability or a higher price compared to a relatively heavier counterpart. It's important to note that weight varies based on the pushchair type (refer to "Design"). Heavier pushchairs provide stability, reducing the risk of tipping over. The lightest models, weighing
less than 5 kg, refer to pushchairs and single-seat ones. Models in the
6 – 10 kg are also mostly pushchairs, including variations for twins. The
11 – 15 kg range is standard for universal pushchairs and transformers. Models weighing
16 – 20 kg are notably heavy, while those
exceeding 20 kg are rare and found among high-end double-seat pushchairs.
