It's a long time since I reviewed buggies with my first grandchild, Harriet, but when she saw the Traveler ActiveStroller she was impressed. As was I when I took this latest offering from smarTrike – pioneers in creating innovative bikes, scooters, and ride-ons – out of the box. It arrives in its smart carry bag and within minutes is ready to use. This first-of-its-kind, convertible stroller transforms into a trike with the push of a button. That's a joy to come for 16 month old Lizzie.
However, the smarTrike Traveler seamlessly adapts to children's growth through four easily interchangeable stages:
From 6 Months – Naptime on-the-go. Featuring a comfortable reclining seat (up to 160°), removable leg rest, five-point harness, and bumper bar, the Traveler prioritises both baby's comfort and parent's peace of mind. The quick-fold mechanism makes storing a breeze, perfect for urban adventures on the move.
From 12 Months – Early Explorers. With parents guiding the way, the Traveler lets little adventurers feel like they're in charge of the journey with handlebars perfectly sized for little hands to grip and steer. smarTrike's signature front-wheel shock absorbers ensure smooth and safe rides over any terrain. Plus, a UPF 50 sun canopy keeps them protected during their outdoor adventures.
From 18 Months – Active Participation. The Traveler's innovative parent/child steering modes make it easy for parents to switch control, allowing curious toddlers to be involved and practice coordination by guiding the journey in short bursts. This hands-on experience fosters a sense of independence while keeping them safe under a parent's watchful eye.
From 24 Months – Trike Time. Once children outgrow the stroller, parents can simply attach the included pedals, switch to trike mode and the Traveler transforms into a trike for a thrilling riding experience. When children get tired, parents can switch to parent control and push the stroller without needing to carry the trike.
The Traveler is a game-changer for parents and children alike promoting independence, refining motor skills, and supporting healthy development through play and exploration. It is also a sustainable and economical choice, eliminating the need for multiple purchases.
It has been a game-changer for me as well. Still suffering from my shoulder injury, I found Lizzie's first "pram" heavy and awkward to use. I don't drive and getting onto public transport was impossible. All that has changed with the Traveler! It is so light (7.5 kgs), I could manoeuvre it with one hand if I needed to. It's also brilliant for getting into my house with its double step. Plus Lizzie is happy too (she enjoys pushing it backwards from the handlebars when she's out of the stroller in the park or at home. Really important is the canopy offering UPF 50 sun protection. The seat reclines up to 160° so perfect for a nap.
Versatile, comfortable, and built to last (there's a two-year warranty), this innovative stroller is designed to encourage children's active engagement from an early age, support their development, and inspire play and exploration. With handlebars for little hands to hold and the option to transform it into a trike, the Traveler makes every outing an adventure, sparking curiosity and encouraging interaction with the world around them. I love it!
The Traveler will be accompanying Lizzie on holiday so there will be another review about how it fares at airports, on planes and at the beach...
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
The Traveler, priced £399, is available for purchase at John Lewis & Partners, Natural Baby Shower, Pramworld, and many other independent retailers throughout the UK, as well as directly, through smarTrike’s website.