Cybex e-Priam pushchair review

The Cybex e-Priam screams luxury and is at the top end of the pram market alongside Bugaboo and Silver Cross, but its electric-powered technology gives it a unique twist. With a fitted power bar that is easy to click on and take off, sturdy big wheels that can handle almost every path, and not to mention the elegant exterior and fabric, this pram exceeds all expectations and completely stands out to me. As a loyal Silver Cross customer, the Cybex e-Priam is a game-changer that brings a new, functional, practical and sleek way of walking with your baby. Taking you on all new adventures, locations and experiences that you have never been on before.

Tested by

Mum-of-1, Caroline Smart, lives in the suburbs of London with her boyfriend and their 4-month-old baby girl Amber-Mae. She tested out the Cybex e-Priam in the busy city, around their local park and streets and at home.

What are your first impressions of the Cybex e-Priam?

My first impression of the Cybex e-Priam was how luxurious and stylish it is. You really feel proud to push your baby in it, a similar feeling to driving a new car!

How easy was it to build the Cybex e-Priam?

A lot easier than I thought it would be! The instructions are clear and simple to follow. Building the carrycot was the easiest bit and it only took me about 10 minutes from start to finish, but the seated part was slightly more difficult as there were more parts to put together, but still, it only took me around 20 minutes.

How does the Cybex e-Priam compare to other pushchairs you’ve used?

Compared to other prams I have used, the Cybex e-Priam is a lot smoother to push and the wheels have much better suspension. I walked the pram along sand, gravel, grass and even really rocky paths in the woods and it definitely surprised me how much of a smoother ride it was, in comparison to previous prams I’ve owned. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway down a path and realising it’s only getting bumpier and it’s already started to wake up your baby!

Another major plus about this pram is how easy it is to fold away – it’s one of the simplest I’ve used before. As most parents know, this can be a deal breaker. An easy and reliable baby product that is simple to put together and easy and quick to take apart is ideal.

What makes the Cybex e-Priam different?

The USP of this pram is its ‘smart technology’ feature that makes pushing it easier, as well as providing way more support than your average pram. With easy activated monitors that help push the pram up steep hills, the Cybex e-Priam is the ideal solution for a relaxing stroll in tricky terrain. The e-Priam is especially helpful for grandparents, those with a disability, pregnant women or anyone who needs extra support when taking their little one out for a walk. You simply click the power button next to the left wheel and the pram pretty much does all the hard work for you. It’s also perfect for those families with an adventurous side who perhaps hike uphills or love a stroll on the beach.

What age is the Cybex e-Priam suitable for?

The Cybex e-Priam can be used right from the word go when your baby is a newborn with the carrycot, then later with the seat unit as they grow and sit upright. The seat is comfy and spacious – it’s big enough to accommodate children as they grow ­­– an important factor, considering the pushchair’s higher-than-average price tag.

What’s the Cybex e-Priam seat unit like?

It has a removable bumper bar for added safety, adjustable seat straps and an easy-click buckle to unstrap your little one. The seat can be parent facing or world facing and it is extremely easy to adjust. It also reclines well – simply by pulling the black lever at the top of the seat, you can have your little one laid down flat, or back up at several different angles of your choice.

What do you think of the Cybex e-Priam carrycot?

The Lux carrycot came with this pram and I can honestly say that it is the most comfortable carrycot I have come across. It’s soft but with firm cushioned support and is so nice and cosy for your baby. It’s spacious enough for your baby to wriggle and change position but cosy enough for them to have a snooze. The best part for me is the zip-down mesh wall that allows a 360 degree view, making trips out for your little one far more interesting than in an average carrycot.

The only downside to the Lux carrycot was the zip-up cover. I felt the cover was too high and often hid my baby’s face, blocking them from seeing much when awake. It was also a struggle to zip up, as it has two zips either side and it often got stuck.

How is interacting with your child when in the Cybex e-Priam?

Both the carrycot and pushchair units enable you to interact with your little one as much as you like, as they are at the perfect angle to see your face. However, I did find that the seat part was easier to interact with as the view directly to my baby was clearer.

What do you think of the Cybex e-Priam hood?

The hood is very practical in tricky weather conditions. It provides enough coverage to protect babies and toddlers from direct sunlight or a downfall, and is easy to extend should you need more coverage. You simple unzip the hood to extend the fabric. This is something I find particularly useful as previous prams I’ve used have had nowhere near the same amount of coverage. There is also a flap on the hood that you can lift up to check on your baby, which is really handy and comforting as a first-time mum.

How easy is it to fold?

The Cybex e-Priam is really easy to fold away and take apart. It’s not time consuming like some prams are and following the instructions was straightforward. The steps were clear, and the pictures made it simple to complete and understand. When folded, the pram measures H:29cmxW:51cmxL:84.5cm, so you would need a fair amount of space to store it. I usually keep my pram by the door ready for outings so being able to keep it folded up, left more space in my hallway. To fold:

• Pull the plastic lever on the back of the seat
• Push the chair down forward
• Press both buttons on the handlebar
• Push down handlebar until you hear a click
• Pull the pram up and it will fold

How lightweight is the Cybex e-Priam?

