In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Zoe Traveler Review

A high-scoring, reasonably priced option with nice features suitable for comfortable napping but harder to turn off-road
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zoe traveler umbrella stroller review
The Zoe Traveler is a lightweight stroller with more features than a standard umbrella option.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $179 List
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Manufacturer:   Zoe
By Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Dec 16, 2021
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 12
  • Weight/Folded Size - 35% 7.2
  • Ease of Use - 30% 6.2
  • Maneuverability - 25% 4.5
  • Quality - 10% 5.0

The Skinny

The Zoe Traveler is a nicer quality umbrella option with a very reasonable price tag in our best umbrella stroller lineup. It features a huge canopy, adjustable leg rest, and a recline that is deeper than much of the true umbrella competition. This stroller has under-seat storage, a cup holder for parents, and a smaller fold. While this option is a pound heavier than the old Zoe, it is still lighter than much of the competition. It also has a brake that hurts when you release it wearing sandals or on bare feet. Overall, we really like this lightweight option, and it is one of our favorite strollers across all categories. We think most families will love it as well, which is why it is an option we definitely recommend.
REASONS TO BUY
Reasonable price
Good quality
Comfy napping
Smaller fold
REASONS TO AVOID
Brake hurts the top of uncovered feet
Harder to push and turn off-road
Editor's Note: The Zoe Traveler review was updated on December 16th, 2021, with additional information on testing methods, in-depth comparisons, and what we would buy.

Compare to Similar Products

 
zoe traveler umbrella stroller review
This Product
Zoe Traveler
Awards Best Value Award     
Price $179 List$80 List
$77.58 at Amazon
$120 List
$75.19 at Amazon
$110 List
$109.99 at Amazon
$115 List
$114.35 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A lower-priced, good quality option with several features for comfort and napping but harder than average to push and turnInexpensive option with that disappointed overallFun scooter abilities can't make up for lower quality and clunky features that don't work as easily as they shouldOrdinary stroller that is hard to push, carry and stowLower quality option that is budget friendly but harder to navigate
Rating Categories Zoe Traveler Kolcraft Cloud Plus Dream On Me Coast R... Chicco Liteway Summer Infant 3D lite
Weight/Folded Size (35%)
7.2
5.8
7.0
3.4
6.0
Ease of Use (30%)
6.2
6.2
1.9
5.8
4.7
Maneuverability (25%)
4.5
4.5
6.5
5.1
3.4
Quality (10%)
5.0
2.0
4.0
6.0
4.0
Specs Zoe Traveler Kolcraft Cloud Plus Dream On Me Coast R... Chicco Liteway Summer Infant 3D lite
Weight 12 lbs 12.6 lbs 12.8 lbs 17.2 lbs 13.1 lbs
Folded Dimensions 17.5"W x 23"H x 13"L 18.6"W x 11.7"H x 34.7"L 16"W x 10.5"H x 28.5"L 14.9"W x 10.5"H x 46"L 13.9"W x 10"H x 42.6"L
Folded Volume 5,233 cu in 7,551 cu in 4,788 cu in 7,197 cu in 5,921 cu in
Capacity Limits Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs
Minimum: Not Listed
Maximum: 50 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 45 lbs/ 37.8"
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 40 lbs/43"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Included Car Seat Compatibility None None None None None
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
One-handed Fold Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Manual Yes Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold No Yes No No No
Carry Strap No No No No Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 40.5" 38.9" 36"/38.3" 41" 43"
Sandal-friendly Brake No No No Yes No
Included Accessories None None None None None
Setup Time 2-5 Min 5-10 Min 5-10 Min 5-10 Min 5-10 Min

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 they still specialize in strollers.

Performance Comparison



zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - the traveler is one of the smallest and lightest options in the group.
The Traveler is one of the smallest and lightest options in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


This stroller is relatively small and lightweight compared to the larger competition, but it isn't the smallest option you can find.


The Zoe weighs 12 lbs and has a folded size of 5,233 cubic inches. If you are looking for a travel-friendly stroller that is also comfortable with valuable features, it is the top of the pack, even if it isn't as small or as lightweight as other competitors.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - the traveler is about average for ease of use in this group of...
The Traveler is about average for ease of use in this group of lightweight options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


For a lighter-weight option, this stroller has many useful features for increasing ease of use or passenger comfort.


The Details


Our overall ease of use score is comprised of multiple sub metrics. We place more or less weight on a feature depending on its importance to a stroller's functionality. Our tests show the small differences that make a stroller easy and intuitive vs challenging and annoying to use.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - the zoe fold is initiated with a button push in the center of the...
The Zoe fold is initiated with a button push in the center of the handlebar.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold

Our fold and unfold tests contribute to 25% of the ease of use score overall. The ideal stroller can be folded with one hand and takes minimal effort. The Traveler checks both boxes and earned one of the tops scores in the group.


The Zoe fold isn't as smooth as some competition, but this doesn't affect the ease of folding; it just takes some jostling to get everything into place. It can be managed with one hand to fold and unfold, and it has an automatic lock, so it won't fall open when you pick it up. It is also easy to carry by the push handle.

The storage bin on the Traveler can hold some things, but it is...
The storage bin on the Traveler can hold some things, but it is unlikely you'll be able to fit a full day's worth of supplies.
Access to the storage bin on the Traveler is inhibited by a cross...
Access to the storage bin on the Traveler is inhibited by a cross bar that runs across the back and prohibits the mesh and elastic from stretching.

Storage

When you have a baby or toddler, the accumulation of stuff is inevitable. Because it is so important, each stroller's storage score is worth 25% of the overall ease of use score. Having a convenient place to stow essential items can be invaluable when you are in the airport or wandering around Disneyland. The Zoe doesn't have the best storage capacity and scored near the bottom of the group.


