Stroller Mode

[fudge22]

Many fitbit users push strollers and face the issue of steps not being tracked while pushing a stroller. What if fitbit created a stroller mode, which used a different step-tracking algorithm designed to mimic arm movements while pushing strollers or carts? If possible it can also detect steps with the current algorithm as well. This improved algorithm will be able to track the subtle up and down movement of the watch while pushing a stroller. 

This may require a lot of research, but if it isn't too difficult to adjust the step tracking algorithm, this could definitely be a possibility. 

Moderator Edit: Updated title for clarity & labels.

[Binski]

When I wear my Fit Bit Charge HR while out shopping or holding the handle bars on the treadmill, my steps don't count. I will look the band to my pants sometimes to get around this, but it makes my heart rate numbers all funky and thinks that I am running! If there was a workaround for this, that would be great!

[Binski]

I do the one handed shopping cart pushing move and it's a disaster everytime! Lol, keep both hands on the wheel people! 😉

[ElenaBrodet1]

Please consider creating a Fitbit anklet bracelet that goes around your ankle to count for more accurate steps taken. I have this problem when I wear my Fitbit on my wrist and it doesn't accurately count the steps when I am pushing a stroller or pushing a grocery cart around. Right now I have strapped my Fitbit bracelet to my ankle with a simple wire to keep it in place. I am so surprised that so many people have the same idea and are complaining about the same problem I hope you'll consider creating a pretty feminine anklet bracelet that is a good step tracker.

[JDS45424]

This same setting could be applied when pushing a lawn mower as well.

[Daniel313]

I don't get any pushing a stroller or shopping cart.

[Chw451]

When exercising while pushing my daughter in her stroller it doesn't count all of my steps or active minutes. I've walked for 3 miles and it only picks up 1.5. It'd be cool if my Alta could track it correctly. I know I can manually add in exercise but I don't know how many of the steps it actually picked up or not. If it picks up an elliptical workout why won't it pick up walking with a stroller? Also, while mowing the lawn it thought I was riding my bike 😂

[Chw451]

I've walked with the stroller at least 7 different times now and it's very unreliable.

[SunsetRunner]

+1

[DblGee]

Although I have a Blaze - I wear my old Charge around my ankle to address this issue and find it is within a reasonable amount of steps to the Blaze.  This way it is counting my actual steps not just a scientific calulation based on arm movement

[Fuzzy78]

1000% yes to this.  I never get any steps when pushing the kids in the stroller or shopping cart.  This needs to be done ASAP!

[jaclin]

or pulling or pushing any cart.

[Jrock2378]

I was getting frustrated by this not marking my steps while pushing a stroller. Would love an option to either add steps based on mileage or find a way for it to work while pushing stroller.

[OzSara]

I get so frustrated when I go to the mall and push my daughter in her pram. My steps are never counted! My husband tries to push the pram with one hand to try and keep his steps tracked but when the mall is packed, it makes it a bit hard! 

[Misscoleyp]

YES! This would be amazing functionality for those of us with kids trying to lead by example.

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@fudge22 wrote:

Many fitbit users push strollers and face the issue of steps not being tracked while pushing a stroller. What if fitbit created a stroller mode, which used a different step-tracking algorithm designed to mimic arm movements while pushing strollers or carts? If possible it can also detect steps with the current algorithm as well. This improved algorithm will be able to track the subtle up and down movement of the watch while pushing a stroller. 

This may require a lot of research, but if it isn't too difficult to adjust the step tracking algorithm, this could definitely be a possibility. 

Moderator Edit: Updated title for clarity & labels.

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@fudge22 wrote:

Many fitbit users push strollers and face the issue of steps not being tracked while pushing a stroller. What if fitbit created a stroller mode, which used a different step-tracking algorithm designed to mimic arm movements while pushing strollers or carts? If possible it can also detect steps with the current algorithm as well. This improved algorithm will be able to track the subtle up and down movement of the watch while pushing a stroller. 

This may require a lot of research, but if it isn't too difficult to adjust the step tracking algorithm, this could definitely be a possibility. 

Moderator Edit: Updated title for clarity & labels.

---

[Nightshifter]

I agree. Since I don't have a hr monitor fitbit (yet) I currently put the flex2 on my shoe while at work. We have to push carts that only move when both hands are placed on the sensors and they're ridiculously hard to steer with one hand. But it's a pain to have to keep twitching between my shoe for steps and my wrist for sleep. I hope they update this! 

[Valkira]

I have talked to several friends who also tuck their FB in their sock, (1
has a flex, 1 an HR with heart mode turned off)
They use "sock mode" when either stroller pushing or using treadmill with
hand grips.

A couple others have tried putting their FB in their pockets.. (not so
much, random counts as well as near death on washing)

It would be nice if they had a different strap for ankle use!! Now they
have the new Charge HR with the changeable straps,
would be great if there were a way to clasp on for ankle use.

[SunsetRunner]

I have just purchased the fitbit Blaze and I am so disappointed that no steps are recorded whilist pushing my double pushchair (which I'm never going to be able to do one handed) as I was hoping my fitbit would push me to walk further. There must be a solution to this as reading the comments it is need ASAP.

[Cvb09]

I definitely agree that there should be a way to accurately track steps while pushing a stroller or cart - if it can't be sensed and calculated on its own, then an activity selection should be available to account for this. I just upgraded my old One to a Charge 2 only to discover I'm getting a lot less credit for steps now while out walking with my baby... disappointing, and a work around seems necessary.

[JDS45424]

The one thing I've learned you can do it push with one hand if that's an option. Gets difficult if you've got a lot of groceries.

Also there's an addin called mobile track you can use to synchronize steps if you have your phone with you. The only time I've used it is if I'm charging my Fitbit.

Sent from my iPhone

[Auntiekey]

Yes please! I am a Nanny 10 hours a day and much of my walking is with twins in the stroller. They're 22 pounds each plus the stroller so especially up hills I need both hands! Please consider your clientele! 

[Gooselucy]

As a mum who spends lots of time out walking the dog with my pushchair I definitely think the tracking need to be improved. I regularly have it tracked as a bike ride and sometimes not at all. This is my main regular exercise and one of the reasons I got the flex to count steps but currently it's not doing it's job. 

[Mallie233]

Yes! I am a person who NEEDS motivation. I was so dejected when I realized my Alta wasn't consistently tracking the stroller. I got this for the motivation to get out and get the fresh air and have the positive reinforcement. At this point i'm looking at that dang stroller and going, what's the point!? I know I should want to do it anyways, but it really sucks the air out to know that i'm not getting credit for it! Please implement this!!

[Valkira]

A lot of my friends just stick their FB in their socks when they aren't
going to be
using their hands for working out. Won't track your heart rate, but better
than nothing. 😞

[Sdesmond]

Please make an update that accounts for pushing a stroller or shopping cart. And that accounts for holding/carrying things. Also make a way on the app to add steps that arent counted.  I am losing steps. I am a stay at home mom and the majority of my walking is done while pushing my daughter's stroller. 

[Awheeler617]

I agree there needs to be some type of function that will track steps while pushing a cart or stroller.  My husband and I do a lot of challenges with friends and family and he will go to the store with me to add steps but I never end up with many steps due to pushing the cart.  Also it would be since to have a setting for bike riding.  We ride our bikes on the trails and don't get the activity point we should be getting.