The Ultimate Guide to Stroller Wheel Technology

Written by

Thomas Machura

Published on

January 21, 2025
ArticlesCategory: Tips and advice

Why ER Wheels Are Perfect for the Double Strollers

When it comes to choosing the perfect stroller, wheels are often overlooked—but they shouldn’t be.

The type of stroller wheels you choose significantly impacts durability, ride smoothness, and performance. This is especially true for double strollers like the BabyCruiser Double Stroller, where wheels must handle extra weight, offer superior traction, and perform well across various terrains.

Let’s explore the different stroller wheel materials, their history, primary uses, and why the ER (EVA + Rubber) wheels are, in our opinion, the ideal choice for parents of two.

What Are ER (EVA + Rubber) Wheels?

BabyCruiser Double wheels with ER tires on a gravel path

ER (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate + Rubber) wheels combine two cutting-edge materials to create a superior wheel technology.

EVA provides lightweight cushioning, while the rubber layer adds excellent durability, traction, and resistance to wear and tear.

History and Use Cases:

  • EVA foam was first introduced in the 1980s for athletic shoe soles due to its shock-absorbing properties.
  • Rubber has been a cornerstone of wheel technology since the late 1800s, celebrated for its toughness and grip.
  • ER wheels evolved to address the limitations of EVA alone, such as its tendency to wear down on rough terrains, by reinforcing it with a rubber coating.
  • ER wheels should be the go-to choice for all-terrain strollers, jogging strollers, and heavy-duty models like the BabyCruiser Double Stroller.

Why It’s the Best for heavy load Double Strollers:

  • Balances lightweight design with high durability, ensuring a smooth ride even with two children.
  • Exceptional shock absorption for comfort on city streets, gravel paths, and uneven terrains.
  • Superior traction and resistance to wear make it a long-lasting choice for families.

Pros:

  • Lightweight yet durable.
  • Excellent traction and wear resistance.
  • Handles heavier loads without compromising performance.
  • Provides superior shock absorption for smooth rides.
  • Low maintenance compared to inflatable wheels.

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than EVA or foam wheels.
  • Not as lightweight as plastic or pure EVA wheels.

Other Stroller Wheel Materials: A Comparison

Plastic Wheels

Plastic wheels are the most basic option, often found on budget strollers. They’re lightweight but not built to handle rough use or heavy loads. You’re going to find plastic wheels on strollers in big chains of stores. Those are the cheapest-option strollers that you can find.

Image from ecstore2021 giving an idea of the type of wheel.

History and Use Cases:

  • Plastic wheels became popular in the 20th century as an inexpensive alternative to rubber.
  • Commonly used in lightweight umbrella strollers for smooth indoor or paved surfaces.

Best for: Honestly … nothing.

Pros:

  • Extremely lightweight.
  • Cheap.

Cons:

  • Poor durability; prone to cracking or breaking.
  • Low shock absorption, leading to a rough ride.
  • Not suitable for heavy strollers or uneven terrain.

Rubber (Inflatable) Wheels

Inflatable rubber wheels, much like bicycle tires, provide the best shock absorption and an ultra-smooth ride. However, they require maintenance and are prone to punctures.

X-lander X-Move All terrain Heavy Duty Travel System with inflatable tires

History and Use Cases:

  • Invented in the late 19th century, inflatable tires revolutionized transportation by offering unparalleled shock absorption.
  • Found in jogging strollers and high-end off-road strollers.
  • Go-to technology in the early days of Baby Strollers production.

Best for: Parents who enjoy jogging or exploring bumpy outdoor trails with their stroller.

Pros:

  • Best shock absorption for smooth rides on uneven terrain.
  • Exceptional traction.
  • Handles heavy loads with ease.

Cons:

  • Requires regular maintenance (inflation and puncture repairs).
  • Heavier and bulkier than other options.
  • More expensive in the long run due to upkeep.

Foam Wheels

Foam wheels are a lightweight alternative to air-filled tires. While they mimic the shock absorption of inflatable tires, they lack the same durability. Are EVA and Foam wheels the same? You will see both terms used in stroller specs all over the internet.

Slick EVA tires on a lightweight stroller

Foam wheels and EVA foam wheels may sound similar, but they have distinct differences that matter when choosing the right stroller for your family. Both are made from foam, but the materials and performance characteristics vary. Let’s break it down simply:

1. PU (Polyurethane) Foam Wheels

Material:

  • Foam wheels are typically made from polyurethane (PU) foam or similar solid foam materials.
  • These are dense, closed-cell foam wheels that mimic the cushioning effect of air-filled tires without the risk of punctures.

Performance:

  • Foam wheels provide decent shock absorption, making them better than hard plastic wheels on bumpy surfaces.
  • They are lightweight, maintenance-free, and don’t require inflation.
  • However, foam wheels are less durable than EVA foam or rubber, wearing out more quickly when used on rough terrains or with heavier loads.

2. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) Foam Wheels

Material:

  • EVA foam is a specific type of closed-cell foam made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate.
  • It’s lighter and more durable than traditional foam, with a smoother finish.

Performance:

  • EVA foam wheels offer better durability and shock absorption compared to regular foam wheels.
  • They are also lightweight and maintenance-free, similar to regular foam.
  • EVA wheels perform well on a variety of surfaces, though they aren’t as tough or long-lasting as rubber wheels.

Best for: Lightweight strollers used primarily on smooth, paved surfaces.

Pros:

  • Very lightweight and cost-effective.
  • Provides decent cushioning for everyday use.
  • Suitable for light strollers and smooth terrains.

Cons:

  • Prone to wear and tear on uneven or rough surfaces.
  • Can’t support heavy loads effectively.
  • Less durable compared to composite or rubber wheels.

Other Not So Common materials

Rubber (Non-Inflatable) Wheels

Solid rubber wheels are incredibly durable and provide excellent traction. However, they’re heavier than other options. History and Use Cases:

  • Solid rubber wheels date back to the early automotive era in the early 1900s.
  • Commonly used in heavy-duty or rugged strollers designed for outdoor adventures.

Best for: Strollers used on rough terrain that require maximum durability.

Composite Wheels

Composite wheels combine different materials, such as plastic and rubber, to balance affordability and durability. History and Use Cases:

  • Composite wheels were introduced in the late 20th century for industrial applications and later adapted for strollers.
  • Often used in strollers where moderate performance at a lower cost is needed.

Best for: General-purpose strollers with moderate use on mixed terrains.

Comparative Table: Stroller Wheel Technologies

 

Material
Weight
Resistance to Wear and Tear
Load Capacity
ER (EVA + Rubber)
4
5
5
Plastic
5
1
1
PU (Polyurethane)
4
5
4
Rubber (Non-Inflatable)
3
5
5
Rubber (Inflatable)
3
4
5
Foam
4
3
3
EVA
4
3
3
Composite
4
4
4

1: Worst
5: Best

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps you make an informed choice when selecting the right stroller for your family. While wheels play a crucial role in a stroller’s performance, they’re just one piece of the puzzle.

Factors like suspension, overall features, weight, and storage capacity also make a big difference. That said, paying close attention to the wheel technology is especially important—particularly if you’re looking for a specialized option like a double stroller.

A double stroller needs to handle a heavier load, which can be twice as much as a single stroller. Add in the extra weight of a generously sized storage basket, and the right wheel technology becomes even more essential. We genuinely hope you find the stroller that meets your needs and brings joy to your family outings.

Choosing the right stroller can make all the difference between a smooth, hassle-free experience and one filled with frustration.

Here’s to happy strolling!

Written by

Thomas Machura

Published on

January 21, 2025