REASONS TO BUY
Mega sunshade
Effortless unfold
Auto-lock
Color-coded arms
Durable but soft fabric
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller seat
Limited storage
Zoe Traveler Review
A great stroller for the price, with a good balance between performance and a durable feel
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our Verdict
The Zoe Traveler is a top-ranked travel stroller. It is a nice-looking stroller with a massive sunshade, compact fold, and lighter weight. We love the deep recline, simple, one-hand fold, and the wrapped handle and belly bars. The Zoe is easy to use and better than average for pushing and turning, and we think most parents and passengers will be happy with the Traveler's comfort and reasonable price. The Zoe is not the smallest in the group. While it is smaller than average, it might not be the right choice if the absolute smallest is your goal. Also, the frame has some flex in the joints, making pushing a little harder than needed. Overall, the Zoe is a good quality option that can act as a great travel option, and it is possible to occasionally use a stroller for shorter outings where you need fewer supplies.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Zoe Traveler | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Budget Travel Stroller | ||||
| Price | $249 List | $260 List $259.97 at Amazon | $200 List $199.99 at Amazon | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon | $100 List $99.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Better performance and a durable design make this budget option an impressive contender | A nicer travel choice that hits the mark and is sure to please, but pops open easily when folded | A longer fold makes it less packable, but otherwise, above-average features make it easy to use | Tight budget choice with below-average performance in most metrics but is very lightweight | Disappointing budget option that did not perform well in our comparison tests |
| Rating Categories | Zoe Traveler | Baby Jogger City To... | UPPAbaby G-Luxe | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | Summer Infant 3D lite |
| Transport/Storing (30%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
| Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Kid Comfort (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Zoe Traveler | Baby Jogger City To... | UPPAbaby G-Luxe | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | Summer Infant 3D lite |
| Capacity Limits | Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 45 lbs |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 45 lbs |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 55 lbs |
Minimum: Not specified Maximum: 50 lbs |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 24 months/50 lbs & 43" |
| Measured Weight | 13.2 lbs | 14.1 lbs | 16.1 lbs | 10.1 lbs | 13.0 lbs |
| Measured Folded Dimensions | 18.6"W x 10.3"H x 23"L | 19.4"W x 8.1"H x 23.1"L | 11.7"W x 10.3"H x 41"L | 19"W x 10.3"H x 33.3"L | 12"W x 10.3"H x 42.3"L |
| Folded Volume | 5,134 cu in | 3,630 cu in | 9,834 cu in | 6,327 cu in | 4,822 cu in |
| Handlebar Height Min/Max | 40 in | 40 in | 43 in | 38 in | 43 in |
| Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight | Not specified | 15 lbs | 10 lbs | Not specified | 10 lbs |
| Car Seat Compatibility | N/A | Baby Jogger | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wheel Type | Foam | Foam | Foam | Foam | Foam |
| Brake Type | Double | Single | Single | Double | Double |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Zoe started as a family-owned company with the goal of offering useful products for families at a reasonable price. They have since sold the company to a larger group but still specialize in strollers.
Performance Comparison
The Zoe folds quickly and stows in small spaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The Zoe scored just above the average score for the transporting and storing metric. The Zoe is neither the smallest nor the lightest, but it holds its own in stiff competition.
The Zoe was 13.2 lbs in our tests, where the smallest was closer to 10 lbs and the heaviest were 17+. It is one of the lightest higher-scoring options in the group.
The Zoe folds small and can fit almost anywhere within reason.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Zoe measured 18.6"W x 10.3"H x 23"L in our tests. These measurements translate to 5,134 in^3. This is not the smallest in the group, with some coming in closer to 3,000 and the smallest being closer to 2,000. However, the largest is closer to 9,000, and we think that the Zoe is “small enough” for most people and applications.
The Zoe Traveler weighed 13.2 lbs in our tests.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
The Zoe packs down small and will fit in most places, including the airplane overhead bin. Plus, it is easy to carry with a belly bar that doubles as a carry handle.
The cup holder on the Zoe is wider than most and deep enough that most bottles should stay inside.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Zoe performed about average in our tests for ease of use.
While nothing here is challenging, the competition provided more straightforward features or worked smoother.
The Zoe folds smoothly and automatically locks in place, and you can use the belly bar as a handle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
The Zoe takes one hand to fold and stands up when folded. It has an automatic lock, and it stays secure when carried. It folds in thirds and is stable when standing.
To fold, you squeeze the button on the center of the handle, and it collapses forward. The lock is automatic and is not a latch you can unhook. To unfold, you pull the handle and lift the stroller into place. It requires a little snap at the end to get it fully open.
Storage
The storage bin is small size, and we only fit our medium-sized bag inside. Access is about average and largely from the back, with minimal access on the front. There is a small pocket on the back of the canopy that might fit your smartphone, depending on the size, and a cup holder attached to the frame.
