Opinion

Pushchair with motor? Drive off!

4.9.2019

Translation: machine translated

Bosch wants to launch the eStroller, an electric pushchair, in 2020. I'm already getting excited about it.

New things fascinate me and I think progress is good. I consider myself to be reasonably progressive. I don't demonise e-bikes - I've just bought one with a small auxiliary motor.

But a pushchair with an electric motor?

Bosch promises...

Increased safety for the baby thanks to automatic motor and parking brake
More comfort for the user thanks to electric motor assistance when going uphill and on rough terrain
Easier descents thanks to electric brake assistance
Intuitive operation of the system without a switch or lever on the handlebar
In addition, the smartphone can be charged on the pushchair
If the pushchair is stolen, a warning appears on the corresponding app

I understand the eStroller. In theory. In practice, it looks different.

I don't trust electronic brakes on a pushchair. The lock must be physical and visible.
The comfort when pushing uphill comes at the price of more weight from the motor and battery. When getting on the tram or when the trolley has to be lifted briefly, every kilo counts.
When going downhill, a currentless brake helps just as well. However, most pushchairs do not have a handbrake.
Our pushchair is totally intuitive. When I push, it moves. Otherwise it doesn't. I operate the locking mechanism as if I were asleep when I stop anyway.
I'm still happy to do without the world's most unwieldy power bank.
The app is connected to the eStroller via Bluetooth. Bluetooth! An anti-theft device that reaches ten metres is quite simply nonsense.
Without the app, the eStroller can only brake. Please no more products that are barely usable without a compulsory app.

Thanks, but no thanks. Go to hell, eStroller!

You can come back when I can control you remotely with my smartphone. Then it'll be interesting again. Something with a laser would be good too.

42 people like this article

Aurel Stevens

Chief Editor

aurel.stevens@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm the master tamer at the flea circus that is the editorial team, a nine-to-five writer and 24/7 dad. Technology, computers and hi-fi make me tick. On top of that, I’m a rain-or-shine cyclist and generally in a good mood.

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