How to lock the front wheel on your Nipper (and why it should sit under the footplate)Updated a day ago
Watch: locking the front wheel (20 seconds)
Prefer to read? The steps are below.
When to lock the front wheel
- Leave it swivelling for everyday use, pavements, and tight turns — it's much easier to steer and manoeuvre.
- Lock it for running, rough ground, or long straight stretches — it keeps the buggy tracking straight and stable.
Correct — wheel locked back under the footplate
When the wheel is locked correctly, it sits back underneath the footplate, with the fork angled forward and the wheel tucked in close to the frame.
Correct — the wheel sits back under the footplate.
Correct, close up — fork angled forward, wheel tucked under.
Incorrect — wheel locked facing forward
If the wheel is locked out in front of the footplate instead of tucked underneath it, the buggy will feel heavier and harder to push and steer — this is the most common cause of a Nipper feeling "wrong" once the lock is engaged.
Incorrect — the wheel is locked out in front.
Incorrect, close up.
Step by step
- Release the lock.
- Roll the wheel backwards, under the footplate.
- Check the position — the fork should angle forward and the wheel should sit tucked back, not out in front.
- Engage the lock fully.
- Push the buggy forward a short distance to test — it should track straight with no drag or resistance.
Still doesn't feel right?
- Double-check the lock has fully engaged — it can look locked while sitting slightly proud.
- Check your tyre pressure — a soft front tyre can feel like a locking issue.
- Still not right? Send us a photo of the wheel and we'll take a look.