Are Running Strollers Safe?

Dozens of concerned parents have alleged that the front wheels of BOB running strollers fall off while jogging, causing injuries to both adults and children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is suing the running strollers’ manufacturer — Britax — to get the company to recall the products, but thus far the company has yet to do so.

In the meantime, parents are wondering if BOB running strollers are safe.

What are the Main Problems with BOB Running Strollers?

According to the CPSC, the front wheels are prone to detaching and can cause the stroller to suddenly stop. The front wheel design is similar to those on bicycles, in which the wheel is connected to the frame through a quick release mechanism.

Consumer Reports explains that to attach the wheel to the frame, the user must hold the lever and tighten the nut until feeling resistance, and then tightly close it.

When the wheel detaches, the sudden stop, particularly while running, can result in serious injury to both the adult and the child. According to a 2018 Washington Post report, the CPSC has received hundreds of complaints of sudden wheel failure.

What are the Differences Between Running Strollers and Non-Running Strollers?

Babygearlab.com advises parents to carefully evaluate which stroller is right for them, and consider the differences between traditional strollers and running strollers.

Running strollers are typically equipped with design features that allow it to handle hills and uneven surfaces. Other features on running strollers include:

• Larger Air Filled Rubber Tires (16+ inch wheels in back and 12+ inch wheels in front)
• Effective Suspension Systems to Reduce Jarring
• Locked or Fixed Front Wheel
• Long Distance between Wheels (allows for uneven surfaces)
• Five Point Harness for Baby
• Safety Strap
• Parking Brake
• Canopy
• Peek-a-Boo Window
• Reclining Seat
• Easy to Replace Wheels
• Folding Mechanism

Has There Been any Action Against Britax?

The CPSC filed legal action against Britax in February 2018 to try to get the company to issue a recall. While a settlement was reached in November 2018 with Britax agreeing to offer a 20 percent discount on future purchases to those who purchased a 2015 or earlier model.

In addition, the company created a YouTube video instructing parents on how to properly install the front wheel. However, the Washington Post reports that the CSPC lawsuit states these actions are insufficient and are calling for a full recall.

Which BOB Running Strollers are Affected?

The CPSC’s lawsuit states that nearly 500,000 of BOB running strollers are affected, including those manufactured between December 2011 and September 2015, along with an unknown number made between 1997 and 2011. The 17 stroller models include, but are not limited to:

• Ironman
• Ironman Duallie
• Revolution
• Revolution CE
• Revolution Flex
• Revolution Flex Duallie
• Revolution Pro
• Revolution Pro Duallie
• Revolution SE
• Revolution SE Demo
• Revolution SE Duallie
• Revolution SE Duallie Plus
• Revolution SE Plus
• Sport Utility Stroller
• Stroller Strides
• Stroller Strides Duallie
• SUS Duallie

The lawsuit does not apply to running strollers made after December 2015.

Join a Free BOB Jogging Stroller Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a BOB jogging stroller affected by the front-wheel defect, you may qualify to join this BOB stroller class action lawsuit investigation.

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