Budget 3-Wheeled Strollers

Top picks in budget jogging strollers

Not all three-wheeled strollers cost upwards of $350 -- though reviewers say the best jogging and all-terrain strollers are found in that price range. We did find a few recommended budget jogging strollers that have fixed front wheels, making them suitable for infrequent joggers and power walkers.

The InStep Run Around LTD Jogging Stroller (*Est. $140) is a favorite of reviewers for parents on a budget, although this stroller is probably,better for power walking than jogging. It has a fixed front wheel and has been updated with a one-handed folding mechanism for 2009. The InStep Run Around LTD Jogging Stroller sports a steel frame, which makes it heavier (at 29 pounds) than other top-end strollers. It has a 50 pound weight limit -- less than the 70-pound weight limit on more expensive BOB jogging strollers. Parents give the InStep Run Around LTD Jogging Stroller generally good reviews, with owners on Amazon.com describing it as "sturdy" and "durable," with a smooth ride over pavement, gravel and grass. On the negative side, several reviewers say that the seat lacks good cushioning and the harness seems less sturdy than on other strollers.

The Jeep Overland Limited (*Est. $220) is another fixed-wheel jogging stroller that is priced considerably less than top-end joggers. Babble.com picks the Jeep Overland Limited as the best option for parents on a budget and finds it performs well for both jogging and walking. Babble also likes the extra features, including adjustable handlebars, kid's tray with cup holder, odometer and built-in speakers that you would expect to find on more expensive strollers. Babble's tester was skeptical about the built-in speakers but ended up loving the ability to listening to music without headphones. On the negative side, she finds the folding awkward.

The Jeep Overland Limited receives mixed reviews on Buzzillions.com, which compiles owner-written reviews from ToysRUs.com and other sites. Many reviewers want to use this stroller for indoor activities, like shopping or errands, but they say the fixed wheel limits its use. A number of owners also report constant problems with flat tires. Those who like this jogging stroller say they enjoy the built-in speakers and think it's easy to fold.

Top picks in budget all-terrain strollers

The Jeep Liberty Sport Urban Terrain (*Est. $120) gets generally positive reviews from parents, who praise the value and easy steering. One satisfied mom says it "steers like butter," and parents appreciate how the toy steering wheel keeps their kids entertained. The Jeep Liberty Sport Urban Terrain, manufactured by Kolcraft, has a swivel front wheel that locks for navigating rough terrain. It also boasts parent and kid trays with cup holders, a multi-position reclining seat and a one-hand fold. On the negative side, some owners say the Jeep Liberty Sport Urban Terrain is too heavy and bulky. This stroller has bike tires; the Limited version of this stroller is more expensive, with polymer wheels and more storage and convenience options.

For an inexpensive all-terrain stroller, the Kolcraft Contours Options 3-Wheeler Stroller (*Est. $160) receives very good reviews from parents on Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com. Reviewers love the style, and say that this inexpensive stroller looks just as stylish as some of the pricier models. Parents also praise the seating configuration, which allows you to reverse the seat to face forward or backward. Some reviewers say its too bulky and heavy, but overall most parents are very happy with this stroller. In independent testing, the Kolcraft Contours Options 3-Wheeler scored poor ratings for safety. Tests showed that the optional car seat detached from the stroller frame if the stroller fell over, although the restraint straps kept the car seat from detaching completely.

Another option for parents on a budget is the Baby Trend Expedition LX (*Est. $120), which chrome-spoked sport wheels, a sun canopy, a reclining seat and a parent tray. The 12-inch front wheel swivels for maneuverability or locks in place for rough terrain. The Expedition LX has a lightweight aluminum frame and a weight limit of 50 pounds, which is much less than the 70 pounds to 75 pounds for the BOB and Mountain Buggy strollers. The Baby Trend Expedition LX received decent owner-written reviews several years ago, but more recent owner-written reviews are not as positive. Parents say this stroller is poorly built, with serious design flaws and durability issues. One lone parent on Amazon.com reports that it worked well for 2 miles, but the fork bearing suddenly broke. She is frustrated because the part is under warranty, but is not in stock. The most recent of the more than 120 reviews at BabiesRUs.com report similar problems with a wobbling front wheel and broken fork bearings.

The InStep Safari (*Est. $130) -- also known as the Schwinn Safari -- has 16-inch rear wheels with a lockable swiveling 12-inch front wheel, and it can accommodate children up to 50 pounds. It also has parent and child trays, a five-point harness and a one-hand fold. Editors at Baby-Gaga.com say the InStep Safari is a great value for parents who want a three-wheeled stroller for walking or general use, rather than a stroller for jogging. This stroller has a remarkable amount of storage, an adjustable handlebar and a partially reclining seat. Christine Luff, running guide for About.com, praises the one-hand folding mechanism (new for 2009) and compact size of the InStep Safari Double (*Est. $180). Reviewers say that both models are seriously heavy (30 pounds for the single and 37 pounds for the double). InStep also makes all-terrain strollers under the Schwinn name, although reviewers say that InStep models are generally a better value. Nonetheless, the 2009 Schwinn Free Wheeler (*Est. $230), with a 12-inch front swivel wheel and 16-inch rear wheels, receives very good reviews on Amazon.com. Owners say it's easy to steer, handles well and is nice and comfy for babies. Some reviewers note that the seat reclines a little too much even when fully upright. Although parents say the Free Wheeler doesn't measure up to expensive models from BOB or Baby Jogger, most say it's a good value.