Hauck Runner 2 pushchair review

With extra-large, air-filled tyres and an adjustable handle, it's a robust stroller that can tackle all kinds of tricky terrain.

Suitable to use from birth up to approx, 4 years old (25kg) it's an affordable off-road pushchair with an RRP of £179.99 – a great budget option compared to the premium Out 'n' About GT pushchair, £435.

How easy was it to build the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

It took me around 10 minutes to build the pushchair. While the instructions were relatively clear, the images to attach the wheels weren’t quite big enough and it took me t2 attempts to attach them properly. The foam handlebar is wrapped in cardboard and tape and so you must be very careful removing this with any sharp objects to avoid damage.

How do you fold and unfold the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

To fold the Hauck Runner 2 down, you need to push the hood all the way back and recline the seat all the way down before starting, which I found quite frustrating to begin with – although I've since gotten quicker due to practice. After reclining, you simply pull upwards on the 2 looped finger holes down the side of the frame and push the whole buggy downwards. There is a catch on one side to lock in the fold.

I was quite pleased that you don't need to remove wheels or accessories, such as the footmuff and rain cover, when folding, as I’ve had to do before with other off-roading pushchairs.

It couldn't be easier to unfold; unhook the latch and lift the handlebar upwards until it ‘clicks’ into place.

How compact is the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair when folded?

Despite being quite large when in use – H126cm x W59cm x D110cm – I was impressed with how compact the Hauck 2 Runner fold was, measuring H87cm x W59cm x D47cm, similar to the Out 'n' About GT and Thule Urban Glide 3.

Obviously, a 3-wheeler all-terrain pushchair is never going to be as compact as a normal stroller, but for a pushchair with such large tyres, I am quite impressed that it doesn’t take up too much room in my SUV car boot (Honda CR-V). You can very quickly remove the large rear wheels making it even more compact if you were to be travelling further distances..

Is the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair heavy?

In a word, yes. The buggy is heavy, weighing a hefty 11.1kg, which makes it tricky to lift into the car boot — you need a strong core! That said, it is still lighter than the Ickle Bubba Venus Prime 3-wheeler, weighing 12.3kg.

Is the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair self-standing when folded?

The pushchair self-stands when folded, but this means the handlebar touches the floor which has caused some scratches and mud on the handle for us. Just be aware!

How good is the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair to push and steer on different terrains?

This is one of the best pushchairs I’ve pushed and steered on multiple terrains. It’s so light to push and so easy to steer, you can even do so one-handed! Changing directions on mud or rocks was no issue for the Runner 2 (although not so much when pushing one-handed).

I have previously had a leading brand in the off-roading pushchair category and the Hauck Runner 2 offers a smoother drive. The front wheel swivels 360 degree, so turning tightly is no problem either.

It effortlessly glides over kerbs, rocks and roots, although on our more heavy off-road walks I did get the front wheel stuck in between a root before lifting the front wheel over it. It’s very easy to push through mud too, although the tyres do seem to like to cling to sticky mud.

What do you think of the handle on the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

The adjustable handle has a great range so anyone from my 5-year-old to my 6ft partner can push the Hauck Runner 2. The handle cover is made from quite cheap foam, which has dented easily and I can imagine it will tear easily too. I am going to invest in a handlebar cover to protect it and make it a little more comfortable to hold.

I like the width of the handle, and that you can easily push the buggy with 2 hands or one, no matter where on the handle you’re holding.

What do you think of the Hauck Runner 2's seat unit?

The seat is bucket-like, large and roomy. Lily (13 months) is very comfortable in it and, as a test, we also tried my 5-year-old (20kgs) in the seat – it comfortably fit him in too, which reassured me that it will be a long-lasting pushchair, worthy of investment.

Can you recline the seat on the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

Yes. The seat unit reclines using a toggle strap at the back of the seat — this is extremely easy to adjust even when Lily is in the seat. I am impressed with how flat it lays, meaning I am happy that she is safe when sleeping in it too. It also sits almost upright, so it’s perfect for a range of needs. The only frustrating thing is that you do have to recline the seat all the way down in order to fold the pushchair properly.

What's the hood like on the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

The hood doesn’t come down very far, which has meant the sun does get in my daughter's eyes often. The hood is UPF50 though – a feature the Hauck Runner 1 doesn’t have. It has a thin reflective strip across the hood, but because we walk on unlit roads at dusk, I have added more reflective stickers to the frame and front wheel of the pushchair.

The hood stays in place nicely and feels sturdy, and is very easy to use. When the seat is upright, it isn’t possible to see your child through the hood; if the seat is a little more reclined, there is a large zippable window to view your child from the rear. There are also air vent peepholes to the sides, which I haven’t got round to using yet thanks to the British winter!

What are the wheels like on the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

I am extremely impressed with the air-filled tyres and just how well they can glide over different terrains. The 2 back wheels are nice and large, and the front wheel is a good size too. You can easily remove the back 2 wheels if needed for a more compact fold.

I have used the pushchair on a broad range of terrain and haven’t yet needed to put any more air in the tyres, which is great. The front wheel easily locks and unlocks with the flip of a switch lock. I looked at other reviews on the pushchair and a couple had mentioned the front wheel wobbles sometimes — I've found that it only does this if the switch hasn’t been engaged correctly.

How good are the brakes on the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

When applying the brakes on the Hauck Runner 2, extra focus is needed to ensure they have engaged properly. The pushchair sometimes needs a little wiggle for the brake bar to engage into the wheel cogs. However, once applied correctly, they are fantastic and hold the pushchair very well.

What do you think of the basket on the Hauck Runner 2?

The pushchair's basket is large enough to fit my son’s winter coat and school bag, the nappy bag and a picnic blanket. The sides of the basket are mesh, so I have found when pushing the pushchair in wet weather, everything inside the basket is then covered in muddy water!

The basket also hangs very low to the ground, so when pushing it over rocks or taller grass, it drags along the ground. Unfortunately, I can’t see it lasting very long (maybe a year or 2) before you would need to replace it.

What's in the box?

• Pushchair frame
• Wheels
• Raincover
• Instructions

Is the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair worth the money?

The Hauck Runner 2 has been worth every penny for us! I’m no longer getting stuck and having to carry a pushchair over every bump — using it is an absolute breeze and it has been well worth the investment. I think it's excellent value, especially when you compare it to similar 3-wheel all-terrain pushchairs that are at least double the price.

Where can I buy the Hauck Runner 2 pushchair?

It is available from Amazon, Boots and Kiddies Kingdom.

MadeForMums verdict

If you're looking for a reliable, all-terrain buggy that will glide over tricky ground with ease, the Hauck Runner 2 is a really great option. Although you may have to deal with a very low basket, heavy folded buggy and a sometimes-fiddly brake, the comfort the buggy provides for its passenger as well as its superb off-road handling makes it a fantastic offering for families who love to explore the great outdoors, without spending too long lifting the buggy over mud and bumps!