Design and Features
The Mountain Buggy freerider is both a stroller board that attaches to your pram or stroller to transport a free-standing toddler and an independent child's scooter.
As a stroller board, the freerider features a swivel rear wheel and handlebar for stability. It comes with a connector to attach to your pram and an elastic toggle to lift and store the board behind the seat of your pram when not in use.
As a scooter the freerider features all the usual; three wheels, padded handlebar, rear brake, grip pad and also a detachable handlebar for easier transportation & storage.
The freerider comes in black, blue, orange and pink. Connectors are currently available for just about all Mountain Buggies with with select models from phil&teds, Bugaboo, Britax & Baby Jogger coming soon.
It can accommodate your toddler or pre-schooler up to 20kgs.
Performance and Drawbacks
When I first saw the freerider I wondered if it was too long and slim to be an effective stroller board and too wide to be an effective scooter. These thoughts lasted for the 2 seconds it took our little product tester to jump on it and yell out 'look I can stand on it' then scoot off.
As a stroller board
The freerider attaches to the chassis of your pram via the connector. The connector takes a few fiddly minutes to attach (don't try to do it when you are rushing to leave the house!) but once it's attached it stays there for the long term.
The freerider attaches to the connector via two prongs at the front of the board. There is a red tab on the connector you push in to secure and detach the Freerider. The rear wheel of the Freerider flips out and down to convert from scooter height to stroller board height.
Despite its length and width, the freerider performs its job as a stroller board well. It's wide enough that a toddler or pre-schooler can stand on it comfortably and the scooter handle gives them something more secure to hold onto than the usual pram handle.
As is the case with any stroller board, the parent pushing the pram has to stand to the side to accommodate the board and occupant. One of the advantages of the freerider is that it can be pushed to one side of your pram so you can better fit behind its handle.
Behind the pram the freerider is pretty manoeuvrable, you still have to avoid steps and curbs but generally walking on a flat surface the freerider won't slow your pram down (apart from the fact you are pushing two children around!).
When your child is happy walking or running around you can easily detach the handle and fold the freerider up and out of the way using the toggle. The handle neatly tucks through the toggle and elastic fitting at the bottom of the freerider. (Although I did manage to break the bottom elastic the first time I used it, it’s easily replaced and I'll get around to it).
Of course, when you are using the freerider as a stroller board you can't recline the seat of your pram. This is the case with all buggy boards.
Attaching and detaching the freerider from your pram is fiddly. The connector moves up and down and you do have to get down behind your pram and depress the red tab with your hands. I'd love to see a foot operated tab but I'm not sure it would be safe (your child could accidentally operate it in action).
As a scooter
The freerider detaches from your pram reasonably easily and once you adjust the rear wheel your toddler is ready to hit the road.
The steering is weight balanced (rather than via the handle), my biggest complaint about the freerider is the stiff steering. I think our little product tester would be more mobile on the scooter if it was a little easier for him to steer.
The fact that the freerider is wider than your average scooter does not affect your toddler's ability scoot, in many ways it improves balance for a younger child.
The grip pad on the freerider proves its effectiveness by sticking to every bit of dirt that attaches to your child’s shoe until it's covered in debris … but at least all the gunk doesn’t fall off into your car or home.
The handlebar has nice foam grips but I think rubber would probably be a better option for the kind of attention your freerider is going to attract.
Teamed up with a Mountain Buggy
We tested our freerider out with both the swift and urban jungle buggiess. It was easier to use with the urban jungle because it's a bigger pram and it's easier to manoeuvre, especially with two on board. There is only a small space within the handlebar for your toddler to fit but it's enough.
Generally the freerider/Mountain Buggy is a very manoeuvrable combo which is what I love about Mountain Buggy products in general.
Conclusion
Go down to your local park on any Saturday and you'll quickly see how huge the market is for the freerider. It's the type of product any family with two can use every day.
It’s so smart and versatile, particularly the way it's flexible to meet the changing needs and desires of your toddler (sometimes changing by the minute!).
Also it's competitively priced as both a stroller board and a quality scooter. With the freerider you effectively get two products for the price of one.
About Mountain Buggy
Mountain Buggy is a New Zealand company that designed the original all-terrain three wheeled pram. They specialise in designing prams for outdoor activity.
