What kind of tires do you need when buying a stroller?
There are several choices: rubber tire, PU tireor EVA tire – but what is the difference of these tires?
There are significant differences in performance and durability.
Pneumatic Rubber Tires
Rubber is a natural material sourced from the rubber tree. It is the highest quality wheel material, with superb grip, durability and softness. Rubber tires feel incredibly smooth to push and work well at any temperature. In addition, rubber is the safest material - it doesn't slide on smooth or wet surfaces and lasts longer. This is why cars, trucks, motorcycles and push-bikes use it;
Its shortage: Pneumatic rubber tires are easily punctured and need to be maintained and inflated from time to time;
PU (Polyurethane) Tires And Foam filled Tires
PU is a manufactured product designed around 50 years ago that mimics the rubber's grip and softness.
Its advantages are as below:
A. Eco-friendly: The solid Tires do not have bad effect on the ozone layer and are 100% recyclable.
B. Inflation-free: The airless tyres are non-pneumatic tires keeping users away from the worries of flat tire,air leakage.
C. Noise Reduction: The polyurethane has the effect of shock absorption, sound-absorbing,making users feel comfortable while in use.
D. Puncture Proof: The airless Tyres are solid tires that are no afraid of nails, shards, or broken piece of glass.
E. Maintenance Free: The foam filled tire is solid structure and not air pressure for load support.They cannot leak or go flat, and never need to be pumped up or repaired.
Shortages: Since PU tires and foam filled tires are solid tires. Therefore, its riding comfort is not as good as that of air tires.
EVA Tires
EVA is manufactured plastic, and because it's so light, it's the most common type of wheel seen on smaller strollers (it can be pretty noisy, too, so you'll hear as someone walks past with EVA wheels!). However, it's a cheaper alternative to rubber or PU, and the durability isn't up to the same standard, so you wouldn't find an all-terrain pram with EVA wheels.
It's an excellent option for cabin-friendly strollers, as being as lightweight as possible is the most important factor here, rather than offering a smooth ride off-road.
