Mountain Buggy or Steelcraft Strider on Melbourne Trams?

[Chippy]

Thanks for your thoughts.

We live too close to the city for trains which is generally really great for us but not in terms of prams it would seem.

I'm definitely a fan of carriers - and intend to rely heavily on an ergo but there will be times where I'll have to catch the tram to the supermarket and I don't fancy carrying a heavy bub with 2 or 3 bags of groceries too. That's partially why I love the Strider - it has such a great big basket.

But it's not like we'll be catching a tram everyday and I really want the Strider so unless someone can come up with a life or death reason, I think I'm kidding myself to think I can be talked out of it!

[~Raven~]

How do people in wheelchairs get into trams? I would have thought they were wider than prams!

[QueenMab]

I have a strider 4 & it really is huge - we don't drive at all though so it is really getting a workout & I am glad it is so big & sturdy. It's easy on trains, impossible on buses & I wouldn't fancy taking it on a tram - only time we've been on one so far I used the ergo - even if you could manage to get it on there they seem to fill up pretty quick & the strider takes up a fair amount of room. I am actually thinking of getting a stroller for times when I don't want to use the ergo for some reason but we need to use PT. (Oh, DP just told me he thinks you would get the strider on the tram because one of the doors, either at the fron or the back, doesn't have the metal bit in the middle?! I personally have no clue...)
I wouldn't change my choice of pram 'cause the strider really is so sturdy & I LOVE the baby facing me option (& so does she) but you can't take it into little shops & need to use the wider checkout in the supermarket - okay usually but if it's not open there can be issues!! One idea for shopping/the tram could be the ergo & a granny trolley?! I have me a granny trolley & haven't used it in yonks but am thinking of dusting the cobwebs off it.

Good luck! (I don't think I've been any help whatsoever lol, Sorry!!)

[Chippy]

One idea for shopping/the tram could be the ergo & a granny trolley?! I have me a granny trolley & haven't used it in yonks but am thinking of dusting the cobwebs off it.

Genius! Of course That's the answer! Thank you.

I'm wondering now though - I liked the 4 wheeler better but maybe when hoisting onto the tram (that i can actually fit on) a 3 wheeler is easier. What do you clever folks think?

[fionas]

Hi Chippy

I have a Strider 4 wheeler and have the choice of trains or trams where I am. There is NO way I would even contemplate trying to get the Strider on a tram but we have the old-fashioned trams with the steps and bar in the entrance rather than the low-down, wide entrance of the newer trams.

I think it would be REALLY difficult to lug the Strider up the steps, especially if you've got to grab someone's attention to help you get on and off.

Personally, I'd use a carrier while they're very little and then get a really cheap, lightweight easy-fold stroller for tram trips. Then you have the option of carrying your baby and folding the stroller before you get on the tram.

[ajw0108]

sorry - my real response is below

[ajw0108]

*ahem* Me again..... My real response is below.

[HotI]

How do people in wheelchairs get into trams? I would have thought they were wider than prams!

Hi

Trams suck for wheelchair users! On the old ones with the bar in the middle of the stairs at the door, a wheelchair won't fit in between the bar and where the door opens to. The person must 'bum' up the stairs, and get a mate to lift the chair above the height of the bar.

They are building more of the ramp tram stops, especially in Melbourne CBD, and this has at last allowed wheelchair users to independently enter a tram.

Trains are better, although depending on the height of the platform compared to the train height the wheelchair user may need the use of a ramp, which means requiring the driver to get the ramp for person to enter train and hopefully remember the stop the person wants at the end to get the ramp out again. Luckily in Victoria, all train stations are wheelchair accessible (not so for Sydney last time i visited).

cheers,

k