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When it comes to jogging strollers, it seems that maximum performance for the money is somewhere between $250 and $350. As you move up from the $350 mark, jogging stroller performance and quality does not seem to increase much, or at least, not at the same rate as the price.
However, if you drop your price target to below $250, you can still find a few excellent choices.
Being the analytical type, I consider 7 main factors I think are important when looking for a stroller in this category. I have outlined these factors for choosing the best jogging strollers for under $250 in more detail further below in the article.
But first, here are my top 3 choices for strollers in this price range:
Best jogging stroller for under $250
Jeep Cross-Country Sport Plus Jogging Stroller by Delta Children
This three-wheel front-facing single stroller is great for long walks and mild running on rough terrain. It features:
- front 12-inch swivel metal air spoke wheel with swivel lock,
- two back 16-inch metal air spoke wheels with ball bearings,
- durable steel frame,
- swing-away child tray and fabric parent tray with two cup holders. Generous undercarriage storage bin, and
- well suited to both short and tall people.
Weighting only 26 lbs, this jogging stroller under $250 represents one of the lightest options in its class. The front wheel easily locks into a non-swiveling position. The assembly is easy to follow and fairly straightforward. Users report it to be easily handled as navigation can be performed by using only one hand. It seems to be handling tough terrain smoothly and with ease. The canopy coverage is decent, too.
When it comes to complaints, several users were disappointed that it did not fit with their travel system so check carefully with respect to compatibility. Other reviewers had problems with flat tires but that was only a very small fraction of reviews. Overall the stroller receives a score of 4.7 out of 5.
Overall, this stroller definitely represents fantastic value in general, and in the category of jogging strollers under $250.
Dimensions:
32 x 18.5 x 16.3 inches
Stroller Weight:
26 lbs
Maximum Supported Weight:
45 lbs
Best Suited For:
Long walks in nature, active parents, rough city walks, and running exercise.
babyGap by Delta Children Trek Jogging Stroller
I have to admit straight up that this stroller is pretty new with few reviews, but those who bought it love it! Its features are:
- Two 16-inch back wheels with air-filled inner tubes for a smooth ride,
- 12-inch airless, puncture-proof front wheel with swivel lock,
- rear brake, back wheel suspension,
- swing-away child tray, removable parent organizer with tons of storage and large basket,
- made with sustainable materials (recycled water bottles) that are soft and easy to clean, and
- it comes in 3 colors, black, light gray and blue.
The stroller works with a range of car seats to create a travel system, including the Graco SnugRide Click Connect, Evenflo Nurture, and Evenflo Embrace. Chicco KeyFit 30 car seats and Britax B-Safe 35 car seats can be used with an adaptor (sold separately).
Users loved the appearance, sturdiness, ease of use, and comfort of this great little jogging stroller under $250. It seems to handle well and ‘pushes itself’ as one reviewer put it.
Dimensions:
46.5 x 23.6 x 42.3 inches
Stroller Weight:
33 lbs
Maximum Supported Weight:
50 lbs
Best Suited For:
Jogging, nature, city walks.
Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller
This jogging stroller made by Graco features three inflatable tires, a multi-position reclining seat convenient carrying strap, standard five-point safety harness, locking front wheel mechanism, independent wheel braking system, and a large basket.
This jogging stroller under $250 is compatible with all Graco infant car seats, which is nicely complementing and advancing the stroller to the travel system level. The company is proud of its one-second and one-hand folding system, which was very well received by consumers.
Another great feature of this stroller is its exceptional all-terrain maneuverability. The front wheel is 12 inches in diameter, while the two back wheels are 16-inch wheels. Ergonomically well-designed footrest and easy-to-clean fabric add to the value of this jogging stroller.
On the downside, as for many jogging strollers in this price range, there is an extra weight associated with the design’s intended multi-functionality. This weight-price balance is a trade-off one will have to analyze further when aligning his or her needs and wants with the stroller’s capabilities.
Also please note that Graco has discontinued its clever smartphone holder, unfortunately!
Dimensions:
40 x 24 x 42 inches
Stroller Weight:
36 lbs
Maximum Supported Weight:
50 lbs
Best Suited For:
Active lifestyle, rough and uneven terrain, traveling, parks, nature.
Main factors to consider when choosing your jogging stroller under $25
Weight
When it comes to jogging with a stroller, its weight is one of the most critical factors. Since you will be pushing this thing, you want to make sure it is as light as possible. A decent jogging stroller under $250 will weigh less than 35-36 pounds, while good ones will be in the range between 25 and 30 pounds.
Suspension system
A good suspension system will go a long way for a jogging stroller. Ideally, each wheel will have an independent suspension system. If the suspension exists only on the back wheels, and not on the front one, that is acceptable for this price range, as long as you are not running over extremely bumpy roads. On a flat and mildly bumpy surface, the back-wheel-only suspension should be sufficient.
Braking system
The braking system could be tricky on jogging strollers. A hand-wrist braking mechanism seems like a decent solution. However, design critics will tell you that if you fall down, there is a possibility that you could flip the stroller to the ground. Another braking system commonly seen in jogging strollers is hand-grip brakes, which seem like a safer option.
Folding system
Generally speaking, jogging strollers do not fold as easily as regular strollers, and especially not as easily as umbrella strollers. The folding mechanism should not be a driving factor when purchasing a jogging stroller, but it should not be overlooked either.
Good jogging strollers will fold with a maximum of two steps. Usually, this involves a basic body folding mechanism and the final bar folds over it, or something along these lines. Jogging strollers are, generally speaking, not travel-friendly. You should carefully align your expectations with your needs and the stroller’s capabilities.
Seat quality
Jogging strollers tend to be exposed to weather elements more than any other kind of stroller, which comes as a result of owners’ adventurous nature and tendency to exercise.
In addition, jogging strollers tend to experience much higher levels of mechanical stress. Some of this stress is absorbed by suspension, but a good portion of it is transferred to the seating area. This is why you want to make sure that the seating area satisfies four main requirements:
- it is specious enough,
- it is made out of durable material,
- it has adequate padding, and
- it is firmly attached to the jogging stroller’s frame.
Wheels
Pneumatic 12-inch to 16-inch back wheels are almost standard in this jogger category. Anything less than that needs to be carefully examined.
Canopy
The three main requirements for a jogging stroller canopy are:
- adjustability
- sturdiness, and
- coverage.
A good jogging stroller will have an easily adjustable canopy, which will be sturdy enough to maintain the desired position during running and general movement.
Also, you want to make sure the canopy covers as much of the seat as possible. Ideally, the canopy will be large enough to cover the entire seating area to protect your little one against rain or too much sun.
There you are, these are my 7 factors for choosing among the best jogging strollers under $250.