Harness
The shoulder straps on the Zoe are easy to use and adjust, but the lower waist belts are more involved. The buckle snaps together effortlessly. It takes around 10-15 lbs of force to press the button, and there are three points that snap together.
The Traveler brakes are foot-friendly and easy to press and release with a rocker pedal.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
The Traveler has a single pedal for the single-action brakes. The pedal takes about 15-20 lbs of pressure to use. It is foot-friendly, and we didn't have problems using it.
The Zoe brake pedal is a rocker pedal that is easy to set and release.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The pedal is a rocker panel on the center of the rear axle. It rocks forward to set and rocks back to release, so there is no under-the-pedal lifting.
The Zoe comes assembled with only wheels and a belly bar to put in place.
Credit: Sentry Kelly
Ease of Setup
The Zoe is easy to set up. The process is quick, and only the wheels and belly bar must be put on.
Car Seat Compatiblity
The Zoe is not compatible with any infant car seats from any brand.
While none of the travel options were super impressive, the Zoe performed well in our maneuverability tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
The Traveler is slightly easier to push and turn than the average stroller, earning it a score just above the average for the group.
The flex in the frame impacted the ability to push and turn this stroller. It performed fairly well on flat surfaces and has a very tight turn radius. If your plans are largely on the beaten path or indoors, we think you'll be surprised at how well it moves, even with the frame issues and smaller wheels.
The Zoe's front wheels can lock in place to help it move easier over uneven surfaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
It still manages to perform well on grass and gravel. Without being a workout, we were able to push it evenly and smoothly over the thick grass. It could be easier, we suspect if the wheels were larger or harder, but it was still not a frustrating experience.
The Zoe offers some suspension to help absorb the bumps on the road.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Zoe performed decently over curbs and thresholds. It isn't anything to brag about, but it isn't prohibitive.
The Zoe offers a comfortable seating arrangement with a giant canopy and padded seat with leg rest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
For the price, the Zoe is of nice quality. While it scores below the average for the group in this metric, it is less expensive than most of the higher-scoring options.
The seat fabric is thicker than most and feels soft and durable. It feels of higher quality than most competitors. It fits the frame nicely, and there isn't excess fabric to make it look frumpy.
We measured the wheels on the Zoe, and they are 5.3 in.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Even the sunshade looks good with well-fitting fabric. It isn't as soft as the seat, but who is touching it anyway? The mesh is fairly fine and didn't snag in our tests. We love the magnetic closure for silent opening, but it indicates a more thoughtful design than those without or those with Velcro.
The wheels on the Zoe are smaller and softer than those of some competitors, which hurts its quality and maneuverability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The frame is nice but somewhat loose for the group. While it feels sturdy, there are a few loose joints, but it has a polished finish that looks nice. The wheels are on the smaller side and are made of foam-filled plastic. They aren't as hard as some competitors.
The longer, padded leg rest on the Zoe is a nice touch we didn't see on a lot of the competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
The Zoe offers a comfortable seating arrangement for passengers, with a score that is above average in the lineup.
The comfort features come together to create a seat that should prevent discomfort and reduce potential meltdowns related to strolling.
Seat
The seat has a one-hand recline and a two-hand raise. The mechanism works well, and the straps move smoothly. The recline is deep enough for napping. The footrest is well-padded and can adjust straight out or down. It is stable and feels durable, but it is shorter and does not extend to the footrest. The footrest is relatively wide and has raised ridges for traction to keep feet in place.
Sunshade
The sunshade on the Zoe is massive. It is UPF 50+ and has a mesh peek-a-boo window. It has a magnetic secured cover, but no way to keep it open. It also includes an expandable section that brings the canopy further out and down, offering some of the most complete coverage in the group.
The Zoe is a reasonably priced stroller with enough features and functionality to keep most parents and passengers pleased.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Zoe Traveler?
If you need a smaller stroller or travel-ready option without breaking the bank, the Zoe could be the one for you. This stroller is a higher-ranking option with a reasonable price. We like the features for passenger comfort, and it is easier to push and turn than some competitors. While it isn't the best in the group, it can do the job for travel and perhaps a stand-in for your daily full-size option.
What Other Travel Strollers Should You Consider?
If you think the Zoe is the right price but wish it could take an infant car seat, we also love the Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This option works with Baby Jogger infant car seats, which have a comfortable seat and a large canopy. I had the same score as Zoe and only missed an award because of the handling situation, which accidentally resulted in the stroller opening when we grabbed the wrong one. If your budget is larger and you want the best of the best, the Bugaboo Butterfly is an impressive, high-quality option that is easy to use, push, and comfortable for passengers.
Manufacturer Video
—
Wendy Schmitz
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