Stokke Scoot review

Because I live in a tiny cottage with a very narrow hall I was initially drawn by the Stokke's relatively skinny dimensions - it’s 64cm wide. Anything much broader either wouldn't make it through my front door unfolded, or would be scraping off the paintwork.

What’s in the box?

• The chassis frame and wheels
• Seat
• Rain cover
• A mosquito net (presumably more of a necessity in Stokke's native Norway)
• Foot rest
• Basket

What are the optional extras for the Stokke Scoot?

• Softbag - £45.00
• Changing bag - £99.99
• Foot Muff - £69.99
• Parasol - £42.00
• iZi Go Isofix car seat - £175.00
• Stokke car seat adaptors - £42.00

Was it easy to assemble the Stokke Scoot?

It was reasonably easy to assemble, but one minor niggle: the instruction manual, catering for an international market, only has diagrams, and personally I'd prefer text too. It isn't always immediately obvious where the buttons and levers were, although there were pictures.

However, the Scoot doesn't have a huge array of confusing buttons, and the design means most mechanisms are instinctive or self-explanatory.

Does it push and steer well?

No and Yes. While out and about, at first the Scoot felt quite cumbersome and heavy to tip up onto even slightly raised kerbs, and I noticed the occasional twinge in my wrist as a result. For the same reason, I sometimes found myself struggling through shop doorways, thought it got easier over time.

However, I really loved the steering action of the Scoot. It was easy to steer one-handed which I managed in the supermarket. My five-year-old son also found it a doddle to push.

On flat surfaces like pavements and tarmac it felt smooth and easy to manage including around corners. The soft wheel suspension gives a comfy ride. The Scoot's brake is also a no-brainer to use: you press a bright red button with your foot to lock both sets of wheels, and push it up again to release. Simple!

Does it do all terrain?

The Scoot doesn't have all-terrain wheels and is more of an about-town number. In the park I gave it a whirl across grass and mud. It still felt solid, but the ride was bumpy. Not one for regular long country walks, but fine for the odd outing on the common. The front wheels are lockable thanks to buttons underneath, for added stability over rougher ground.

How comfortable was the stroller?

The seat is higher than we're both used to - so mother and baby can lock eyes and the chair can potentially be used later as a high chair substitute in cafes or even at home. I also found it easier on my back, as I didn't need to bend down so far.

Going on Autumn's reaction I would say it's very comfy indeed. She was mid-crying fit when I placed her in the stroller for our first outing, but within a few moments she went off to the land of nod. The seat felt well padded, airy, with plenty of room for Autumn to fill out as she grows.

The soft bag was very cosy, however, I think my daughter will outgrow it very quickly - I think it's only for use up to 4 months or so. Also if you don't align it with the harness correctly the straps feel too short - I constantly have to realign it each time I put her in to get the harness done up, as it tends to slip down, which is a little annoying.

The Softmuff footmuff was super-easy to attach (held in place by the harness) and very cosy and an easier alternative to the soft bag.

One crucial plus of this stroller is that the seat can be positioned so it's either front facing or rear facing. I have to confess it was a joy to be able to head out with Autumn looking up towards me, not the grey expanse of the pavement in front. The two-position seat seems fine and easy to adjust using the clips, but due to the age of Autumn, I've only been using it flat.

What do you think of the Scoot's style?

What's great about the pushchair is that there's practically a different colour for every type of parent.

The latest colour addition includes an eye-catching aqua blue version, adding some variety to the collection and a change from the safer beige and grey colour schemes most buggy makers go for.

How was folding and unfolding the Scoot?

Getting it up the first few times ended up with me sweating, and all four wheels up in the air or the whole caboodle collapsing. After several head scratching attempts I managed to figure out the correct way of opening it out in one step.

Folding it back down has been just as difficult. The slide-and-push button mechanism was tough on my hands and even after I thought I had gotten the 'knack' and it I still find it easier not to fold it down at all.

When folded, the Scoot forms a neat, compact, suitcase-shaped package that stands unsupported on its end and fitted in my car boot fairly comfortably (we have a smallish four-door car).

While it scores brownie points for being compact and being able to close with the seat in either position, I found folding the buggy difficult, it has really put me off it. I tend to leave it up in my porch to avoid folding and unfolding! Also the handlebar is wider than the buggy's body, an issue if (like me) you're squeezing into tight spaces.

How did it handle the rain and wind?

When I ventured out on rainy days, I found the elasticated rain cover a doddle to hook over (it extends back right over the entire hood). The hood itself feels luxurious, and a generous size, coming down far enough forward to protect Autumn from both sun and wind.

I like the fact there's a zip in the canopy, revealing a mesh net, so little ones can get extra ventilation and mum or dad can peep through (if seat's forward-facing).

Does compact mean lightweight?

No - it doesn’t. The Scoot is quite heavy (11.8kg) to carry and lift. Stokke suggests it's easy to carry one-handed and you definitely can, but it isn’t a breeze to do so, especially when loaded up with bags over shoulders and baby under other arm. However, I'd consider keeping a second, lighter buggy in the car so I don't have to keep lifting it.

How about the shopping basket?

The basket underneath the seat is roomy and easy to access. I managed to stash two full bags of groceries under there. It also felt stable when loaded up.

Is it travel system compatible?

Yes, it is compatible with the Stokke iZi Go Isofix car seat that is around £175. It can also fit Maxi Cosi, Peg Perego and Graco car seats when used in conjunction with Stokke car seat adaptors, which cost £42.00.

Who is the Stokke Scoot best for?

Style-conscious city-dwelling mums and dads who are happy to pay a little more for a quality day-to-day stroller.