Even with the monitor switched off, the Cybex e-Priam is lightweight and easy to push. At 12.6kg, it's lighter than I expected it to be, considering its size and functions. When folded away, I did struggle to lift the pram into the boot of my car or into the cupboard. For anyone who suffers with back problems, I wouldn’t recommend lifting it on your own. However, you can pull the pram once folded and it rolls on its back wheels, like you would when pulling a suitcase which very handy when taking it to and from the car.

Did it fit in the boot of your car?

I drive a small hatchback Toyota Yaris and while the Cybex e-Priam did fit inside my car boot, it was at a push. I had to remove the seat unit and the carrycot and store them on the backseats of my car, which wasn’t ideal.

How easy is the Cybex e-Priam to push?

Very! It almost glides when you’re walking ­– it feels like you have complete control, but it also gives you the added support from the monitor. Especially on smooth surfaces, the pram feels sturdy but light and does most of the work. You can have the wheels locked which allows them only to steer straight, or unlocked.

What do you think of the Cybex e-Priam wheels?

They’re great. The wheels on the Cybex e-Priam are not only able to tackle a variety of surfaces, but they are also ideal for mounting onto kerbs when crossing the road. Getting onto the kerb safely and quickly is one of the biggest problems I usually have with prams – I have previously really struggled with it and hate the added pressure especially when a car is coming up the road! – but with the e-Priam it was easy and stress-free.

Is the chassis strong?

The Cybex e-Priam’s metal and black plastic frame is very sturdy and durable, and I felt confident and comfortable it would safely support my baby. You can feel how solid the materials are and how well they support the different parts of the pram.

What do you think of the Cybex e-Priam handlebar?

The handlebar is easily adjustable to the height of the person pushing the pram by simply holding down both buttons on the bar, then pushing up or down. I felt comfortable with the height of the bar when adjusted and even felt the added support it gave me while walking.

How are the brakes?

Situated in the middle of the pram, the Cybex e-Priam’s brakes are perfectly positioned and easy to get to. I did however find the brake to be a little small and stiff, and not the easiest to press down. I also think in the summer it would be a struggle in sandals or flip flops. However, I did find that it kept the pram at a standstill – even on a steep hill.

What’s the basket on the Cybex e-Priam like?

It is easy to access the basket underneath the pram and it does have a flap that keeps things securely covered, but if you are anything like me and your changing bag is always overflowing, it could do with being a bit bigger. The basket didn’t completely fit my bag inside and I was quite worried about things falling out.

Can the Cybex e-Priam be used as a travel system?

It can, but unfortunately, the only car seats compatible with Cybex are ones made by the brand. Car seat adaptors to attach them to the frame are included in the box.

How do you like the look of the Cybex e-Priam overall?

I personally love the way the Cybex e-Priam looks. From the colour and the fabrics and even the wheels, the pushchair and carrycot have a very luxury feel. The dark faux leather handlebar matches well with the dark grey material. As I have never been a fan of bright-coloured prams, this pram was well suited to me.

What’s in the box?

This pram comes in two separated boxes. One box contains the frame, two front wheels, the power bar, a charger, a rainproof cover and two booklets of instructions. The other box contains the carrycot, another rainproof cover and another booklet of instructions.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the Cybex e-Priam?

It would be great to know what the average extra cost on your electricity bill will be to charge up the Cybex e-Priam and how many times it needs charging a week if you use it daily.

Who would the Cybex e-Priam be best for?

So many people! Parents who love walking in the outdoors, especially in more adventurous locations such as beaches or the country side; those with back problems, like grandparents or pregnant mothers, who need extra support when pushing a pram. A lot of people would benefit from this pram and it helps that it looks great.

What was your favourite feature on the Cybex e-Priam?

My favourite feature has to be the power monitors. It makes pushing the pram so much more enjoyable when going uphill or on uneven paths. With this function you have a lot more freedom outdoors. You don’t need to avoid beaches or avoid rocky paths as the pram puts in the elbow grease. With other prams, I always find myself having to take the longer way around to avoid tough surfaces, so this is complete game-changer!

Is it worth its price tag?

I do think the Cybex e-Priam is worth its price tag for several reasons. The power monitor brings a whole new pram-pushing experience. The days of struggling uphill or with the weight of the pram on your back muscles are long gone. The size of the wheels makes the ride for the baby a lot smoother and comfier. The e-Priam’s appearance is not only very luxurious and sleek, but it is sturdy, and I felt every confidence in putting my baby in it. You can also feel the difference between the e-Priam and other prams in how much more pleasant it is to push. Although the price tag of this product is at the high end of the pram market, as soon as you try it, you realise its worth.

Where can you buy the Cybex e-Priam?

You can buy it from John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and Kiddies Kingdom.

MadeForMums verdict:

I would definitely recommend the Cybex e-Priam – since using it, no matter how tired I am that day, using it on a walk is always enjoyable. It will now be very difficult to switch back to a non-electric pram in the future! This pram is ideal for parents who are lovers of the outdoors. Taking my baby on a walk is one of my favourite things to do, but the wrong pushchair can limit where you can go and how long you can walk for. Previous prams I have used struggle to tackle bumpy surfaces, sand or mud. The Cybex e-Priam is versatile and adapts to the land you are walking on, which I think is the best quality about it.