Fixed and swivel front wheel on Jogging strollers: Understand the Differences

On some buggies, the front wheel is fixed and on some, it swivels. Here’s why.

Fixed Front Wheel Buggy: Designed For Running

Most strollers that you use for day to day use have wheels that swivel. However, jogging strollers have front wheels that are fixed. And the most important reason for that is it makes it easier to keep the stroller in a straight line (when the wheel is fixed). It makes it easier for you to keep the stroller under control.

Related: More on stroller wheels and tires

If a stroller didn’t have a fixed front wheel, it could easily veer off to one side on hitting a small rock or on encountering a crevice on the road, which could be dangerous especially when you’re going at a higher speed (while running).

Manufacturer’s of jogging strollers state that a fixed front wheel is an important safety feature for a running buggy. Rotation of an unlocked wheel at high speeds can cause the buggy to turn sharply and tip or flip over. If the front wheel on the stroller is not fixed or it can’t be locked in a fixed position, its recommended that you slow down your strolling pace to be safe.

A jogging stroller with fixed front wheel is easier to navigate and also allows you to jog with good form while pushing a stroller. You just need one hand on the stroller to keep it moving. However, you can’t do that with a swivel front wheel; you will need both hands on the handlebar (most of the time) as it tends to veer one way or the other.

On some strollers, even the swivel wheels can be locked into one position, but because the wheels are not designed for running; you may jog with it but the running experience is not going to be good.

A jogging stroller with a front wheel fixed in one position allows you to run farther and faster and you don’t have to keep both your hands on the handlebars at all times. These models usually tend to be longer (from front to back) in order to provide increased stability. Most running strollers allow you to remove the wheels so that it becomes easier to transport it in the car.

A fixed front wheel running buggy (without the option to make the front wheel swivel) can take getting used to and turning the stroller is either via lifting the front wheel, pressure to the handle bars, or adopting a push/pull method.

Related: Best Jogging strollers

Swivel Front Wheel Stroller: Designed for Universal Use

Strollers with swivel front wheel are great for turning, maneuvering while walking. These are great for day to day use.

However, you get stroller models nowadays (most jogging strollers have this feature) that have a switch near the front wheel to move the swivel wheel into a locked position, making it fixed. Fixing the wheel allows the stroller to be used for running as well. So you can use the same stroller for running errands/shopping and even for jogging.

You also get jogging travel systems that allow carry cot’s to be added on as well as car seat adapters to make them suitable from birth. So you really don’t need different strollers for different things.

Please note: a 3-wheel buggy on which the front one locks may not necessarily be designed for running.

Related: Understand the various stroller features and functions

Final Word

If you’re looking for a stroller for running, choose one where the front wheel remains or can be fixed. If you want a stroller for running errands, going to the mall, choose one with swivel front wheel. You get Jogging strollers that have fixed front wheels and you also get models that have front wheels that swivel. If you don’t want to own multiple pushchairs and plan to make running a regular part of your routine, a swivel front wheel is a better option.