Smartrike Traveler review: an innovative stroller/trike combo – ideal for on-the-go families

How we tested the smarTrike Traveler

• Tested for three months with two boys under five 

• Used most days as the primary stroller

• Tested on the school run, in parks, on dog walks and in busy cities 

Given my youngest child is already three, I couldn’t quite test the stroller mode fully. Both my sons do fit in it while it’s in stroller mode though, but they were insistent on helping to pedal during testing. 

We’ve tested the Traveler in trike mode over several outings, including trips into Leeds city centre, park visits in our local village, as well as walks on different terrain like pavement and country lanes. 

During testing, I made sure to consider the Traveler’s ease of use, how comfortable my children were, how easy it is to store, how durable it is and its practicality overall. 

SmarTrike Traveler: what’s in the box? 

Inside the Traveler box you'll find:

• The main trike frame

• Three durable wheels 

• Adjustable seat with a safety harness

• Detachable parent handle (for guided modes)

• Foldable footrests 

• Non-slip pedals 

• Storage bag or basket 

• Sun canopy 

• Assembly tools and instructions

Is the smarTrike Traveler easy to assemble? 

Yes, mostly. The assembly is fairly intuitive, but I did need to follow the instructions for this one at certain points, like with the reclining mechanism and attaching the canopy. With that said, it was easier than other strollers and trikes I’ve tried to set up out of the box, taking around 15 minutes from box to use. 

The conversion process from stroller to trike however requires some extra effort and wouldn’t be easy to do if you’re on the go already. 

How does the smarTrike Traveler look? 

Similar in design to the Bugaboo Butterfly stroller that I own, it’s sleek and modern, and the smart black design suits my personal style. Although those who prefer a bit of colour can choose from other stylish colours, including an olive option that I understand is well-received among mums as well as navy and silver. 

When folded, the Traveler doesn’t stand on its own, but also understandable given it’s a stroller/trike combo. It does, however, fold neatly into the provided smarTrike Traveler carry case, which helps keep it clean when not in use at home and in the boot of the car. 

How does the smarTrike Traveler perform as a stroller? Is it sturdy? 

Overall, yes. It moves smoothly and handles different terrain well, with the canopy providing good shade. Plus, it has a locking rear brake, five-point harness and a safety bar for additional safety. I also like the larger 360-degree front swivel wheel which has good suspension. However, it may feel a little more unstable to push in the parent-child steering mode, particularly when it comes to manoeuvring the stroller in busier environments.

What age range does the smarTrike Traveler suit as a stroller? 

The Traveler is best suited for babies from six months up to around 18 months old while in stroller mode. After that, it's suitable for children up to age four, but there are some issues with foot positioning for taller children.

Is the smarTrike Traveler easy to use day to day as a stroller? 

My children have thoroughly enjoyed helping me test the Traveler over the last few months, but I do have a few minor bug bears that are worth sharing. 

Once I’d figured out the 160-degree reclining function, it’s very easy to lay my children flat and keep them comfy. It’s a shame that the leg rests aren’t also adjustable, but they are removable if needed. 

Folding it can be tricky as it requires multiple steps, but this is understandable given it’s a two-in-one and not a standard one-fold stroller. Once folded, storing it is straightforward, but I did find it bulkier than I expected due to the handlebars and large front wheel. It’s not a problem in our home and our car boot has capacity, but this might prove an issue for those who need to store it in smaller spaces. 

We live in the countryside. It’s been great for school drop-off and pick-ups as the front wheel has built-in shock absorbing features, but it’s not the best for navigating our usual dog-walking route that’s a bit muddier. Therefore, I’d say it’s best suited for those living in more urban environments.

How easy is it to convert the smarTrike Traveler from stroller to trike?

The conversion is manageable for one person but does require some effort. Since you need to remove the leg rests, attach the pedals, and adjust settings, it’s not something you’d want to do on the go. It’s definitely best to switch modes before heading out. It’s also worth noting that you need to switch the front wheel to child-steering mode if you plan to use the guided trike mode or full trike mode. 

