Joovy ScooterX2 with Tray Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Joovy is a family company located in Texas and California that started in 2005. Joovy designs original products with quality construction that provide functional and fun final gear for everyday use. They offer a variety of baby gear options from strollers and play yards to unique “boob-like” baby bottles.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
The Scooter excels in the ease-of-use department with lots of features that work well. It is easier to use than the similarly designed strollers.
Ease of use encapsulates the day-to-day experience of using a stroller regularly.
Fold and Unfold
The Joovy has a manageable fold with several steps (above left). It can fold with one hand, but you need to bend to the ground, and it doesn't self-stand. It has seven steps that include removing the child trays and a manual lock (above right). Unfolding is more difficult as it takes two hands and reattaching the trays.
Storage
The Scooter has multiple storage options with a large bin, zippered back pockets, mesh water bottle pockets, and inside mesh passenger pockets. The bin is wide and fits our extra-large diaper bag, but it is only accessible from the back with a 5 lbs limit. When you recline the seat, the bin is harder to access, and we wish it had front access. This bin is superior to some competition in size, but the weight limit is smaller than competitors.
This version of the Scooter X2 also has dual child trays with a small snack area and cup holder for little ones where the bumper bar traditionally goes.
Harness
Each seat has a 5-point harness that is easy to operate. Unfortunately, the straps are more difficult to adjust because they feed through the buckle one fold at a time. The shoulder straps are rethreaded for height and have three positions, while the crotch strap has one position with an adjustable length strap.
Brakes
The Scooter has average single-action brakes with a sandal foot-friendly pedal to set and release. It is a long bar that runs parallel to the axle and is easily accessible.
Maneuverability
Maneuverability is not the strong suit of the Joovy despite the improved wheels.
Pushing the Scooter on flat surfaces is better than pushing on uneven surfaces. It performs about average thanks to a wide design and a shorter handlebar. Pushing is worse on the grass and challenging over gravel.
Overall, it would be easier to manage if Joovy removed the dual front wheel design. Two subpar wheels together on the same leg cause the stroller to struggle with precision turning, and the wheels veer off course if one gets caught on a bump. While the swivel wheels can lock into place, the dual-wheel design still causes struggling.
Transporting and Storing
Transporting and storing a double stroller is never easy, but it can be easier depending on the weight and the folded size of your chosen ride.
Weight and Folded Size
The Scooter is relatively light and small compared to the competition. It is 31.8 lbs.
The Joovy folded size measures 18,188 cubic inches, which is somewhat smaller than the average of over 18,900 cubic inches.
Kid Ride
Whether or not your kids are comfy or have similar seating arrangements can impact your overall experience with a double stroller.
Seat
Both seats recline independently for comfort. The recline requires two hands and is difficult to adjust. The seats are flat enough for cozy napping though they aren't genuinely flat. The Scooter has padded adjustable leg rests with side levers that are a little difficult to work.
Sunshade
The Joovy Scooter has a shared large canopy (above left), but it can't be adjusted to appease individual passengers. It is one of the largest in the group, sporting ventilation and a large vinyl peek-a-boo window with hook and loop closures on the cover (above right).
Quality
The Scooter scored above average for quality bringing enough quality to stay competitive without adding extra expense to the bottom line.
The fabric on the Scooter is a little coarse, and we were able to snag it in our tests. The seats themselves have decent padding for comfort, and we like the smooth feel of the harness straps. The frame is tight with little flex and doesn't rattle or wobble. The overall fit and finish are clean with a nice design, well-fit fabrics, and tight connections.
The wheels on the Scooter are plastic. They are larger and arguably better than the previous version, but we think it would benefit significantly by having rubber tires and the single front wheel design (1 wheel for each leg as opposed to 2). The handlebar is a stationary bar that isn't bad, but it has a plastic section in the middle that prohibits one-handed pushing and makes it difficult to find a great place to hold it.
This stroller has all-around shocks that are relatively nice but not adjustable. The suspension and nicely padded sling-style seats mean little ones are in for a comfy ride.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Scooter is incompatible with any infant car seats.
Ease of Setup
The Joovy Scooter is more complicated to set up than most of the competition, taking over 7:30 minutes.
The quick start guide was missing some steps, and the pages were oriented poorly.
Twins
Because the Scooter does not accept infant car seats, it is a poor choice for infant twins. However, the similar rider experience is a good fit for children of the same age to help reduce the likelihood of an argument. The Scooter's budget-friendly price will also be attractive to parents of twins, making it a potentially good choice for older babies. Joovy claims the minimum age for this stroller is three months, but we think the Scooter could be an excellent choice to pair with the Joovy Twin Roo+, a great frame stroller that holds two infant car seats, has a giant storage bin, and four cup holders. The Twin Roo+ is economical with a price tag of around $130, and even when coupled with the Scooter price of $280, most parents will still be saving money over strollers that accept two infant car seats and work for older twins.
Should You Buy the Joovy Scooter?
There is much to love about the Scooter, with the easy-to-use features and nap-worthy seating, and giant canopy. The storage bin is easy to access and is easier to push than the similar competition. The price is great for what you get, and it is a nice lightweight option that folds relatively flat. If you want a side-by-side, it is one of the cheapest that is not also a jogger. On the other hand, the canopy covers both children, which could be an issue if one child doesn't want coverage and the other does. Also, it is somewhat harder to push than similar competition. So depending on your needs, this could be a good fit that saves you money.
What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?
The Britax B-Lively Double has a similar design and features like double front wheels on each leg, deep reclining seats, and smaller storage bins with a low weight limit. It costs more than the Joovy, but it is somewhat easier to push and weighs less. So if weight is a serious consideration and spending more is within your budget, you might consider it over the Joovy. On the flip side, none of them are our absolute favorites, and we think the jogging style side-by-sides can be a better value and easier to use and push. The Baby Trend Expedition Double is a great economical choice with a comparable score and almost equal weight.