While many other stroller manufacturers are more or less doing the same things over and over again, Bugaboo is taking stroller innovation to a whole new level with the Bugaboo Donkey 2.
In a way, Bugaboo is to strollers what Apple is to smartphones. The build quality is simply unmatched and with purpose-built strollers such as the Donkey, Fox, Runner and so on, Bugaboo has added a completely new dimension to strolling.
In this post, we’ll review the Bugaboo Donkey 2 and find out what makes it so admirable!
If you come to think of it, a Donkey is an honest to goodness beast of burden. The Bugaboo Donkey 2 takes it one step further by being extremely smart too. It’s the kind of stroller that can make other stroller manufacturers go, “Hey! Why didn’t we think of that?”
The Donkey 2 also trumps other strollers in the versatility department. It can convert from a single stroller into a tandem double to accommodate twins or kids of different ages. As Bugaboo likes to put it, ‘The Donkey Grows With Your Family!’
It’s not that you need to engage in complicated assembly either; the Donkey switches from Mono to Duo mode in just three clicks!
(Extension set sold separately)
Let’s check out what else is this stroller capable of...
Bugaboo Donkey 2 Features:
Birth to 50 pounds: The Bugaboo Donkey 2 set includes a toddler stroller and a bassinet. This makes it usable right from day one. Actually, the package also includes a weather cover and loads of other parts.
(Assembly is not difficult but do note that there are a good number of components and at first glance, it seems like a lot to contend with.)
There are many different strollers that say that they can accommodate infants. But you have to buy a bassinet or an infant car seat separately. With the Donkey 2, a matching rear facing bassinet is already part of the package.
We’ve reviewed hundreds of strollers and often, we’ve noticed that when some strollers claim that they are suitable for infants, what they really mean is that seat falls almost fully flat and you can stroll with an infant in there provided you improvise with some sort of insert or pad.
The Donkey 2 is a top class luxury stroller that prioritizes the comfort and safety of your child. Bugaboo doesn’t cut any corners and when it says that it can do something, it means that it can definitely own it!
(Note: Make sure you are getting the latest model. The earlier version has a carrying capacity of 37.5 lbs instead of 50)
Always Ready To Travel: The stroller is compatible with infant car seats of major brands such as Maxi Cosi, Chicco and Nuna. This means that you can travel with your infant without compromising on convenience and safety.
Bugaboo has car seat adapters depending upon the brand of car seat that you want to use. Just make sure that you’re getting the right one. With the right adapter, installing/detaching the car seat from the frame takes just seconds.
There are very few strollers that can accept two infant car seats in a side-by-side arrangement. The Bugaboo Donkey 2 is one of them. Perfect if you have twins!
The stroller fits through a standard doorway even when in duo mode.
Foam Filled Wheels With Advanced Suspension: The larger wheels with suspension account for a silky smooth ride and they never go flat. These are not all-terrain but they’re what Bugaboo calls ‘Multi-Terrain Wheels’.
To put it plainly – don’t go jogging on unpaved roads with this stroller but be rest assured that it can roll over patches of sand, grass, gravel or even snow with relative ease.
You can also recline the entire stroller backwards (make it do a wheelie and use only the rear two wheels) when crossing larger obstacles such as moving from the road onto the pavement or going over large rocks.
The front wheels swivel for enhanced maneuverability or can be locked for straight strolling. The Donkey 2 is so easy to steer – it doesn’t simply roll, it glides!
Reversible Seat with 3-Position Recline: The Bugaboo’s seat is in a league of its own. Unlike other strollers wherein the seats are very low, your kids ride nice and high in the Donkey 2. The seat fabrics are super soft to the touch so that your baby doesn’t get sore.
The seat reclines to 3 positions, allowing your kid to sit up or take a nap. They can be attached onto the frame in a rear facing or parent facing mode depending upon your child’s mood. The SPF 50+ canopies do a fantastic job of blocking the Sun.
The included weather shield makes life easier in rain or snow.
The padded five-point safety harness keeps your little one strapped in securely without causing chafing or discomfort.
Height Adjustable Handlebar: This a boon for people who are taller or slightly shorter than average. You won’t have to deal with back ache at the end of a long, fun-filled day.
Compact, One Piece Standing Fold: The strollers is fairly easy to fold. It’s not a one hand fold but on the plus side, the stroller stands up on its own when folded. It can also be fully disassembled in seconds if storage space is very limited.
For the most compact fold, please ensure that the stroller seat is forward facing.
Unparalleled Safety: Throughout this post, I’ve been reiterating that Bugaboo takes safety very seriously. Let me elaborate further by saying that the stroller has undergone 1500 safety tests to ensure that it meets all the global safety standards.
The foot activated rear brakes prevent the stroller from rolling. They’re equally effective on all gradients and types of surfaces.
Plenty Of Storage: The Donkey 2 has two storage compartments with a maximum carrying capacity of 22 pounds each. There’s a conventional storage basket under the seat (28 litres) plus an extra storage area right next to the seat (18 litres). The latter is quite stylish too and doubles up as handbag if you wish to carry it along.
Pros:
Whatever your average 4 wheel stroller can do, the Bugaboo Donkey 2 does it better. The ergonomics, comfort, ride quality – everything is several notches higher.
- The only stroller you’ll ever need to buy (unless you want a jogging stroller)
- Travel System Ready
- Converts From Mono to Duo
- Parent or Rear Facing
- Infant to toddler.
Cons:
- Expensive. Not for everybody.
- Make sure you’re ordering the latest model.
Final Verdict:
The Bugaboo Donkey 2 is near perfect for families with 2 kids or with one kid and another one on the way.
There are other strollers with similar abilities (Uppababy Vista etc.) but they’re not as flawless as the Donkey. For example: the Vista also converts to a double but it’s not side by side. Hence, the infant rides very close to the ground.
This Donkey can definitely go the extra mile. We recommend it. Just be sure to get the latest version.
SNUGBABY SCORE: 91/100
For more info on the Bugaboo Strollers Line, check out our other reviews here: