Maclaren Major Elite Buggy | Special Needs Pushchairs | Mobility Shop | Twins UK

My son has always been big for his age, but unfortunately, due to a disability. he also finds walking very difficult. By the time he was three he found standard buggies very uncomfortable and it was time to get something a little bigger so that he could travel in style. A quick conversation with his physiotherapist led to a referral to the wheelchair service. where we were given the choice of either a wheelchair or a Maclaren Major Elite. Now at the time we weren't all that keen on the idea of a wheelchair, somehow we still felt that there might be a miracle recovery, so we went for the Major Special Needs Pushchair.

What does it look like?

At first glance the Major looks like an oversize stroller, so much so that we get comments such as he's a bit big to be in a buggy isn't he?. It features a sturdy blue frame and the fabric insert is a nice mainly blue tartan check, believe me it looks very modern and as unlike a wheelchair as it possibly could be.

How big is it?

Make no mistakes this buggy is huge. it is tested to a weight of 63.5kg. which means it will easily hold a child upto the age 10 and above. But this size does have it's disadvantages. even when folded it's a squeeze getting it into a car boot. I can just about get it into a Ford Fiesta. The official size when folded is 117cm x 25cm x 21cm. and then there is the removable footrest to take into consideration, so make sure you have enough room for it.

Is it easy to put up/down?

While it's not particularly difficult to put up and the down, it's by no means a walk in the park. Firstly. there's the fact that the footrest needs to be removed. then there are a total of four safety catches/levers, one lever at the bottom of the buggy. one at the top and then two catches on the sides. Lets put it this way, it's not a one-handed job, so you'll need someone to hold the child while you put it up and down.

Is it comfortable?

While I've never sat in it myself. it does seem reasonably comfortable. certainly enough so that my son will fall asleep in it. Although it doesn't have a lay-back facility, the back is slightly sloped. There are also three positions for the footrest. which means as the child grows they will still be able to have their feet in a comfortable position. But, my son has needed the footrest at the bottom position for the last year and he's not even seven yet. The only real problem comfort-wise is the lack of posture support, when my son is ill he tends to flop and then he really needs support. which is one of the reasons we will soon be having a wheelchair instead of this.

Is it easy to push?

In a word yes! The front wheels swivel and it is very easy to push and steer over most surfaces. Although I say most surfaces. I'm not including sand or snow as with most buggies it tends to sink in these and becomes virtually impossible to push. Height-wise, at a relatively short 5 foot 2 I have no difficulty and do not tend to get back ache and my somewhat taller husband also finds it comfortable to push.

Is it safe?

Personally, I feel the Major is as safe as a buggy will get. Due to the fact that the footrest needs to be removed before it can be folded and the number of safety mechanisms, it is impossible for it to fold accidentally and catch little fingers. It also features a five-point harness that can be adjusted to fit most children. which will keep all but the most determined child secure.

Is it going to last?

Well we've had this Major for nearly four years, so it certainly does seem to last for ages. The only problem we've had was that the handles broke, but this was easily remedied with a bit of electrical tape.

What maintenance does it need?

We've found that the buggy benefits from having a little WD40 sprayed on the working parts regularly, otherwise it gets a little hard to fold up and the wheels start squeaking. Other than that all that is required is a wipe down with a damp cloth.

transportation for your child and then supply it.

What accessories can I buy?

There are a range of accessories available for the Major, most of which you will have to buy for yourself even if the actual buggy is provided by the NHS. The accessories are not cheap and as this is not a standard size buggy. you can't use cheaper versions.

Final words

The Major has been a fantastic buggy. for the time that we've been using it. It looks like a normal buggy (that's been taking growth hormones) and has survived the rigours of daily use for the last 3-4 years. However, as my son has got older, we have had a lot more comments about why is he in a buggy. and we've found he doesn't get quite enough support especially when ill. We've therefore come to the reluctant conclusion that we need to trade this in for a wheelchair.

However, don't let this fact put you off, for the younger (or smaller) child with relatively minor physical difficulties this is ideal and certainly lasts longer than regular buggies.