How does the smarTrike Traveler look in trike mode?

The trike’s sleek, stylish design carries over from its stroller mode, with added pedals making it more engaging for toddlers. Of the trikes I’ve tested, this is by far the most modern and best-looking, designed to encourage independence in a fun, comfortable way while still offering good control in full trike mode.

How does the smarTrike Traveler perform as a trike?

The Traveler uses a multi-step approach, allowing parents full control in stroller mode, partial control in the guided trike mode (where children can learn to pedal and steer) and then full trike mode where the Traveler becomes a standalone trike with just one click of a button.

For the guided trike mode, I’d suggest waiting until your child is around 18 months or older, as younger toddlers may find it tricky to reach the pedals. That said, the lack of a footrest could make it less comfortable for those still getting the hang of pedalling, or in my case, my son dragged his feet a little when I was pushing, causing some scuffed shoes. 

While my three-year-old still fits comfortably on the seat, the trike feels better suited to smaller toddlers, especially when the parent handlebar is engaged and it’s in a guided trike mode. When I briefly let go of the handlebar on my side, my child leaned to one side which is something to be mindful of—particularly for parents with taller or heavier children.

On a positive note, The Traveler in full trike mode allows toddlers to ride independently, giving them a sense of freedom while still providing stability and support. The trike features a sturdy three-wheel design, non-slip pedals, and an adjustable seat with a safety harness to keep children secure. The handlebars are designed for easy gripping, and the overall lightweight frame makes manoeuvring smooth for young riders. This mode is perfect for helping toddlers develop their motor skills and confidence while riding.

Can the smarTrike Traveler be stored away easily?

Yes, the Traveler can be carried and stored easily, but it's not as compact as I'd hoped. In trike mode, the Traveler adds extra components, and so the folding process is a little longer. You need two hands and some dismantling of the smaller wheels to store flat – but it can be done and is compact enough for a stroller/trike combo. Plus, a great feature is the rear carry handle which makes it a breeze to carry.   

Does the smarTrike Traveler come with accessories? 

Yes, but they are sold separately. While I didn’t personally test any of the additional accessories, some of the main accessories that come with the Traveler include a sun canopy, shopping basket, safety strap, shoulder carry strap, leg rest, bumper bar, and storage bag. Additional accessories sold separately include: 

• The cup holder 

• An organiser 

• A warm footmuff 

• A raincover 

Is the smarTrike Traveler easy to clean?

Yes, the Traveler is easy to clean, making it a practical choice for parents dealing with everyday messes. Thanks to its high-quality materials, the fabric and frame can be quickly wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt, spills, or sticky fingerprints.

The wheels can also be removed for a more thorough clean if needed, which is especially useful after trips to the park or muddy walks. While the storage bag and canopy may require occasional spot cleaning, overall, maintaining the Traveler in good condition is hassle-free and doesn’t require much effort.

Do you think the smarTrike Traveler is good value for money?

At £399, the Traveler offers fair value for families who are looking for a versatile, travel-friendly stroller that offers longevity. Its ability to transition from a stroller to a trike is a unique, practical feature that adds to its appeal and I can see why parents living in cities or who are restricted with space would choose this as their go-to travel companion. 

With that said, there are drawbacks, particularly the front-wheel steering issues and the lack of a proper footrest for toddlers between the stroller and trike stages. 

While it’s a well-designed and high-quality product, parents should weigh how much they’ll use the trike mode and whether the limitations would impact daily usability. If you’re a frequent traveller needing a compact, multi-use stroller, it’s a solid option—but for those looking primarily for an everyday pushchair, there may be better choices at a similar price point.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. Having birthed two DC just 15 months apart, she knows all too well how stressful it can be trying to find the right pram to suit your family's needs. So, she's fully invested in finding the best prams and pushchairs for new and growing families.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.

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