Stroller [Mountain Buggy]
Maker and role
Allan Croad, Maker
Production date
May 1992
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Object detail
Accession number
2004.329
Maker
Production period
Description
Mountain Buggy 3-wheeler stroller prototype. Triangular blue frame sits on 3 black plastic, spoked wheels fitted with inflatable rubber tyres. Brown canvas creates a seat for a child and is covered with a folding green hood. A small lever on the rear axle acts as a brake when slipped into the spokes of the left rear wheel. 7.5 kilos total weight.
Brief History
Invented in 1992 by Allan Croad as an alternative to standard baby strollers, the Mountain Buggy is robust and suitable for cross-country travel. MOTAT’s example is the second prototype, the first to be named a Mountain Buggy.
As the parent of a young child, Croad wanted to go jogging while looking after his son. He combined a child's car seat with a golf trundler to create the first prototype. Allan and wife Adrienne proved their concept by running a half marathon, pushing their one-year-old in that first prototype.
The first 100 Mountain Buggy strollers were made by Allan Croad in the family garage, but when the business picked up in 1993 manufacturing was outsourced to Kenson Industries in Wainuiomata. With its large tyres and lightweight, hardy aluminium frame, the Mountain Buggy soon became popular with parents all over New Zealand, becoming a top selling stroller.
In 1998 production shifted to Tritec Manufacturing, who bought the company from Mountain Buggy Ltd (which the Croads owned) in 2004. In 2009 Mountain Buggy was bought by phil+teds and production moved to China later that year.
As the parent of a young child, Croad wanted to go jogging while looking after his son. He combined a child's car seat with a golf trundler to create the first prototype. Allan and wife Adrienne proved their concept by running a half marathon, pushing their one-year-old in that first prototype.
The first 100 Mountain Buggy strollers were made by Allan Croad in the family garage, but when the business picked up in 1993 manufacturing was outsourced to Kenson Industries in Wainuiomata. With its large tyres and lightweight, hardy aluminium frame, the Mountain Buggy soon became popular with parents all over New Zealand, becoming a top selling stroller.
In 1998 production shifted to Tritec Manufacturing, who bought the company from Mountain Buggy Ltd (which the Croads owned) in 2004. In 2009 Mountain Buggy was bought by phil+teds and production moved to China later that year.
Marks
MADE IN NEW ZEALAND / BY HEALTH PURSUITS LTD / P.O. BOX 45034 LOWER HUTT / [...] Sticker
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Allan Croad. May 1992. Stroller [Mountain Buggy], 2004.329. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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