smarTrike Explorer 5 in 1 review

from SmarTrike
RRP  £99.99
smarTrike Explorer 5 in 1

by motherandbaby |
Updated on

The adaptable new smarTrike is full of great features. The new smarTrike now incorporates 5 unique stages that adapt as your little one grows, including a new sleep mode from 10 months.

A coordinated padded reclining seat ensures its rider can wheel along in comfort and nap when needed.

The all-new 360 wheel provides the smoothest ever transition between stroller mode and the child-controlled mode, and the addition of the navigator button means it is easy to switch between modes.

Once the time is right you can transform the smarTrike into a fully functional training trike, before converting it into a fully independent trike.

Suitable for little ones from 10mths to 3 years+.

Tested by mum Millie Thompson for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

The trike is very stylish and relatively easy to put together, although it should be made clearer how to engage the steering by turning the wheel around.  One thing I am not to keen on is the bag at the handle. The zip catches on your hand when trying to put anything in or out of it. This is pretty minor though as the actual trike is great and my 10-month-old loved going out on it. He also enjoyed the toy phone attachment!

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

The trike is quite big and doesn't fold down much so you need space for it. Although my son enjoyed riding in it it didn't make my life easier getting it down the stairs and out the door, I also attached velcro hooks to it so i could carry the stuff I usually do on the bug.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

If I could change one thing I'd adapt the bags included on the trike, making access easier and the fabric a bit sturdier.

Tested by mum Clare Mechan for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

Love, love, love this product. It is easy to use, comes in a range of colours and grows with your child so you do get value for money. Quite a sturdy trike, unlike some on the market. Fits in the boot of the car easily so is great for a day out.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

Especially with smaller children, the steering function is invaluable. My little one tends to think he is in control and enjoys the freedom he thinks he has using the trike. As the child grows, so can the trike and therefore is a financially viable option, rather than buying each next stage.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

If I could change/alter one thing about the product, it would be the hood/sunshade. Although its size is obviously limited by the size of the trike and not hampering visibility, it does not offer the greatest of coverage and protection. Although you can pop your sunscreen in the attached pouch.

Tested by dad Dan Jones for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow dad?

I would recommend the trike to a friend. It was easy to push around the park, had storage space for snacks etc and my son loved it. One thing I would say is that my son needed to wear shoes or his feet got caught up in the wheel...it was a really hot day the first time we used it and he didn't have shoes/socks on. Once shoed all was well.

How does this product make your life easier as a dad?

The trike offered a bit of variety from our usual outings in the buggy. My son was forward facing for the first time and seemed to be quite excited by it. Keeping a toddler entertained when they get frustrated quite a lot was a bonus.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

If I could change one thing I would think about different colour options. Great was fine for me and my boy but I can imagine some people would prefer something a bit more colourful.

Tested by mum Charli Fuller for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

Amazing!! Absolutely love this trike. I would very highly recommend this trike to fellow mums.  A fantastic way to make trips out fun.  It has been designed with both mum and toddler in mind.  I really like that the trike grows with your child through five stages and that the baby through to toddler develops new freedoms with every change.  The drink holder is perfect and out of reach from tiny hands but toddlers can grab their juice when ever they need.  The two detachable bags are great for both a mums purse and spare nappies and clothes.  Both have zips ensuring things don't fall out, unlike most buggy baskets.  The materials are soft and good looking, and the toy phone is a great way to keep children entertained.  It is light enough to throw in the back of the car, and so easy to turn and remain in control until your child is comfortable (and safe) doing it themselves.  The tyres are chunky and really manoeuvrable.  I love the grey colour, and the soft padding on the straps.  It is great value for money too, and will last years and possibly many children.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

Trips to the shops and to pick up big brother from preschool became a treat while riding in this trike.  Even dog walks were fun and I got to relax on them.  The handy zip bags are a fantastic way to store items and should be introduced to all buggies too.  The seat was amazingly comfortable and I could easily recline the seat making my life so much easier when travelling with a sleepy toddler.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

The sunshade is better than most trikes so that it covers from back to front, although could be bigger, and act as a light rain cover too.  The materials are weather proof and I think it would be great if they could design a trike for all seasons so that it could also cope with rain, this would certainly make dog walking mums lives a lot easier as the trike is fun and my toddler wanted to go out in it.

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