Kiwi Explorer .... does anyone have anything bad to say about it?!

[Millie1]

DS will be 26 mths when No. 2 arrives and, for us, a double buggy will, I think, be necessary (DS won't walk more than 100 metres holding your hand before running off, too young for a buggy board, main roads everywhere etc).

We've looked at a number of doubles (MacLaren, Mothercare, Instep Nipper, Twister, M&P) and have found that either the seats are too narrow, the buggies too heavy/cumbersome or we simply didn't like the design.

Having been following the Kiwi thread for months - I'd love one, DH is not convinced, I'd love to know if anyone is NOT happy with theirs! What are the negative points?

DH is convinced that the child in the second seat will be so near the ground that he/she will get splashed by puddles etc. What about when he/she progresses to the toddler seat - is there really a good enough view to keep them happy and occupied? Is the seat big enough, sturdy enough?

Although they're now stocked by a couple of places in the UK, unfortunately we don't live remotely within travelling distance to go and look and I am sooo wary of spending that much money on an unseen and untried buggy.

All views would be really appreciated!!

Thanks Kaz33!!

Do any Explorer owners have the Phil and Teds buggy bag - we tried to get one but were sent the sleeping bag which looked to be about 20 tog and anyway turned out to be too short for dd in the toddler seat. It's gone back and our attempts to get the buggy bag have been fruitless - in Australia they say it isn't made any more, something Phil and Teds won't confirm. If you don't use the P&T bag, but do have one from somewhere else could you please tell us where you got it and if it fits neatly with the Explorer's harness & crotch strap. DD's calves are at risk of chilblains if we don't sort something out sharpish. Ta

Greetings from Sweden!

Found this fabulous talk board and this fabulous topic about the e3 Explorer. I'm expecting my second child (a girl!) in January 2004 and my first born (son) will then be 16 months old.

I'm in huge doubt whether to buy the Mountain Terrain Twin Pusher or the e3 Explorer from Phil & Ted's.

Got a question to you Explorer-owners: Would you say it's no problem to go running with the e3 Explorer? I've been running about 20-30 km per week with my single 3-wheeler from Teutonia. And I absolutely want to continue running with both of my children.

Swiveling front wheel? Dobt, doubt, doubt... When in locked position, is it stabile enough for some serious jogging?

Very greatful for answers!
//Ida

Ida - I bow my head in admiration, sometimes I find it knackering enough pushing both boys in the Kiwi Explorer, not large 2 year 4 month old and 6 month old. Have no experience, but the Kiwi explorer is easy to push and very manouevaralbe, obviously a double buggy will be that much wider.
As a city dweller in a flat the kiwi explorer is a lifesaver, if you are in the country with loads of space probably not such an issue....

Hi. I'm thinking of buying the E3 also. I have a 13 month old and expecting another at the end of March. They stock it in my local nursery store and I've looked at it twice. I'm really impressed with it but just have a couple of niggles (seeing as it's not cheap!). The seats (both, when it's got the toddler seat) don't look as though they adjust. Do the children always have to be at 45 degrees? Can the back child sit up? Also, I'm concerned about where to put stuff (shopping, changing bag etc.) when the back seat is on. The child at the back will have it's feet in the basket won't it? You can't hang stuff on the back in case you tip it up. Do any current owners of this chair have any comments?

Hi again!

I've now looked at the e3 irl. Must say it looks very nice, but jeee... impossible to get a comfortable body position whilst pushing the thing. An dto run with it... Forget about it! I was hitting my knees constantly. To avoid doing so I had to keep my arms straight (even though I've got very long arms - and long legs) and that would certanly cause serious neck problems after a short time.

So! I bought the pusher I originally had in mind: the Mountain Terrain Twin. VERY happy about it.

What about you other guys who already are pushiing the e3 along the streets - do you find yourselves in an ergonomic position???? Are you taller/shorter then the average woman?

Anyway... I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas end A Happy New Year!

//Ida

No problems pushing it and I'm 5ft 8"

Must admit that now that DS2 is 6 months and long ( about the lenght of an average one year old ) getting him in and out is not the easiest thing in the world. Mostly because he has to be slotted into his cosytoe. Also you cn'at really get anything in the tray at the bottom except for the raincover and a couple of toys or books. I have hung bags from sainsburys on the hooks without clouting DS2 around the head. But must admit with the two of them in the buggy don't really want to cart back loads of shopping - prefer to take the car !

There is one of these on Ebay, it has 3hrs to go and is currently £299.99