Road Tests > About Road Tests
A StrollersAndPrams.com Road Test
Terrain handling and manoeuvrability
Here the pram is tested to see how well it handles difficult terrain such as gravel, bluestone and sand.
The pram is also tested in tight spaces such as small shops to see how easy it is to manouevre.
A good pram should be easily pushed with one hand when empty and a great pram will push with one hand even with a toddler on board.
Seat design and function
This part of the road test reviews all aspects of the seat including its size, backrest adjust, footrest and fabric.
The seat is also assessed for its suitability for babies and toddlers and the comfort it provides for both age groups.
Child safety harness
This section checks the type of safety harness on the pram and assesses how well it restrains the child as well as how user friendly it is for adults to put on a child and adjust.
Hood or Canopy
A hood (or canopy) is essential in warmer climates.
A good hood will provide effective shelter from the sun wherever the sun is positioned in the sky.
A good hood should also fold well out of the way when not in use.
Fold mechanism
A 'one hand fold' is really nice on a pram but not absolutely essential.
Another useful feature is a lock that automatically holds the pram in the folded position.
This part of the road test describes the pram's fold mechanism and rates how easy it is to operate.
The size and bulk of the pram when folded is also important for carrying and storing the pram and this is also described in this section.
Wheel brakes
Here the type of wheel brake is described and its efficiency assessed.
Storage basket
The importance of this feature varies greatly for different people.
The road test describes the style and capacity of the storage basket as well as any additional storage spots/devices such as pockets/bag clips and pannier bags.
Handle
This section reviews the type of handle, whether or not it is adjustable, and how comfortable it is to use.
Size and weight of pram
Many pram manufacturers claim their prams to be "lightweight" although in some cases this is just blatantly dishonest.
How heavy is 'too heavy' is a subjective assessment and must take into account the type of pram and its intended purpose.
The Road Test review assesses the size and the weight of the pram in the context of its intended purpose.
Toddler Seat (if available)
Here any toddler seat available for use with the pram is reviewed.
Some of the features that are assessed are the weight capacity of the toddler seat and the pram itself, the amount of room available for both children when the toddler seat is attached and whether or not the seat can be folded away when not in use.
Accessories available
This part of the review looks at some of the accessories a pram might have -both included and as extra add-ons.
Such accessories might include cup holders, seat liners, bassinets, rain and sun covers etc.
Rating
The Road Test gives prams a rating out of 5 stars.