The Zoe storage bin is a mesh fabric with a solid bottom. It will hold a small diaper bag or jacket, but it isn't likely to fit a full day's worth of supplies. The manufacturer doesn't specify the weight limit. This bin is small, and the access isn't great. The opening has elastic around the upper edges, but a back crossbar limits how far down you can pull the mesh. It also has a pocket on the seatback, but it won't hold much more than your keys or a phone, and a phone will prevent the velcro from closing.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - while the brake pedal on the zoe is single action and easy to set...
While the brake pedal on the Zoe is single action and easy to set, they are harder to release if your toes are bare.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Zoe brake pedal is a single pedal tab in the center of the axle. The pedal is easy to press down to set, and there isn't much play or movement when set. To release, you need to use the top of your foot to lift the pedal, and it is not very foot-friendly and could potentially cause discomfort depending on your footwear. We usually prefer brakes that have a press to set and press to release.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - while the sunshade on the zoe is bigger than much of the...
While the sunshade on the Zoe is bigger than much of the competition, it is oddly shaped and curves into the baby instead of out.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The sunshade on the Zoe is somewhat big for this kind of product, as some lightweight strollers have very small canopies or none at all. The canopy has a fold-out extension and a mesh peek-a-boo window with a magnet cover. There is a zippered extension in the back. However, it still isn't very big even when fully extended, but it will come down low enough to block the sun from a baby's face. It also oddly curves around near the baby's face and can feel somewhat like putting their head inside a bubble.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - the buckle on the traveler is stiffer than most and required two...
The buckle on the Traveler is stiffer than most and required two hands during testing but the straps are smooth and friendly to the touch.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Zoe has a 5-point harness with a rethread shoulder height adjustment (standard in umbrella strollers). The shoulder and waist straps on this harness are super easy to adjust. However, the crotch strap is not adjustable and is far longer than the competition. This strap could make fitting the harness for smaller children a challenge. The straps do not loosen over time, so at least if you achieve a snug fit, it should remain so. The buckle is stiffer than the competition but still manageable with two hands.

The seat back on the Traveler operates with only one hand to lower...
The seat back on the Traveler operates with only one hand to lower but requires two to rise. The operation is smooth and easy to do.
The leg rest on the Zoe is adjustable with two settings and adequate...
The leg rest on the Zoe is adjustable with two settings and adequate padding for comfort.

Seat


The seat on the Traveler reclines more than most traditional umbrella strollers we've tested. The recline adjustment is easy to operate with one hand to recline, but you will need two hands to bring it upright again. The recline is about 45 degrees and enough for comfortable napping for most children. This Zoe also includes an adjustable leg rest, which helps increase comfort for smaller passengers. It has average padding and two settings.

Car Seat Compatibility


The Traveler is not compatible with any infant car seat.



Ease of Setup


The Traveler has an assembly time of between 2 and 5 minutes. You unfold the stroller, snap on the wheels and canopy, and you are good to go. The instructions are a combination of words and pictures that are easy to understand and helpful.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - if you stick to flat surfaces the traveler is fairly easy to push...
If you stick to flat surfaces the Traveler is fairly easy to push and has tighter turns thanks to a storter wheelbase.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Traveler isn't the best traveler across various surfaces, but in fairness, none of the true umbrella products are. At the very least, it has the single wheel per leg design we prefer over the two wheels on each leg design that makes pushing very challenging.


The shorter wheelbase easily handles tight corners, but that is likely where the maneuverability pluses end. The wheels don't roll as easily as they should, and there seems to be some resistance, especially compared to the easy push of the BabyZen Yoyo2.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - the plastic, narrow wheels on the zoe help make it harder to push on...
The plastic, narrow wheels on the Zoe help make it harder to push on uneven surfaces like the carpet and grass or gravel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This stroller is one of the most difficult in the group to push through grass and gravel. It almost wouldn't budge in our tests, and we ended up pulling it backward in several instances. If you plan to traverse through greenbelts or parks regularly, this may not be the right option for you.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review - while the traveler isn't a top-quality price, it is on par with the...
While the Traveler isn't a top-quality price, it is on par with the price compared to the competition and we think you get a little more than you paid for with this stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Zoe is pretty good quality for a stroller that costs less than average in this review, but its score for this metric is still below average.


We like the look and feel of this Zoe, and it feels sturdy for a lightweight product. The plastic wheels are small and narrow resulting in pushing trouble during testing. The frame is basic and not as sleek as some of the competition, but it doesn't feel rickety either.

zoe traveler umbrella stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The fabric is a small weave canvas that is average in softness and durability. The canopy looks wrinkled even when fully extended. The harness has padding around the shoulders and the crotch strap, with wide fabric rather than the usual strip of webbing. It is not padded but probably more comfortable due to its width. The basket material is a rubbery mesh that feels sturdy but will likely not hold its shape and may snag easily.

Should You Buy the Zoe Traveler?


After testing more than 50 lightweight strollers, the Zoe Traveler is one of our favorites. Although it is not the highest quality product we laid hands on, it has very easy-to-use features, respectably small weight, and folded size, and is one of the more affordable options out there. We think this is a good choice for most families, especially those buying this as a secondary stroller and want to stick to a stricter budget.

What Other Umbrella Strollers Should You Consider?


If weight and size are your top priorities, the Zoe is hard to beat. Only the GB Pockit received better scores in this metric. If you are ok with a stroller that is a bit heavier and a few steps up in price, the BabyZen Yoyo2 is one of our favorite options in this category and is a top-quality product.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team